As a brand you never want to see something like this, which has become viral: Palm Pre in a beer mug:
I own a Pre and like it in some respects but have grown more frustrated and impatient with the device over time, rather than less. I’m considering getting rid of it and buying an HTC Android Hero.
Regardless of what I do, someone else’s frustration turned into the video above, which is now making the rounds. The best way to avoid this is to make a better device and/or address the problems that people are experiencing promptly.
One cannot overestimate the damage that something like this can do on an unconscious level to people in the market for a handset in an increasingly competitive smartphone environment.
Screenwerk 
October 14, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Greg,
Just got the Hero on Monday. Absolutely love it. The only device I’ve seen that I honestly believe is comparable to the iPhone in ‘wow’ factor.
Urge you to at least give it a test run…
October 14, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Thanks Devin. Just have to get to the Sprint store. Used up my upgrade on the Pre so I’ll be paying the “big money” if I do make the leap. Looks like a nice phone. I’ve had MyTouch 3G and found it to be a good but not great device/experience.
October 14, 2009 at 6:36 pm
One of our engineers has a MyTouch 3G. Spent some time playing with it. While they’re obviously very similar I do believe the Hero trounces the MyTouch.
That being said – when you start talking about paying the big money…it’s a different conversation. However, I can say that the experience seems to be getting more enjoyable vs. your comments about the Pre. This is due mostly to the modicum of apps available via the Android store.
October 15, 2009 at 10:54 am
“One cannot overestimate the damage that something like this can do on an unconscious level to people in the market for a handset in an increasingly competitive smartphone environment.”
especially when watching a targeted google ad runs on the video for Blackberry and then a second ad for a HTC device. Sensible targeting!!