The company invented the first great "connected organizer," a PDA that synchronized with desktop applications like Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes. A software developer of almost any skill level could create applications for it, and thousands did. Later, the founders of Palm invented the first great smart phone -- essentially a Palm Pilot that made phone calls. They were cheap, simple and fun to use.

The genius behind both these inventions was, of course, Jeff Hawkins (pdf format). Together with co-founder Donna Dubinsky, Hawkins launched the companies and invented the devices that transformed -- and, for a time, dominated -- mobile computing.

The Palm Pilot was great for the same reason iPods, Macs and other Apple products are great. In each case, development was lorded over by a design and usability fascist driven by a powerful vision of the complete user experience.

What went wrong?

The tragic story of Palm's fall from greatness is a history of squandered resources and misplaced effort.