When the rumor mill set the Palm Pre pricing at $399, outcries of shenanigans were shouted through the halls of CES (and the comment corners of MobileCrunch.) It just didn’t make sense: Both Palm and Sprint need this phone to be a success – if it’s out of everyone’s mid-slump price range, it’s not going to do any good for anyone.
Turns out, the rumor was correct – but only in a very limited way. According to Mobile Review, the $399 pricepoint is one of two being considered for non-contracts, with a 2-year lock bringing it down to either $149 (if they settle on a $399 full price) or $199 (if $499.)
Come on, Sprint – get that thing onto the shelves at $149. You need this.
[Via UnwiredView]
Doesn’t matter. If you account for the damage done by having to sign a two-year contract with Sprint, the thing would have to be cheaper than free.
I have to agree; this thing would have to print money for me to sign up with Sprint.
I am encouraged that there is at least a rumor that it will come out with 3G GSM/UMTS/WATEVR at some point. That has kept me from getting a Samsung Epix. I like the optical mouse, but I’m so tired of Windows Mobile. I can’t wait forever; if something unfortunate happens to my Treo 750 (honey, I swear it was an accident!), I will get the best available device on AT&T at that time. I want it to be a Palm Pre. Palm, AT&T, PLEASE make it happen.
Thanks.
John
Who’s Palm? Sounds like some knock-off smart phone? ;-)
At a $399 sans contract price point, the Pre looks particularly appealing…if they get (in my case) Mac support right. RIM is almost a non-competitor with their failure to provide a working sync client, and I just don’t like the iPhone.
i like this phone. we are currently with sprint now and were looking at switching to verizon for the blackberry but after talking with a sales rep about the new pre I think we may just wait. Course the price is a little steep since I don’t think we qualify for the reduced price since we are already with sprint and in a contract. That will be the only selling point is if they offer a reduced price to existing customers
Does the no-contract Pre work on Verizon’s network?