Palm Pre to Launch June 6th Priced at $199.99

[ALUOp]

How can the iPhone survive when the phone market is already matured?

Phone market was matured when iPhone launched?
iPhone was first of its kind.
It's not a typical smartphone.
At the beginning people said it can't do word or excel, so it's doomed to fail.
I think everybody knows what happened now.

You need useful and fun apps nowadays.
Can Pre attract developers? It depends on how big the user base is.
This is chicken and egg.
iPhone did it with excellent marketing and being an innovative product.
Android has a chance because it is backed by multiple manufacturers.
WebOS? One US phone manufacturer?
Only if Palm can generate the same magnitude of hype and desire as iPhone.
We will know how success it will be during the first few days after its launch by seeing how many people stand in line to get it.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

The apps aren't javascript apps. The SDK that Palm provides has hooks into the operating system and can access everything from the GPS to contacts, calendars, etc. They don't reside on the net, they are native on the device. You are thinking what Apple originally planned and that isn't what Palm did.

The size is a little disappointing but I have an iPod for that, I don't want to kill my phone battery because I listened to music.

I've never had a problem with Sprint/Palm rebates but I get your point. You can always buy from Best Buy (they give you the after rebate price).

The keyboard is good - not great. I have a Treo 800W now and I can type really really fast and accurately on it. The Pre keyboard is just a tiny tiny bit smaller. I'm fast and accurate but not as much. I still prefer the hardware keyboard above a software keyboard but that's personal preference.

http://developer.palm.com/news/webos_announcement.html

Wrong. They are Javascript based via WebKit and the yet announced SDK uses a modified Eclipse Dev Environment. One can assume C/C++/Java will be available, but it astonishes me that a device about to arrive still hasn't squat open for details on their API.

The Palm Mojo Application Framework

Palm webOS applications are easy to write using Mojo, a new application framework based on the HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript standards that web developers already know and love. WebOS applications are installed and run directly on the device at native speed and have access to a wide range of device services.

Mojo will enable you to:

• Build applications with gesture-based navigation, transitions, and scrolling
• Use the webOS notification system to alert users without interrupting them
• Leverage the local storage capabilities of HTML5 so that data is available even when users are offline
• Use a JSON-based message bus to tap into a wide range of device services, including contacts, calendars, and location

And good news for Palm OS® developers! There are a number of ways to migrate data from an existing PDB file to your new webOS app. Stay tuned for more information for developers with Palm OS applications who want to build webOS applications.

The Palm Mojo SDK

Besides the Palm Mojo Application Framework, the SDK will include sample code, documentation, and development tools. An Eclipse-based IDE is included, and you will also be able to use your choice of tools to build webOS applications. The Mojo SDK is currently in private prerelease, and will be available later this year as a free download from the Palm Developer Network.

 

[bschizz]

they will have 2 days of excitment then will be SHUT DOWN .. by new iphone and iphone OS after wwdc people will be saying pre who?

Maybe the frat boys who have nothing better to do but coordinate their matching collared shirts, Crocs, coozies, visors, and iPhones. As for people who actually contribute to society, the Pre should be a fine option.

well if most of the rumors are true. video recording compass , FM , faster processor, better camera, faster internet,better camera, auto focus , plus all awesome stuff with 3.0 copy,paste, push, and TONS more... i think this iphone will have everyohne forget the pre..plus the appstore.. their is not even an sdk yet for the pre. while apple is making it possible for you in 3.0 to check your freaking blood pressure and send it to your doctor.... i mean come on.. iphone kILLS

Wow, really? A faster processor? My iPod Touch released last October has a faster processor. Welcome to 2008, Apple. Oh yeah, and Push, they promised that almost a year ago and couldn't deliver. And 'better camera' was exciting enough to mention twice?

 

[javierbds]

The Pre is bound to be quite good: it is made by some of the very same people that did the iPhone ...

 

[zap2]

Maybe the frat boys who have nothing better to do but coordinate their matching collared shirts, Crocs, coozies, visors, and iPhones. As for people who actually contribute to society, the Pre should be a fine option.

No need to start attack people, people who work hard and people who don't will be using both devices

Wow, really? A faster processor? My iPod Touch released last October has a faster processor.?

Thats very nice...can it make phone calls? Then its not quite what many people are looking for. Plus RAM is still low, and rumors 533Mhz looks to be smalller then rumored 600Mhz iPhone

Oh yeah, and Push, they promised that almost a year ago and couldn't deliver. And 'better camera' was exciting enough to mention twice?

Well Push is here now, so its something I'm looking forward to. And the camera is looking good too!

 

[IndyGopher]

yeah, like everybody is taking pictures every day.

