Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has confirmed Internet rumors that there will be shortages for the Palm Pre at launch. Combine the shortages with an 8am June 6 release and Sprint is preparing to reincarnate the original iPhone launch. While we don’t expect to see lines around the block, current estimates tell us that there will be approximately 375,000 units to be distributed nationwide between Sprint, Best Buy, Radio Shack and Walmart stores. For $199 after Mail in Rebate on new 2 Year Service agreements Sprint will be focusing their sales on signing up as many Everything Unlimited Plans as possible. At the moment existing SERO customers will be forced to change plans (Everything Plus FAQ) since the Palm Pre will be a Sprint exclusive as was the Samsung Instinct.
Dan Hesse Sprint CEO
“We don’t intend to advertise it heavily early on because we think we are going to have shortages for a while. We won’t be able to keep up with demand for the device in the early period of time.”
With the grain of salt dealt by Sprint we have some happier news to report in the form of a Palm Pre Best Buy sneak peak. That’s right folks just a few hours ago the Palm Pre showed up as Coming Soon to Best Buy’s website with a jaw dropping no contract price tag of $849.99. We’re not sure how many Sprint customers would even consider laying down that much coin for the Palm Pre but at least the option is out there. Unfortunately you will still need an unlimited plan so Sprint still has the upper hand in this wireless game.
Updates
5/21: If you pre-registered for the Palm Pre on Sprint’s website you will be able to purchase the device at 6PM on June 5. This early window will allow you to purchase the Pre without the long lines but unfortunately there will be no additional discounts, just the standard $199 price point (after MIR).
5/22: Best Buy mobile will be launching a very limited volume of Palm Pres. Their launch will consist of 2 Phases, the first will begin on the June 6 launch date and the second in late July/ early August. Stores will be instructed not to sell the Pre Early and employees will not be able to purchase the device until the second Phase. Also due to the very limited supply only 300 Best Buy mobile locations will have working demos of the Pre.