Palm’s Marketing
Palm (PALM) continues to be a killer product. But the earnings show that even though its a one-of-a-kind product with a 3 year lead over Motorola and others in the smart phone business (I don’t consider Blackberry’s smartphones; they are over-glorified email machines), it has not capitalized on its technology and partnerships. Being the best smart phone in the market, it should have sold a lot more.
Put a 2GB or 4GB Secure Digital card in a Treo 650, and you have a replacement for your iPod. Add a GPS adapter from Garmin (GRMN), and you have a mobile GPS system that can go with you on your rides and your hikes. Install the right software, and you can have access to the latest news headlines, real-time data, games like Sudoku, Solitaire and Poker, and movies and video at your finger tips. All this in addition to Internet, E-Mail, Calendar, Tasks, Contacts, Phone, Camera and tons of other features that literally eliminate the need for a laptop, mp3 player, navigation system, camera, video camera and a dvd player.
Yet, not once have I seen a Palm commercial, billboard or even an ad in a non-business magazine that markets this wonder device as a replacement for any of these. I bet most people don’t have a clue of the things they can do on their Treo. In fact, a good percentage of Treo users have been loaned one from their work and can’t use these features even if they knew about it.
I have a feeling when Motorola comes out with their product, they will be showing it off to the mass public using any and all media. Palm needs a new brand manager and marketing team who does their product some justice.