My centro has video recording, copy and paste, my zune has FM, which no iPod ever had? faster internet? can you be more blind in making these things?

since when a bunch of small features that have existed for AGES suddenly so shining that people will forget desktop level multi-tasking, multiple workflow without interruption, synergy?

at least be logical.

You don't take a lot of pictures with your phone, so no one does. You care about an FM tuner, so suddenly it matters. You're doing exactly what you are accusing other people of doing. Buy the phone that does what you want and need. Ditto with MP3 players, computers, etc etc...

The point here, in case you're missing it, is that not everyone cares about the same things. I take dozens of pictures a day with my iPhone, because it is handy, and I don't need anything that the iPhone doesn't have. I'm only taking pictures to post stuff on eBay. Many people do need a better camera. They have a few thousand options.
I have never in my life wanted or needed an FM tuner in any sort of portable device. I listen to the radio in the car, but only while driving to work. If I am on a trip, I listen to recorded music. Never needed one in my cassette WakMan, don't need one in my iPod. Some people do. Great. They have dozens if not hundreds of options.

This is why most people don't design electronics that sell millions of units.. they can only see a market for the items THEY want.

 

[zelet]

Most Pre fans tout the multitasking as its killer feature, but you're too worried about battery life to make use of the most obvious use of multitasking?

There is a difference between pulling up your calendar while you're writing an email and playing music for 3 hours during the day in terms of hit on battery.

Also, the original point of the iphone (and let's face it, love the Pre or hate it, it's pretty clearly iphone-inspired) was to combine a phone and an ipod, yet you're still going to have to carry an ipod with the Pre.

I mean hey, use your devices how you want; I just find it kinda ironic.

I don't buy phones to be iPods. I buy phones to be the organizer of my life and to make, you know, phone calls. Sure, it'll be nice to have music on my phone it is going to be a distant 4th.

 

[zelet]

http://developer.palm.com/news/webos_announcement.html

The SDK has been released to several of the major developers. One of the applications that is ready at launch is a Palm classic emulator so you can run just about every original palm app on your Pre.

Sounds like more than just JavaScript. Just because the base languages are HTML/Javascript/CSS doesn't mean that it can only do web pages.

 

[bschizz]

[Sprint is] Godawful in Chicago. No reception, constant drops, can barely hear the other person.

I'd rather use T-Mobile.

AMAZING. You've been here on your iFanboy rant with multiple unsubstantiated claims, criticizing a cellular carrier you don't even subscribe to, and you cut down an actual subscriber (who apparently lives in your area) with that BS?

After you said this:

Sprint and Verizon are godawful in Chicago. at&t, while having ****** service in some spots, is the best in Chicago. T-Mobile...don't even need to discuss that. Worst provider ever.

Go back to your cave, fanboy. You have the credibility of Steve Ballmer trying to sell me a copy of Windows Vista.

 

[shakenmartini]

There is a difference between pulling up your calendar while you're writing an email and playing music for 3 hours during the day in terms of hit on battery.



I don't buy phones to be iPods. I buy phones to be the organizer of my life and to make, you know, phone calls. Sure, it'll be nice to have music on my phone it is going to be a distant 4th.

You would be woefully incorrect. I routinely listen to my iPhone throughout a 12h day (at least 4-6h total use) and it has negligible impact on battery life. The big battery killer is internet access, especially in areas without good signal, and graphics intensive web pages.

I'm not sure I believe that you actually have a Pre. I can't believe Palm would release the Pre with poor battery life listening to music.

 

[zelet]

You would be woefully incorrect. I routinely listen to my iPhone throughout a 12h day (at least 4-6h total use) and it has negligible impact on battery life. The big battery killer is internet access, especially in areas without good signal, and graphics intensive web pages.

I'm not sure I believe that you actually have a Pre. I can't believe Palm would release the Pre with poor battery life listening to music.

I never claimed that I have a Pre. I got to use one for a couple days. I don't know what the battery impact of listening to music is. I don't do it. When I listen to music I use my iPod. Right now I have a Treo 800W and the battery life with that phone is terrible. Windows Mobile is a terrible OS and drains battery like a son-of-a-bitch. Maybe the Pre will be better. Who knows. I didn't realize that the iPhone could play music for 6 hours and not have an impact on battery. Anybody else want to substantiate this?

 

[zap2]

I didn't realize that the iPhone could play music for 6 hours and not have an impact on battery. Anybody else want to substantiate this?

Well it does have an impact, but not a huge one. For music(being music only) Apple says like 24hrs. Not sure about the exact truth of that, but it seems possible from my usage during a normal day of use

 

[HiRez]

Some people never mail in the rebate to claim their money back. This way they can say they sell it for less, but often pocket the difference. Kind of smart.

