Amazon.com drops Fossil Wrist PDA

Delayed again

By Tony Smith, 25th September 2003

Steps to Take Before Choosing a Business Continuity Partner

Update Watch maker Fossil has delayed the release of its Palm OS-based Wrist PDA - maybe even indefinitely.

Unveiled in November 2002, the Wrist PDA was originally due to ship last June. At that time, we were told by Fossil's UK operation that the product had been delayed until early next year. Not all, responded the US parent, the Wrist PDA will ship on 30 June as planned.

Shortly before that date, Fossil put the release back to 21 July. As the second date approached, the company's exclusive online partner, Amazon.com, announced that shipment would not take place until 30 September. Shortly afterward, Fossil removed the late July release date from its own web site.

Checking Amazon today, we find that the end of September date has been removed, replaced by the words: "This item is not stocked or has been discontinued."

Fossil's own web site still contains full product details, but no ship date.

Now, it's possible that Amazon has simply decided not to offer the device, but having carried the flag for Fossil's Wrist PDA for so long - and presumably notched up a number of pre-orders - that seems unlikely.

A Fossil US representative confirmed that the Wrist PDA will not ship on 30 September but was adamant that it has been delayed not cancelled. However, she could give no indication as to when the product would ship. No international release date was available either.

At this rate, the product's various delays will add up to that given to us by Fossil UK back in June.

And the reason for the delay? "It's due to production quality," she said. That suggests the company is unhappy with the quality of the product so far, pointing the finger at Fossil's Wrist PDA contract manufacturer, Flextronics. ®