Palm Pre Arrives June 6 $200 after $100 mail-in rebate... Ending a ceaseless cycle of geek gossip with a press release, Sprint this morning announced that the long-awaited Palm Pre will be available starting Saturday, June 6. The phone, which will be available at Sprint stores, Walmart, Best Buy and Radio Shack, will cost $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate. To get that price, you of course need to sign up for a two year contract with Sprint, via their Everything Data plan or Business Essentials with Messaging and Data plan. The Pre's hype cycle may be short lived, given the launch is scheduled just two days before Apple's development conference, at which Apple's expected to announce a new video-centric iPhone and a software update for existing iPhones.
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 | | about time Too high ....$300 out of pocket then wait for ever for the rebate! | |
|  |  jhboricuaExMod 2000-01
join:2000-06-06
Minneapolis, MN | Re: about time Disagree, I think the price is actually very atractive, even without a rebate. | |
| | |  baineschile2600 ways to livePremium
join:2008-05-10
Sterling Heights, MI | Re: about time Why do that when you can get a higher quality iphone or rimm for cheaper? | |
| | | |  P NessYou'Ve Forgotten 9-11 AlreadyPremium
join:2001-08-29
way way out | Re: about time said by baineschile:Why do that when you can get a higher quality iphone or rimm for cheaper? because you have seen and tried the pre?
i love "prereviews" of things. | |
| | | | | Reviews:
 ·Clearwire Wireless
·Clear Wireless
 ·AT&T Southwest
| Re: about time said by P Ness:said by baineschile:Why do that when you can get a higher quality iphone or rimm for cheaper? because you have seen and tried the pre? i love "prereviews" of things. Obviously someone is not really familiar with Palm devices. As a handheld computer they are the bomb. Not to mention a large host of developers already familiar with Palm Development Tools. Sadly though not enough incentive for me to switch to Sprint | |
| | | | | | | | Re: about time I agree, Sprint left such a bad taste in my mouth that unfortunately I won't even consider this. Too bad to....I'm now in the market for several phones. | |
| | | | | | | | said by PamelaTS:Obviously someone is not really familiar with Palm devices. Doesn't take much to be familiar. These are the same guys that came out with the abominable Treo, with virtually the same functionality (sans phone) as the 8 year old Palm V.
I think it's a case of too little, too late. | |
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| | | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | "high quality" huh?
So far, the iPhone doesn't do picture mail, can't even cut and paste text, can only run one application at a time, can't handle flash or java... but it's a "higher quality" phone... and you haven't even put a finger on the Pre?
It's not always about "cheaper" for people.. If Motorola made a phone that did what I needed it to, and had been well thought out, I'd have no problem shelling out $500 for one, subsidized even. "value" whether anyone likes to admit it or not, is still a valid term these days. What good is any phone that doesn't do what you want it to do just becuase it's cheaper?
I have a black berry curve 8310 on American Theives & Thugs networks, and a Moto 9QC on Sprint. I'm not happy with either phone, ESPECIALLY the Crack Berry, or as I call it, today's best DOS-BASED appearing phone pushed on to so many people I can't believe it. (For the BB, I'm talking about it's use. It has an OKAY front screen that's graphic, but the rest of the phone looks like it's about to ask me "do you want to play a game?" ... not to mention the web browser is totally a POS in my view. I get it.. it does email.. so does my 9Q, which does just as good as the crack berry)
Seriously.. how can you compare a phone that's not even out yet? I NEVER trust, on face value, the word of any "critic".. everyone has opinions and we all know the saying about opinions.
So far, what I see of features, the PRE, as of right now, blows the iPhone out of the water. A phone that's $300 which is FAR less than any iPhone hugging fan paid for their first phones... comparatively speaking, I think Palm came to the table ready to play right away. How many tries has it taken apple with the iPhone to get it right? .. to be honest, they still haven't. They're on their now upcoming 3rd release of the phone.. (or, are they doing that to suck more money from those that believe the iPhone is a drug and they need more?) | |
| | | | |  MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | Re: about time said by fiberguy:"high quality" huh? So far, the iPhone doesn't do picture mail, can't even cut and paste text, can only run one application at a time, can't handle flash or java... It has always had picture mail capability, I think you mean MMS? Regardless, all that is being fixed with the 3.0 software release ... except for perhaps Flash and Java. Who cares about Java anyway though? I've had phones that run Java apps and they are horrid. The app store has everything you'd need and then some anyway. | |
| | | | | | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3
1 edit | Re: about time Yes.. MMS.. and that IS being added to the 3.0 release.
