Piloting Palm (PDF)

The definitive behind-the-scenes story of the visionary team thatlaunched the handheld industry.

Palm insider Andrea Butter and New York Times columnist David Pogue-- with full, exclusive cooperation of the company's founders andmore than fifty key Palm and Handspring executives -- tell theriveting tale of the start of an industry constantly in theheadlines. The origins of this volatile industry began with thetiny team who beat staggering odds to turn the PalmPilot into abillion-dollar market and later took their ultimate vision toHandspring, now Palm's most powerful rival.

Many of today's current events relating to the competition in thisindustry are forecasted in this important business drama. Theauthors take an unprecedented look at how the visionary founders ofthe industry led one of the most successful startups in history tosucceed against all odds-including a shoestring budget,shortsighted corporate partners, and competition from Microsoft.The roller-coaster ride is full of insight into the bungles ofventure capitalists, the allure and pitfalls of partnerships withgiant corporations, and the steely determination needed to maintainentrepreneurial and visionary independence. With gripping accountsof the last-minute crises that almost torpedoed the PalmPilot onthe eve of its unveiling, and the triumphant, unprecedentedreception of Palm in the marketplace, as well as the glimpses intothe future of this industry, this book is as entertaining as it isinstructional. Key revelations include:

* The principles of business, economy, and product design that ledPalm to succeed where billion-dollar corporations like Apple,Motorola, and Casio had failed.
* Important moments in technological development of the handheldsuch as the secret "Easter egg," a software surprise planted in thePalm software that nearly sank launch plans.
* Unique insight into the showdown with Microsoft, and 3Com'stragic decision not to make Palm independent that led Palm'sfounder Jeff Hanwkins and CEO Donna Dubinsky to take their visionelsewhere.
* The ongoing competition between Palm and Handspring. The newrivals to contend with including Sony.