Palm Pre Release Date: May Not Be Until June? 119
While we knew all along (despite crazy hopes) that the February 15th release date was just a pipe dream, we were hoping the persistent rumors (now circulating on the Ides of March) meant that the "First half of 2009" target would mean something sooner than June. Well, we're a little less hopeful today. First up an anonymous report which we're not putting much stock in (yet) claims that testing is taking longer than expected due to some security issues. More interestingly, in our forums we read that the Pre has two more rounds to testing to come, the first of these not slated to begin until April 1st.
The upshot is that testing is still going on and despite how eager Sprint and Palm are to get the device out the door, they still need to do their due diligence and get it fully tested. Both sources are suggesting that June might actually be the most realistic (though definitely not the most optimistic) target date. Sadly, given Palm's history of shipping devices, the latter half of their "first half" estimate is the safe bet.
119 Comments
It's undoubtedly true that some will "jump ship" from Sprint because they don't want to wait. But, they'll be back-filled by people jumping ship from the other carriers. Personally, I'm not opposed to waiting (though obviously, I'd prefer not). For one, if they release a buggy Pre, Palm and Sprint will likely be dragged down into extinction. And secondly, if the competition releases new phones about the same time that Pre is released, smart consumers can make an intelligent decision about which phone best suits their needs. Let's just hope that the Pre stacks up well. From what I've read, the Pre has the edge so far.
They weren't giving the device away. Word from Palm themselves is that the celebs only got to do a hands-on trial with the devices. Pure photo-opp stuff.
Would it have helped if Palm said June 09? I don't get what's the big fuss.
Release the phone earlier with bugs and everyone bitches. Release it later still within the time-frame and people still bitch.
Would it have helped if Palm said June 09? I don't get what's the big fuss.
Release the phone earlier with bugs and everyone bitches. Release it later still within the time-frame and people still bitch.
Would it have helped if Palm said June 09? I don't get what's the big fuss.
Release the phone earlier with bugs and everyone bitches. Release it later still within the time-frame and people still bitch.
Would it have helped if Palm said June 09? I don't get what's the big fuss.
Release the phone earlier with bugs and everyone bitches. Release it later still within the time-frame and people still bitch.
They didn't get a Pre. It was purely a photo-opp hands on trial
They didn't. It was purely a photo-opp hands on trial
Dude,
That is EXACTLY how Apple announced the iPhone. In January they said by July and they made that date. This January Palm said by end of June. If it comes out in June they made it.
I want it ASAP too. I was seriously considering a switch to the iPhone in December but decided to hold out because I didn't want to spend $50 a month on AT&T. Now I am waiting to see if the Pre is as good as it is billed. I sure hope so. My last Palm was a 700p and I am a little skeptical.
However, I will give them a chance. If you really want to spend an extra $50 a month and get an iPhone - get it. You may well regret it. Or you may not.
I think Palm should have introduced this same phone a year ago. They are way behind due to the Access platform and Palm OS Cobalt disasters. If this doesn't work they are dead.
BUT. You people who are going nuts saying that it was a mistake to announce a forthcoming phone are just dead wrong. You would be complaining if you had heard nothing from Palm and would be gone anyway. You are deluding yourselves.
Either wait for the Pre to be ready (and I would love it it were tomorrow) or acquiesce to your urges and get something else. Maybe you will regret it. Maybe not. Either way, none of us really cares. Have a great life.
+1
Bingo. Well said.
I want one yesterday too but geez.
That's not exactly fair. If Sprint CSR's were repeatedly saying that the Pre would be released on February 15th, even after customers clarified, "Are you sure you're not talking about the Palm PRO," then that's official enough.
That many CSR's from the same company means ... something. What it doesn't mean, though, is that the consumer is at-fault for listening to Sprint representatives.
Besides, no matter how unlikely the February 15th date was, it was still cause for confusion and, thus, disappointment.
Instead of desperate and dishonest I would say Sprint customer service suffers from incompetence and a lack of training. It shows a lack of organizational control on Sprint's part. Things like this are not easy to control but if the mgt was on top of things, they would have communicated some basic info to the CSR's to avoid just this type of mistake. I think Sprint's Customer Service has improved in the past 2 years but this just shows they have a way to go.
And no, an honest mistake by a CSR does not constitute breach of contract nor entitle you to a Pre today. We all knew the Feb date was a mistake so I don't understand the outrage when what we knew was true has been proven (shockingly) to be true.
This is getting ridiculous.
"Why get mad based on rumors?!" Because they weren't just rumors if Sprint CSR's disseminated them.
"We already knew the Feb 15th date was a lie!" No, everyone didn't. That's obvious.
"We don't care if you don't buy a Pre!" Sure we do. There are threads devoted to every aspect of this discussion.
Are we so frustrated by other people's frustrations that we'll just verbally kick the $#!+ out of each other? Enjoy living up to our unfortunate geek stereotypes.