And, when you put out a full fledged browser, and with sites requiring Java for things like logging in, etc.. I'd say that it's pretty important. Flash, sure, I can do with out for the most part..
I can't say I side with you on the java based phones as being horrid. Even with all my Nextel phones, I was perfectly happy with the performance of Java on them.. of all phones.
And, you are right.. "there is an app for that".. if you want to use an app for something.. however, like I said, there are sites that do require java.. I have my iTouch for the main reason that I want to access some utility websites that I want to have the ability to access on the go... and with the lack of Java support in the browser, there is no app in the app store to help me out.
Edit:
Actually, never mind the Java.. I was thinking of something else, somewhat relates.. Still, flash I could honestly care less about. | |
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| | | | | | | | |  en102Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA | Personally.. I haven't put a finger on either the Pre or iPhone.
I actually liked the Crackberry (even though I used it on Nextel) - it was VERY business oriented - great for email/contacts - better than WinMo, IMO.
Problem with Pre is similar to that with iPhone - limited to a single carrier, in this case Sprint. Personally, I prefer the use of SIM cards (don't want to take my Tilt fishing - I leave that to my old beater Samsung zx-20).
On another note, if I'm using a PDA style device, I NEED the following:
1. Email (duh)
2. SSH client (pocket PuTTy works on WinMo - FREE - work requirement)
3. IRC client (tunneled over SSH - work requirement)
4. Remote Desktop client (work requirement).
The one problem that I've had with Sprint (I use both Sprint- Treo 800w and AT&T HTC Tilt) is that my SSH tunnel will drop when I have an inbound call, which can make my job difficult.
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Canada = Hollywood North | |
| | | | | | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | Re: about time Supposedly, the Pre will be made available to other networks after a while.. it's just being launched on Sprint. BUT, I have a sneaky suspicion if the Pre takes off, I'm guessing that Sprint will try to work out an exclusive deal with Palm.. I don't think that will be hard though...
AT&T has the iPhone, for now at least.. so I don't see them taking the Pre on-board.
Verizon has a habit of striping devices down, and I'm not sure that Palm would want their device, that they've put a lot of thought into, dumbed down or crippled.. who knows though..
It's really hard to say what the future holds.
Personally, I'm actually out the door right now to go pick up a netbook anyway.  I LOVE my laptop.. actually, I have two. I have a 15" wide and a 17" wide screen.. the 17" is the one I use most. BUT, there are times I want to get out of the house and need access to systems, etc. Since, like you needing certain things for work, I'm not holding my breath that any of these businesses, who have employees themselves and should know what other business and workers need and want, can put out a device that will actually do it.. I'm going with a light weight, small, net book to get me through..
I recall a post recently that the Netbook will not replace the cell phone... I think a phone maker said that, right? RIM was it? anyway.. they need to wake up.. the cell phone will not replace the computer for a long time to come.. not at the pace they are all moving. Even then, there's only so much you can do in a 1.5" screen to begin with. | |
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| | | | | | Biggest problem for me with iPhone is the core functionality - the poor voice quality. I also don't like the closed app platform requiring registered apps (see restricted sling player). In the Palm world, anything goes for apps and the voice quality of Palm phones is very good, especially speakerphone. Pre is a much more open platform. And will do Flash. The linux core, physical keyboard and true multitasking will launch WebOS ahead of iPhone OS in the end (technically). But Apple is much better at marketing hipness, which may trump technical ability. | |
| | | | | | MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | Re: about time said by xenophon:Biggest problem for me with iPhone is the core functionality - the poor voice quality. I also don't like the closed app platform requiring registered apps (see restricted sling player). In the Palm world, anything goes for apps and the voice quality of Palm phones is very good, especially speakerphone. Pre is a much more open platform. And will do Flash. The linux core, physical keyboard and true multitasking will launch WebOS ahead of iPhone OS in the end (technically). But Apple is much better at marketing hipness, which may trump technical ability. The voice quality (and speakerphone) of my iPhone is superb. Much better than several other phones I've owned, including the Moto Q9c (Verizon) I had previously. This is not directed at you personally, but I think this is often brought up because the list of anti-iPhone points is rapidly shrinking. After 3.0, it will be down to how "bad of a phone" it is, "it doesn't support flash," and "Yeah, well Apple has you by the balls!"
