There are other companies that connect to the iTunes _data_ on computers, (which is really what people are wanting). Missing Sync comes to mind ( http://www.markspace.com ), but I’m sure there are others. Apple shouldn’t have to allow third party connections, because if they do, users will then call Apple’s help desk for assistance, which means Apple would, in essence, be donating support resources to any hardware makers too lazy to code their own sync apps. Just because everyone and their brother buys songs through the iTunes Music Store doesn’t mean they have an obligation to transfer it to other platforms. They support Windows and Mac OS X and the iPhones/iPods they sell. If you want Pre support, either write your own, or tell Palm to put on their big boy/girl panties and learn to write some software.

Judging from the past decade when I used Palm devices exclusively, they probably won’t step up and do it, though. Their syncing software programs were bad enough that I’m not surprised they are trying to hitch a ride. MarkSpace was a niche company before they decided to do what Palm wouldn’t and build good software to sync Palm devices to Macs. Looks like Palm has done it again, and I salute the USB-IF for standing up to their whiney attitude and telling them to play by the rules that everyone else is.

Meanwhile, there is a golden “third party opportunity” here: write a Pre sync app for Mac and PC, and charge $30-40 for it. Add some functionality other than connecting to iTunes data, and you’ll find there are people out there willing to pay for good software. Palm obviously doesn’t think their hardware needs to connect to the laptop/desktop, or they’d have written an app for it. Prove them wrong.

Oh, wait – Mark Space already did that! ( http://www.markspace.com/products/pre/windows/palm-pre-sync-overview.html ) Pre users, complain to Palm that you shouldn’t have to pay for this, and they should discount your Pre $40 to cover it. Heh – yeah. And note the blue splat – “Works with iTunes and Windows Media Player.”

So everyone who says iPhones are too expensive, here’s another item that you’ve left off the list: iTunes is free and syncs your data nicely. Other manufacturers make you pay for a third party app.

And no, I don’t have any connection to Mark Space. I actually get irritated at how much their stuff costs (especially the upgrade!), but when I had a Palm, it was a necessity. They want me to buy software to replace iTunes, but I’m quite happy with iTunes, thankyouverymuch. Your mileage may vary.

Apple please lighten up, you have become more evil and controlling than Microsoft. Seriously why can’t I buy a 3rd party charger for $4.98 on clearance at Toys R Us and have it work with my iPhone?

–Harry

Apple has set the bar on what to expect from our consumer products, compete at that level. Palm is better off setting it’s software that gives better value to it’s users then trying to leverage someone elses tool. Doing what Palm has done has left a poor perception of the company name and people view of their product.