14 DAY TRIAL // The latest rumors on the Web regarding the expected launch date for the next-generation Palm Pre have it that the device would be ready for the market as soon as this month, next week to be more precise. While this would be rather unlikely to happen, as Palm has already stated that the handset won't be launched until the company is confident that it is able to meet demand, we learn that Sprint has begun to train its employees on the Pre, which means that the release day is getting closer after all.
One possible launch date for the high-end mobile phone, one that would have high chances of proving true, is May 17. It seems that this is the targeted day for both Palm and Sprint, but only in case all goes according to plan. If not, the handset is expected to be pushed back to June 29, and these dates sound credible enough, as the two companies have enough time to prepare the launch, and due to the fact that both dates are Sundays, and most of the times the wireless operator launches products this way.
On the other hand, Sprint has already begun to train its employees on the Pre, while also starting out its new marketing campaign on the device. “Employees can expect training to start in April as well as multiple communications to get them excited and ready to help our customers,” is what a Sprint e-mail states, while a Palm official confirms the saying. “I would like to inform that Sprint is in the process of providing the training for the new Palm Pre. Once it's launched, Sprint will be ready to serve their valued customers regarding the Palm Pre,” according to preThinking.
This might suggest that the smartphone could become available as soon as April after all, especially given the fact that the rumors placed the release date not only next week, namely on 15 or 16, but at the end of it as well, on the 30th. I would rather bet on the May 17 launch date, but seeing the Pre available earlier than that doesn't sound too bad either.