Palm launching Foleo on August 22nd?

Per usual, this one's laced in speculation, but considering that there are potentially millions of you out there who can't wait to throw down for a less-than-revolutionary Foleo as soon as humanly possible, we'll pass along the message. According to an anonymous tipster that wrote in to BrightHand, we could see the Foleo launch on August 22nd, and it was even noted that Palm's retail stores and website would have dibs on first sales, while big box retailers such as Best Buy would be stocking it this November. On pricing, it was suggested that interested consumers could look forward to a $100 rebate right out of the gate, but we wouldn't shell out that extra Benjamin on Sour Patch Kids and string cheese just yet. Still, late August doesn't seem too far fetched for a "summer" release date, so for the handful (literally) of you taking notes, now you know where to mark that calender.

[Via The Boy Genius Report]

[paloooz @ Jul 17th 2007 3:06PM]

lol

[tiuk @ Jul 17th 2007 3:30PM]

My thoughts exactly.

[alex @ Jul 17th 2007 3:08PM]

If I can, I will vote for it as the worst product of the year.

[Chris Moroz @ Jul 17th 2007 3:08PM]

Shouldn't the title be:
"Palm Wastes our Time on August 22nd."

[jlee104 @ Jul 17th 2007 3:12PM]

meh, if you wanna be excited look at the Asus Eee PC 701. Now that is revolutionary, a portable UMPC that isnt ridiculously small but at the same time ultra portable and has decent specs.

[Jake @ Jul 17th 2007 3:23PM]

I'll pass on the fugly screen border.

[tracy @ Jul 17th 2007 3:56PM]

here here, ill buy the Eee PC it sounds way better

[sheepcat @ Jul 17th 2007 4:13PM]

There's nothing about the Eee that hasn't been done before. It's not the lightest, nor the smallest, nor the lightest AND smallest. Even Asus has released similar machines that looked better and is likely more useful (look up Asus S200 and some other similar machines).

There's nothing "revolutionary about it". It's just a computer in small package.

Only thing that's special about it is how cheap it's supposed to be. I assume like the OLPC, they are going to rely on volume to bring the price down. And like the OLPC, the initial price estimate has gone up already (from $200 to $250)

[Richard Cartwright @ Jul 17th 2007 4:54PM]

FWIW, over at Cnet, they were indicating that the Asus Eee will never make it to the US and if it does it will be a lot more than the $250 (and rising) price.

[eJay @ Jul 17th 2007 3:25PM]

I still cant understand who was high enough to actually allow this project to go forward. I think they are smoking too much weed over there at palm.

[yoinkers @ Jul 17th 2007 6:51PM]

See, the thing you don't understand is they already have the perfect smart-phone hardware and perfect smart phone software in the Treo and Palm OS respectively.

What's a company that's conquered the land of cell phones left to do besides invent a new catagory of super device like the folio.

I just hope I can call my folio with my treo to control my other revolutionary device the segway.

[Flinkman @ Jul 17th 2007 3:28PM]

I wonder who will buy this "revolutional" crap. Palm is dead for me, because they released a crappy product and I bought it, Zire 71.

[johnnyg0 @ Jul 17th 2007 3:34PM]

So does that means Palm is now completely out of the handheld computer business?.. Why don't they just do a sexier Treo? I always wanted to have a Tungsten with a phone, and the Treo has never been an alternative to me.

oh yeah, .. that Linux OS we should see in 2008.. if lucky.

[Bachus @ Jul 17th 2007 3:37PM]

gloriously cynical writing.
i might see if i can find a foleo just to smash it to bits with the 3 Eee PCs that would equate its price.

[ark_v2 @ Jul 17th 2007 3:42PM]

I love how they love this little useless device :)

[Mr. B @ Jul 17th 2007 3:53PM]

If someone manages to wedge Ubuntu on this thing, it might have a modicum of usefulness.