As to your other points, I think part of the reason the iPhone is so successful is because it *IS* closed, in a sense. So far, all the J2ME phones and Android phones have provided is a mish-mash of random apps with no synergy and no sense of cohesiveness. When you open an iPhone app, you know you will have a certain set of basic functions that you can immediately use ... the interface will be extremely similar if not identical to other apps, and therefore things just make sense.
Do I want that level of babying on my computer? Nope. But do I on my phone where I am already handicapped by a smaller screen and limited controls? Absolutely.
Hopefully the pre will adhere to the same concept. | |
| | | | | | | | | Re: about time Sound like the Pre store will sell certified apps but getting an app certified is not required if I understand right.
Palm took failed Newton and made it into a true functioning tool - the Pilot. The Pre very well may take the successful iPhone gadgety approach and turn into a much broader 'tool'. History may repeat itself. | |
| | | | | | | | MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | Re: about time said by xenophon:Sound like the Pre store will sell certified apps but getting an app certified is not required if I understand right. Palm took failed Newton and made it into a true functioning tool - the Pilot. The Pre very well may take the successful iPhone gadgety approach and turn into a much broader 'tool'. History may repeat itself. Well, the difference now is the Newton was a failure and the iPhone is not. The iPhone has set the bar very high, so we'll see. I hope the Pre does well though, the iPhone needs a legit competitor. | |
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| | | |  spewakR.I.P DadkinsPremium
join:2001-08-07
Elk Grove, CA
kudos:1
·Clear Wireless
·SureWest Internet
| said by fiberguy:"high quality" huh? How many tries has it taken apple with the iPhone to get it right? .. to be honest, they still haven't. They're on their now upcoming 3rd release of the phone.. (or, are they doing that to suck more money from those that believe the iPhone is a drug and they need more?) Apple is following their OS release model, minor tweaks = big bucks!
--
The weekend is here, grab a can of beer! | |
| | | | | | MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | Re: about time said by spewak:said by fiberguy:"high quality" huh? How many tries has it taken apple with the iPhone to get it right? .. to be honest, they still haven't. They're on their now upcoming 3rd release of the phone.. (or, are they doing that to suck more money from those that believe the iPhone is a drug and they need more?) Apple is following their OS release model, minor tweaks = big bucks! The iPhone 3.0 software is free. The new iPhone has a ton of internal hardware upgrades, such as a higher resolution camera, a faster processor, and more internal memory. It's hardly "minor tweaks." | |
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| MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12
1 edit | said by stretch1971:Too high ....$300 out of pocket then wait for ever for the rebate! If the phone is as good as everyone is saying it is, I think $299 is the sweet spot for first adopters. The $100 MiR is just icing on the cake. I really hope this turns out to be the "iPhone killer" so Apple has some competition.
(EDIT)
I wonder if Apple will release the iPhone OS 3.0 to steal thunder from the pre? That would be a brilliant move (and I want my MMS!).  | |
| | | | | Re: about time I wonder if Apple will release the iPhone OS 3.0 to steal thunder from the pre? I'd be almost sure of it... | |
| | | | | | Re: about time They have stated once that they will not be launching a new phone but they have lied before | |
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| | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | I'm sure they are going to, however, I really don't see much power in the iPhone storm this time.
Seriously, we're in a slumped economy.. I don't think a lot of people are biting at the bit to rush out and buy a phone with incremental updates at a premium price. The home-ATM card has runnith dry as well and the current pool is getting a little depleted of it's available customers.
Will I say the iPhone will grab attention? Sure.. but I don't think that apple is going to hit this one out of the ball park this time.
I have a very sneaky suspicion that Sprint has some marketing that will come out, based on what apple does, and I think we're going to see a "Cable / Satellite" style war go on between the two... I think we're going to see Palm talking about the short falls of the iPhone depending on what they are.. and there will be some.
