14 DAY TRIAL // According to the latest news on the web, those that would like to purchase the upcoming Palm Pre without committing to a new contract agreement with Sprint, the carrier that will release the device exclusively in the US, will be able to have it for $549.99, which does not sound too bad when compared with the price tag of other high-end mobile phones that are available on the market.
The news on the off-contract price for the Palm Pre comes from an online chat, and we are not so sure that it will prove real in the end, but it is still great to hear that those that wish to keep their current plans, but would also like to purchase a Pre, will be able to do both of them.
In additional news, we learn that Sprint CEO Dan Hesse stated recently that the carrier expected to see shortage for Pre soon after launching the device, and he also added that this would be the reason for which the company hadn't advertised the handset as much as expected. For what it's worth, it seems that previous forecasts that the Pre will sell out fast will prove true in the end.
According to some analysts, the shortage could be something that Sprint and Palm have planned for, in a move that will maintain the buzz on the handset, especially given the fact that the Pre will be launched only a few days before Apple is expected to announce the next version of the iPhone. One thing that is certain here is that both the carrier and the phone maker need the Pre to prove successful, which means that it should sell much better than the rival iPhone.
It won't be too long before the Palm Pre becomes available for purchase with Sprint, as the launch day has been already announced to be June 6, and it seems that the carrier will prep for a nice release, since it intends to close its stores earlier on June 5 so that it can open earlier the next day. The price tag for the device has been set at $199 with a two-year contract and after mail-in rebate, and we learn that the $100 MIR offer is expected to end on 7/11, at least this is what a fine print on Sprint's Pre page reads.
“Phone Offer: Offer ends 07/11/09. While supplies last. $299.99 (two-year price) -$100 (mail-in rebate) =$199.99(final price). Taxes and service charges excluded. No cash Back. Requires activation at the time of purchase. Mail-in Rebate: Requires purchase by 07/11/09 & activation by 07/11/09. Line must be active 30 consecutive days. Allow 10 to 14 weeks for rebate. Upgrade: Existing customers in good standing with service on the same device for more than 22 consecutive months currently activated on a service plan of $39.99 or higher may be eligible.”