[fishpond @ Jul 17th 2007 4:17PM]

don't think there's enough internal space. The SD and CF card slots are probably not that fast either. There's probably enough space for one of the smaller distros, like DSL or puppy linux.

but if it's got a decent up-to-date kernel and some sort of X already, then it should suffice. Worst case scenario, use it as a dumb terminal, ssh to a remote machine.

[Whiplash @ Jul 17th 2007 3:55PM]

This is going to be the biggest product flop of the 21st century. I simply don't understand what this product is for. It's almost like they're admitting that the other products they make suck for doing email and stuff, so we should buy this thing to remedy that. Insane.

[abes @ Jul 17th 2007 4:04PM]

What would make sense is if they released a full tablet. I'd love a tablet, but I have no desire to use a Windows machine. Besides, the Windows tablets I've played around with made it clear the pen mostly just replaced the cursor. I think having a stylus calls for a new way to think about the GUI.

If Apple is ever going to release a tablet, it's sure taking its time, and Jobs seems to have a thing against styli. And considering the Palm first made the stylus stylish, wouldn't it make sense for them to take the next step?

[Lor @ Jul 17th 2007 4:07PM]

I don't understand why everyone is trashing the Foleo. It tools like a great linux ultraportable. It's the only cheap laptop with a nice screen, all the other ones are either crappy screen (Asus Eee) or really expensive (Vaio TX/TZ).

All it needs is an 8/16GB CF card and you have yourself a great ultraportable.

[Brian @ Jul 17th 2007 4:14PM]

I'm mad, but not because the Foleo is going to be a huge (huge) flop, but because they're not spending any time updating the Treo.

Guys, here's a hint: have your employees work on products that people actually want to buy. Where's that new Palm OS? How about an update for the Treo that isn't worthless?

Here's a plan for profitability:

1. Finish your new OS. This should be your first priority.
2. Release a device like the Q, but with the Palm OS. It needs to be very slim, have an internal antenna, and the touchscreen is optional.
3. Release a device like the HTC Mogul. It needs to have an excellent screen and WiFi, but can otherwise be like the devices you've been putting out. It also needs significant internal storage, like the LifeDrive. I'm thinking at least 16GB with a additional removable Micro SD card.

And here are some hints:
1. Stop selling off your operating systems.
2. Stop putting MiniSD into devices. It's a worthless storage form factor. MicroSD or SD should be fine.
3. Stop wasting money on projects like the Foleo. What's wrong with you?
4. Fire Jeff Hawkins, invest some money in Numeta and let him work for that company or at least don't let him run any projects or get in the way of your development teams.

[flowerbed @ Jul 17th 2007 4:24PM]

I will also go against the tide and say that I actually think this would be useful, although not in the way they market it.

If it has enough battery life and decent apps, just wack on more storage then this would be pretty useful tool for work with. I'd much carry this around campus then a heavier machine with shorter battery life.

It's not as light as I thought they could have made it though, considering how cut down it is hardware-wise. And yes, as mentioned in previous posts, a touchscreen would be excellent, but probably drive up the cost a bit.

They should really sell this at the $300-$400 range, rather than $500-$600.

[Richard Cartwright @ Jul 18th 2007 3:22PM]

Agreed as to the price, I will point out that you can load CF and SD flash.

[Kunikos @ Aug 7th 2007 2:03PM]

The downside is that there is no productivity/office suite! You can only view attachments, according to the flash presentation, which is garbage.

[Electromodo @ Jul 17th 2007 4:32PM]

This device is too big for me, but the concept is great (like Psion, Zaurus, etc.).

[Richard Cartwright @ Jul 17th 2007 4:55PM]

Quick poll:

A. How many of you are trashing the Folio?
B. Of those in A., how many of you are under 40?

Speaking as someone over 40, the Folio meets a need for the us who can no longer deal with tiny print and small screens. That is a non-trivial market segment. Also, this is the same crowd who is real tired of lugging a heavy laptop around as well that half the time won't make it through the whole plane flight.