The OS 3.0 in my opinion isn't going to make as much of a splash as new hardware will. Like I've said before, not having cut and paste features is like someone else who said 640k was all we'd ever need.. and who never thought that sending MMS/Picture Mail was ever a feature people would want.. to be honest, apple should be embarrassed about those short falls, not celebrating them in a 3rd release... in my view, Pre is coming out well featured and from the looks, well thought out. If I could subtitle apple's advertisements, they would say in text below "It only took us several tries to get it right! ... but the long awaited day is here! Now our flagship and well loved phone can do what all those free flip camera phones from Samsung and some of the no-brand makers could do all along"...
Not turning this into a war.. I've never seen the pre in my own hand yet.. I'll admit that I've put the HTC Pro on hold until the Pre comes out so I CAN see it, however, my opinions are based on how I feel about the apple mentality.. not to mention, people, especially around here, who want close to perfection should honestly be feeling the same way.. they shouldn't be celebrating and slobbering at the mouth for 3.0 to come out.. rather, should be telling apple that it's about time they got it right, and if they don't get it right in the future, there appears to be others out there that will.
/two-cents | |
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| | | I'd pay $300 if it delivers the hype. I'm just hoping I don't have to adjust the family plan for just one Pre, which has unlimited data but not unlimited messaging.
Plan to get it after a week of real world user reviews. | |
| | |  ThrowDemsOutIf you can't convince 'em, confuse 'emPremium
join:2002-03-03
Mullica Hill, NJ
kudos:4 | Re: about time said by xenophon:I'd pay $300 if it delivers the hype. I'm just hoping I don't have to adjust the family plan for just one Pre, which has unlimited data but not unlimited messaging. The everything data family plan does include unlimited messaging:
»nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/o···layPlans
Of course, unlimited isn't really unlimited:
»nextelonline.nextel.com/en/legal···up.shtml
Sprint reserves the right to limit throughput speeds or amount of data transferred; and to deny, terminate, modify, disconnect or suspend service if usage either exceeds (a.) 5GB/month in total, unless specified otherwise or (b.) 300MB/month while off-network roaming. | |
| | | | spewakR.I.P DadkinsPremium
join:2001-08-07
Elk Grove, CA
kudos:1 | Re: about time Liam,
Thanks for posting this info:.
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| | | | | | | Re: about time I really hope that Verizon gets this phone or the iPhone, I'm so sick of getting new phones and still have the same crappy Verizon interface. | |
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| | | | | I've gone over 5GB several times. So far no overcharges or fuss from them. | |
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| | | said by stretch1971:Too high ....$300 out of pocket then wait for ever for the rebate! Plus it's with Sprint. *yawn* | |
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slckusrPremium
join:2003-03-17
Maumee, OH
kudos:1 | want one the price point is lower than i expected. ( cheaper than my touch pro).
Im in for 1. | |
|  jmn1207Premium
join:2000-07-19
Reston, VA | Best Buy Instant Rebates Things may have changed, but last I heard was that Best Buy gives the rebate immediately. Should be in stores on June 7th.
I have a $150 additional discount with Sprint as one of my phones is passed the 2-year commitment point. If Best Buy works like I hope, I could be walking out with a new Pre for only $50.
I'm going to wait for some reviews before I drop my beloved BlackBerry. If all of the hype is legitimate, I'm swooping in and grabbing one of these phones, even if I have to wait 6 months for the mail-in rebate. | |
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See 15 replies to this post | |
| | Can't be used with Sprint Sero I would be interested if I could keep my $30/month SERO plan. Soon enough, there won't be a phone that Sprint offers that will be compatible with SERO pricing... | |
| | iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO
kudos:2 Reviews:
 ·Comcast
·Verizon Online DSL
| Re: Can't be used with Sprint Sero +1 for SERO compatibility. I'm fine paying full price for the phone if I have to, but I wanna keep my SERO. If I can get the phone subsidized and keep my plan, I'm in heaven. If I can't put the phone on my plan, even via an ESN swap, looks like I have a Touch pro in my future. | |
| | |  huntml
join:2002-01-23
Mullica Hill, NJ | Re: Can't be used with Sprint Sero ++
I have four lines on a family plan and another line on SERO for my wife. I was thinking about getting her one of these but...no SERO, no Pre.  | |
| | | | | | Re: Can't be used with Sprint Sero SERO is being phased out anyway. | |
| | | | | huntml
join:2002-01-23
Mullica Hill, NJ | Re: Can't be used with Sprint Sero All the more reason to try to keep it on a grandfathered basis! | |
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fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | A bad start by Sprint... Two things Sprint did wrong with Pre in my opinion...
