Palm’s new Pre smartphone was one of the biggest hits at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. The device managed to appeal to visitors and also to the people involved in the industry. Right now, one of the biggest questions is how much will the new device cost?
Palm’s Chief Executive Ed Colligan explained that the Pre might be significantly better than the iPhone and therefore the cost should also express that, with a higher price tag. A report issued a few days ago announced that the Pre will soon be available on Sprint’s network for $399. The company is still analyzing its options when it comes to pricing, and the expected price for the free device (without any contract) should be in the $399 - $499 range. The other option, buying the device from a carrier and signing a data contract, should make the device available for either $149 or $199.
One of its biggest assets is the physical QWERTY keyboard stacked below its 3-inch touch screen. The rounded, well defined keys make it easy to type and to ensure a faster call feature, there is also an on-screen dial pad. Considering that the keyboard provides all the needed features, the company did not include an on-screen keyboard, like the one available on the iPhone.
The device features a multi-touch interface that allows users to zoom in and out on photos and Web pages by using two fingers. It works on 3G networks, features a GPS service, a 3 megapixel camera with LED flash, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It also comes with 8 Giga Bytes of memory, which unfortunately cannot be expanded with plug-in memory cards.
As with any new smartphone released, the biggest test is its comparison to the iPhone. From this point of view, another significant plus is its removable battery, which will allow users to carry on with their conversations and activities by carrying a spare battery. Also, in the event of a problem, users will not have to send the device in for servicing.
The company is currently working with third-party developers to create applications for the device and Chief Executive Ed Colligan explained that all apps are based on standard tools used by a wide variety of developers, mentioning HTML and CSS. Confirming this statement was Tom Conrad, chief technical officer of Pandora, who stated that his company managed to develop a Palm Pre application in just three days, adding that a similar process involving Apple’s iPhone demanded three months of work.
The smartphone’s software called webOS is another major breakthrough. The device does not need a USB cable connection with a PC in order to synchronize the contact and calendar information, setting everything up by air with the data received from Google’s Gmail, Yahoo and Facebook. The plan was to immediately provide all the information stored by a user in his online life.
Mr. Colligan explained that "we absolutely have the muscle to do what this phone deserves" and also that both Palm and Sprint are "are very focused on making a high launch out of this and taking it to the market in a big way."