I am not saying its perfect, but so far it will talk to WinMob phones and Palm phones. If Palm gets sync with Symbian and Blackberry the Folio just might be the cheese that uppper and middle management wants to nibble.

Don't get me started on the people who see this as a solid state laptop replacement.

[carlo @ Jul 17th 2007 11:11PM]

just-get-a-laptop

[kevin rummelhart @ Jul 17th 2007 5:07PM]

If they would have added wifi to this it would have worked...

[Lor @ Jul 17th 2007 5:13PM]

It has wifi.

[Rob @ Jul 17th 2007 5:12PM]

I'll wait for the blended version to show up on eBay.

[Brian @ Jul 17th 2007 7:23PM]

If it is under 300 dollars, and can connect to the internet through bluetooth or usb on my Samsung A900, I'll buy one.

[Donoho @ Jul 17th 2007 7:33PM]

@Richard Cartwright

I acknowledge your point, but think palm is not the right provider for the solution you seek. Several hardware manufacturers provide foleo form factors with better specs at comparable prices. If you want to use a palm device for the sake of a palm device that's a different story. The foleo is a "solution" looking for a problem that many can't even see with better alternatives already available.

As many others have said:
Improve the OS
Improve the Treo (And Stop Playing Musical Chairs with the Fecking Controls!!!!)

My moderate time on the path that is palm: 505 > 515 > 600 > 650 > 755

[Richard Cartwright @ Jul 17th 2007 10:39PM]

@Donoho

I am curious as to who else is out there with similar solutions. I agree that my first imporession of the Folio was exactly the "solution in search of a problem". Right now I use a Treo 680 and a TX and sometimes carry a keyboard for serious data imput when I can't/should not/don't want to carry a laptop. The Folio is attractive for that reason, along with the weight/size. The age divide that I am seeing is why I think the Folio is getting a lot of pans from the power users but has the potential to make it as a product. Palm, IMHO, is aiming to be the "general store" for smartphones. In gold rushes, its not the prospectors who got rich but the storekeepers who sold to all the prospectors. If Palm can execute on this (and cut the price of the unit) they can sell to anyone, any brand, that has a smartphone and a need for easy data imput and a large screen. Right now I just do not see where their competition is coming from. I will say that if Palm can not execute on this, get OSII out the door on shipping Treos and refresh the Treo line by about this time in 2008 they are not long for the world.

[Donoho @ Aug 15th 2007 1:44PM]

Short Version:
I was wrong. Sorry about that.

Longer Version:
I've spent the last month looking for an examples of a device that met your size/price/functionality requirements. That it took me a month proves I was wrong about the availability of similarly spec'd devices. The foleo is unique and I allowed my Complete distaste for it color my comment. For that I apologize.

Frys regularly has low priced / low powered system like this one: http://shop1.outpost.com/{-Vy-GsiM8ELDTLDAAKDaqA**.node2}/product/5296167

However, though more powerful and lower priced it has a standard laptop form factor.

I think Palm's efforts would be better served focusing on improving the Treo, and providing a software solution to allow it to work better with any hardware instead of the foleo. Palm Desktop and HotSync Manager are as much in need of a real update as the Treo Hardware itself.

[The Sad Truth @ Jul 17th 2007 7:47PM]

So this means we can expect long lines of people camping outside Palm stores, waiting for the doors to open, as eager store employees stand ready to greet the exuberant crowd with cheering and clapping. Combined with brilliant product marketing and execution?

Oops, I'm sorry...that was the iPhone launch, wasn't it? Yes.

MWAHAHAHA!!!

On August 22 the only traffic Palm stores will receive will be from lost pedestrians asking for directions to the nearest Starbucks.

Sorry Palm. You're a dead company that no one cares about anymore...and your products are teh suck!