1) Having been a Sprint Premier customer, before they let just anyone in the program, they promised that they'd notify those customers BEFORE the "official release" information... to date, no email.
2) Having subscribed to the normal "tell me when it's going to be out" list.. still no email...
... yet a press release is already out? ... and still no email?
It really disenfranchises me when you're asked to give up information in trade of a promise of a notification and they don't honor that.. and, with anything else, such as being a benefit of a "premier" customer, which certain buying habits and spending levels get you, I'd damn near consider that false advertising. While I didn't spend to get into that program, who knows if some people DO in order to get certain treatment.. (from a legal point of view, there is an argument there)
I'm not bitching to the point that others here love to bitch about everything, but this is a valid point I'm making. I DO still, however, love the fact that the 800 number I call is answered on the first ring by a representative who's already there to help me out, and not an endless barrage of "Press 1 for .. Press 2 for.." menu to get put on hold for a few minutes only to get transferred to another rep..
But still, not being sent the email DOES really piss me off a little. | |
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See 8 replies to this post | |
 TomClancyFreedom isn't free
join:2003-04-23
... | Meh... I'm sticking with my Sony Ericsson, especially the Idou.
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Freedom isn't free! | |
|  GlobalMindDomino Dude, POWER Systems GuyPremium
join:2001-10-29
Hollywood, FL | Could be interesting. My 755p is about due for replacement. I am rather interested in seeing the Pre.
Otherwise I'll likely think about ditching Sprint and going to AT&T so I can get the Bold. | |
|  chlenEthically ChallengedPremium
join:2001-01-16
Albany, NY | North East NE
In the northeast Sprint has the most flexible fastest and largest network, so the quality of the voice and data services are fantastic. I understand that this is kind of like the TMobile or ATT thing. TMobile has virtually no presence here and roams on ATT network which is a patch of CellOne and Cingular (up here were 2 different carriers combined) I am sticking with sprint.
I have had the centro for 2 years and it has performed wonderfully. It is not the coolest OS, but it does things well and there are thousands of apps that I need for work and play.
I look forward to the pre. Sprint's pricing is great, and support has been getting back to normal since the Nextel disaster. We write and use a lot of palm applications where I work, and there is a rumor about legacy support on the pre.
I am going to need a new phone anyways and I am glad this one has an actual keyboard. This to me is the biggest sell point. I hate the IPod touch keyboard and find it annoying. I do not like on-screen keyboards. I like the centro even if it is a bit tight.
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This is not the greatest post in the world, no, this is just a tribute!
Слесарь-гинеколог | |
| | | Sprint hops onto Verizon network when in gray area... I have Sprint in upstate NY in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains and I have been extremely pleased with Sprint's network. In any area where there may be limited reception they hop onto Verizon at no additional cost, so it's really like getting two networks, or at least a backup.
Regarding the Pre... I've suffered with the Treo for the past 2 years and I will never go with a Palm product again. The keyboard alone on the Pre makes me think Treo and I just absolutely hated that experience. And has anyone realized that with the Pre you have to navigate to a webpage in portrait mode, then rotate the device to get to landscape... seems like that will become a nuisance. Unless they develop an on screen keyboard.
Pre looks like a decent device, but I also get the feeling that it will become obsolete on a faster track as did the Treo. | |
| | | PRE You do happen to know you get get the phone at likes of BestBuy or Radioshack and not have to deal with mail-in rebate. The Pre is being released 2 days before the announcement of the new iPhone.
In august the pre is also coming to Canada and Australia and it has been guessed that Sprint will have exclusiveness for ~ 6 months. Also been rumored that in a few months a 16 version will be available but for that only time will tell.
I will be switching from my current provider to Sprint for the Pre. | |
| jhboricuaExMod 2000-01
join:2000-06-06
Minneapolis, MN | My question is.. If I opt to buy it outright, will I still be required to have a 2 year contract? | |
| |  Fireblade
join:2008-08-27
St Catharines, ON
kudos:2 | Re: My question is.. Damn, this phone is really nice. | |
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