[MW Forums]

Palm plans to add former Apple CFO Fred Anderson and John Rubinstein, Apple's former head of its iPod division, to the company's board of directors, along with a big infusion of new cash and debt. more

[deemery]

So Fred's settlement over the Options Backdating stuff doesn't prohibit him from a seat on another company's board of directors? I guess that's an indication that the SEC didn't think this was such a major deal, since often (e.g. Martha Stewart) such settlements prohibit someone from having roles in the formal management of companies.
One wonders too if this might presage tighter cooperation between Palm and Apple, we're starting to see interesting things between Apple & Google.
OK, and here's a out-of-the-blue prediction (with no direct knowledge): Some Apple-related person shows up on the AT&T Board of Directors within a year, particularly if the iPhone is as big a hit as projected.
dave

[kwill]

"Gentlemen of the board: we are happy to bring insights from Apple to this floundering company.
"First on the agenda for the day is to halt production of the Foleo. The purchase of a Treo AND a Foleo places consumers in the price range of a much cooler and more desirable iPhone. Hence, we expect the Foleo to actually drive Apple sales.
"All in favor say 'Aye.'"

[Macheath_Messer]

Do you really think these guys (Rubinstein, and especially Anderson) will be nice/favorable to Apple? After all the things Anderson has said? I don't know about Rubinstein's reasons for leaving; can anyone clue me in? I'll go look it up, but I just thought I'd ask you fine people. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I like Palm, and I still use their products. Pharmacy software (drug references, medical calculators, etc.) is still primarily programmed for either Palm or Windows Mobile. I've invested money (lots!) in Palm software as a way to keep from having to tote around several books wherever I go. Until there are versions of these for the iPhone, Palm is where I'm going to have to stay for now. I know the cons of using the Palm OS, but as far as looking up medical information is concerned, it still just works.
Perhaps Rubinstein will kick Palm's butts into gear and get some new designs for their Treos. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
And I agree with another poster who made up the dialogue about the board members killing off the Foleo (or is it "Folly-Oh!"??). Jeesh; perhaps if they made it a Treo "accessory" that cost ~$100, or was made free through a promotional deal, I'd bite. Otherwise, I know of better ways to spend $500 (iPhone?) /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Just me two bits.
FWIW,
Mackie

[tmedia1]

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"Gentlemen of the board: we are happy to bring insights from Apple to this floundering company.
"First on the agenda for the day is to halt production of the Foleo. The purchase of a Treo AND a Foleo places consumers in the price range of a much cooler and more desirable iPhone. Hence, we expect the Foleo to actually drive Apple sales.
"All in favor say 'Aye.'"

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Good one, and totally correct.

[tmedia1]

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Palm plans to add former Apple CFO Fred Anderson and John Rubinstein, Apple's former head of its iPod division, to the company's board of directors, along with a big infusion of new cash and debt. <a href="/news/2007/06/04/palm/index.php">[more]</a>

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This could be good news for Palm. If they can re-focus back to their core products (making good smart phones), they will be rewarded financially. If they keep going in 12 different directions like they have for the past few years, well then, they'll become insignificant in the marketplace. Kinda reminds me of Apple in the dark days. They really need someone to come back and take the wheel of that company.

[johnnydo]

And what do these two guys have to do with that?
Steve Jobs is the one with the "think different" attitude, those around were supporting characters and when away from him will often "revert" back to their schooled ways.
In practical terms, Palm used the Apple name to swindl....eh coerce 325 million dollars from some greedy people with disposable income before they go under.

[MacTel]

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In practical terms, Palm used the Apple name to swindl....eh coerce 325 million dollars from some greedy people with disposable income before they go under.

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That's my feelings exactly.
To come out with a device that augments a cell phone is ridiculous. The Palm Foleo defeats the enticement of a PDA Phone portable and unobtrusive with enough power to be useful.
Palm could have done loads better if they came out with an Origami style hand held with built-in 3G and Skype. Now that would have been useful and worthy of investment. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[tmedia1]

Quote:

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And what do these two guys have to do with that?
Steve Jobs is the one with the "think different" attitude, those around were supporting characters and when away from him will often "revert" back to their schooled ways.
In practical terms, Palm used the Apple name to swindl....eh coerce 325 million dollars from some greedy people with disposable income before they go under.

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A lot. Maybe you should research something before you make ignorant posts..
Jonathan J Rubinstein (born 1956) is an American computer scientist and electrical engineer who was instrumental in the creation of the iPod, the portable music and video device first sold by Apple Computer Inc. in 2001. He was also responsible for the development of Apples iMac line. He has been elected to serve as a member of the National Academy of Engineering and is a senior member of the IEEE.
Rubinstein joined Apple as senior vice president of hardware engineering and a member of its executive staff. He was responsible for hardware development, industrial design and low-level software development, and contributed heavily to Apple's technology roadmap and product strategy.
When Rubinstein arrived, his work was cut out for him. The company sold no fewer than 15 product lines, yet its low-end consumer products were widely derided as technological also-rans. Engineering and product development were similarly troubled. Multiple engineering teams worked on the same product independently of each other, and the various lines were built with non-interchangeable parts. Rubinstein fixed both problems.

[doglesby]

The executive chairman of the board will lead product development efforts? That would be the most hands-on chairman ever (also the most limited in focus). This is complete crap, that isn't what board members do.