[reedwetzel @ Jul 17th 2007 9:11PM]

i honestly love my treo mobile phone , but dont see a point in this my self , for the price anyways

[Rai @ Jul 17th 2007 10:01PM]

Palm was always my No. 1 company for business, that's why when I got my first job, I went to buy a palm.... those were the days....

Now, I have an ultra portable, and a Lifedrive... so now palm comes up with this new gimmick... I just can't find a way to implement that into my life... or even desk space...

[Almadi @ Jul 17th 2007 10:22PM]

About the only thing that will save this product is an Apple sticker.

[LTM @ Jul 17th 2007 11:27PM]

that's all the incentive I need to sign up with palm!

[Jay Tea @ Jul 18th 2007 1:09AM]

I'm filing this piece of new under:
1. S**t, who give a
2. Flying F**k, who gives a

[Stacey @ Jul 18th 2007 8:46AM]

meh--do you all know that you cannot even run PALM APPS on this?? what a waste--

[Stacey @ Jul 18th 2007 8:46AM]

Adding-- my palm rep showed me the beta last week. I could NOT believe that it does not run PALM APPS!!

[Jack @ Jul 18th 2007 10:52AM]

you must be a VERY lonely man then

[Stranger @ Jul 18th 2007 7:13PM]

I really don't see a reason for trash-talking this product. It's far from perfect, but OTOH the only major complain I have is the weight, PALM should have been able to shave another few hg of this bugger considering the lack of optical drive, HDD and the small screen.

But let's assume the cost would be the same at $500 and the weight in the 800 gram range. Then (than?) you would have a $500 dollar laptop which in 80 percent of the time would be able to compete - and compete well - against other costing 3-8 times as much.

I have used a Thinkpad X40 for quite some time. Sure it's slow compared to many other computers but it worked more than well for the things which I bought it for - actual work. But I also payed $2500 for the privilege of a 1.3kg laptop.

What I'm trying to say is that the Foleo may be the way the "common man" get access to an affordable ultraportable, the kind of computer you will be able to _always_ bring with you.

[mardideles @ Aug 2nd 2007 2:13PM]

Do we ask sometimes for a small calculator for doing an inventory report? or going to stockroom to do inventory? If yes, why do we not bring our laptop instead? it has a calculator built in, it has excel, it can also has inventory programs...but we settle for a small paper and a calculator... do we ask why? because its faster, simpler, and less baggage...

Palm Foleo point is getting to work at a click, and getting of the work in a second. Do we attend quick seminar, or a quick conference meeting and bring our laptop- but makes many hindrance opening it, since the time it will be boot up the quick meeting conference ended already, or maybe the conference takes 4 hours, a laptop can not stand that hour usage without plugging in. Do we think of special needs like that, that sometimes we dream having a pc, that getting on in a click, and getting of at a click.

Some people are dumb enough, Foleo is not a laptop, not a pc- if they want a complete program, accesories, system , speed, large disk space. Palm or Us who understand Foleo suggest you buy a PC, a Laptop we dont hinder you to owning PC.

Actualy Foleo is for people who have a PC, a MAc a Laptop....You see the word Companion... it does not say it is a laptop...I am Asian, Philippines- But I sense the corporate target of Foleo for proffesionals. So if you arent one then stop bragging... Treo for example is a phone for professionals, you can not even buy it in Mini Store, unlike Nokia- Phone for the Masses.

and for those requesting a Hard Disk in Foleo, This is not needed, maybe a plus but for me not needed... Foleo is a new generation companion... IF you have the internet you can have terabyte of Hard Disk already... Google also have an online Spreadsheets and Words. Pictures, Mail, anything under the sun..

My Applause to Foleo... Im not a Palm paid marketer, but I do get there sense of view. Sometimes Full is not always good, less is better especially when youre on a go... and Life now is a Life always on the Go...The more fast you are, the more time you can advance on...

Martin- Philippines
mardideles at yahoo.com