Is TealOS perfect? No. I do find it slightly slower than the default launcher, and it's not always quite as responsive as I'd like it to be. However, it hasn't crashed on me once, and it's truly changed how I interact with my Palm.

It's also changed my opinion of these more fluid interfaces. I spent a few minutes playing with a relative's iTouch and didn't quite see the appeal, but after working extensively with TealOS I get it, and I want my next device to work this way.

I used to be a Palm advocate, but in the last few years their odd decisions and lack of technical support or upgrades has weakened my faith in the company, and I know I'm not alone in this. The Pre is probably Palm's last chance to get back into the game.

I'm also not alone in wanting Palm to reconsider TealOS. After David's open letter ran, reader Cynthia Green sent us this note:

I've been a loyal palm user for many years. I have a T|X and am ordering one or 2 spares so I can go on after they no longer make them. My whole life is in that darned thing.

I hope Mr. Colligan is smart enough to step back and take your advice.

Having lots of people using TealOS and becoming attached to the Pre's interface could only increase the device's sales when it finally comes out, but Palm instead chose to slap down one of the few Palm-only developers left. It's unfortunate, and I hope they reconsider.