My column last week about Google's HTC-made Nexus One and my recommendation to run away from it generated much anger from a handful of readers who were calling for my head. I always say I'm not doing my job if I don't make someone angry. But I wanted to address some of those comments and clarify my position.

First, I would like to point out that the pieces I write that appear in the "Editor's Corner" are columns, and therefore do not have to be entirely objective. Secondly, I am not an iPhone lover. In fact, I own a Motorola Droid and an iPod Touch so that I can keep up-to-date on the latest iPhone apps. Thirdly, I have never tried the Nexus One because there is no opportunity to even touch the device unless you purchase it via Google's web site and then return it within 14 days.

And therein lies the problem: The lack of a good sales experience coupled with proper customer support. Since Google is selling the device directly to end users, it means that many users are turning to the company. Google simply doesn't have the kind of customer service manpower that is required to support such a high-end device.

Many of you commented that you were completely happy with you Nexus One and your buying experience--good for you! But take a look at the user forums, and there are plenty of unhappy people waiting for a response from Google via email or being bounced back and forth between HTC and Google. If Google believes it simply can be a mobile device merchandiser over the Internet, it is likely in for a rude awakening. Customer service is the lifeblood of the mobile industry--even if you are selling the best device in the market.

As Google continues to release more devices I certainly hope it evolves its customer support to one where you can actually talk to a live person or even allow operators to help customers. This will be especially important if Google tries to penetrate the enterprise market with a rumored Nexus One enterprise version; that may be coming. As I'm writing this, I found an article that talks about Google posting a job ad for a Phone Support Program Manager for Android and Nexus One. (It made some other enhancements this week. You can see the story below.) Of course, if you are Google or T-Mobile employee, you won't agree with me anyway.

But on to the biggest piece of news that hit last week: The Apple iPad, a name that has been made fun of now for several days. Is it just one big iPod Touch or a revolutionary product? I'm trying to figure out the impact it will have on the enterprise. There are some obvious drawbacks that numerous folks have mentioned: No Microsoft Word support, no USB, no multi-tasking, no webcam and no Flash support. I suspect these features, sans Flash support since the company favors HTML5, were eliminated to reach that $500 price point.

On the other hand, many argue the real value of the iPad will lie with what third-party application developers come up with to drive new uses for the device. The 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet promises a user experience optimized for the web, messaging, multimedia, games and ebooks, and will ship with 12 new apps designed especially for the device, and will run almost all of the App Store's 140,000-plus iPhone and iPod touch applications. So  perhaps we will see a myriad of business and productivity applications that will make the device a must-have for the enterprise. Tell me what you think. - Lynnette