Actually, a lot of people never mail rebates in. I'm one of those who is too lazy to do it. The good news is I've finally become aware of this limitation and so now I avoid rebate sales and look only at the direct cost.

 

[joemama]

Ok, two things:

1. Isn't Apple suing Palm over multitouch? Can't they stop Palm from releasing the Pre?

2. Way to go Apple - WWDC and the iPhone will get all the press. Pre WHA-A-A-T??!

 

[AidenShaw]

Right now I have a Treo 800W and the battery life with that phone is terrible. Windows Mobile is a terrible OS and drains battery like a son-of-a-bitch.

I'm on my third Samsung Windows Mobile phone, and battery life has been fine. The current one (a 760) gets a charge each weekend, and maybe a quick charge midweek if I've been talking or surfing a lot. I don't even use the "extra capacity" battery - there's no reason to add 20g to the phone for extra battery life.

Two friends with 760s agree that the battery life is amazing.

Your Treo's battery life may suck, but don't blame it on Windows Mobile....

1. Isn't Apple suing Palm over multitouch? Can't they stop Palm from releasing the Pre?

Multi-touch was shown 27 years ago, in 1982. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-touch)

Apple did not invent and patent multi-touch.

 

[shakenmartini]

Well it does have an impact, but not a huge one. For music(being music only) Apple says like 24hrs. Not sure about the exact truth of that, but it seems possible from my usage during a normal day of use

That is really close to real. I can run it on music only with only push mail/calendar in the background for more than 16h constant without charging (all in a high signal area with a good WiFi signal).

If I do 16h music/podcasts and then start up Safari it will then usually give up the 20% warning after a few web pages.

This was the killer feature of the iPhone, the first "smartphone" that has a usable music player.

 

[Daniel0418]

i like how engaget says " poor apple " .. what i think they meant to say is poor palm.. they will have 2 days of excitment then will be SHUT DOWN .. by new iphone and iphone OS after wwdc people will be saying pre who?

Newest iPhone specs already released... They suck. And judging by iPhone 3.0 the os won't be any different either. Pre is still more exciting.

 

[Jesus on OSX]

It's going to be the last hurrah for Palm before it's devoured and liquidated by creditors for not meeting (let alone exceeding) expectations.

All this artificial pent-up demand that's created over at astroturfing blogs like Engadget reminds me of the time when Zune was the iPod killer and it was game over for Apple because of "welcome to the social" retardation.

Palm Pre was supposed to have been a device aimed at the "fat middle" but why would anyone in the middle consider this crappy plastic phone with no native apps when you could get the iPhone with an established software market, accessories and an entire ecosystem built around it?

Fat middle to me means $50 or FREE with a contract. $299 is priced out of the market.

Palm is such a pathetic joke. They urinate on their customers and then release more sub-par products to lure you back like nothing ever happened. As a Palm owner since the days of Palm III up until Treo I'm not giving these clowns anymore chances.

 

[Azmordean]

As others have said, the real issue I see with the Pre is app support. iPhone clearly has it. RIM clearly has it. Their "store" isn't as developed as Apple's, but there is a ton of software available assuming one is savvy enough to use the browser to get to it. Even WinMo has third party apps.

How soon will things like a dedicated GMail app, Google Maps, and IM software be available on the Pre. Will Google, etc, feel driven to develop for it? If so, it may take off, if not, I suspect it may die, regardless of how great the phone and OS itself might be.

Personally, I am presently a Blackberry guy. Communication is #1 for me in a phone, PDA ability #2, and internet #3. Games and multimedia are not important to me. In my mind, a Blackberry competes well with the iPhone in the areas that interest me. Toss in a physical keyboard, and I'm sold. If I was into multimedia, the iPhone would be more tempting, but AT&T is a nonstarter for me anyway.

I'll likely get the BB Tour when it releases on Verizon. If the Pre goes to Verizon by July, which seems unlikely, I'll certainly consider it as well - subject to app support.

 

[Daniel0418]

Ok, two things:

1. Isn't Apple suing Palm over multitouch? Can't they stop Palm from releasing the Pre?

2. Way to go Apple - WWDC and the iPhone will get all the press. Pre WHA-A-A-T??!

No apple is not during pre, they made it seem like they would because they are just as scared as you that the pre will do well. They can't sue pre because the pre has patents on the pre that were written before the iPhone came out. This was discussed on engadget.

And again, the iPhone specs were already leaked and still suck. It's going to be about the same difference as the 3g from the first phone..... About nothing.

 

[MikeTheC]

Well, I for one am looking into getting one. I know that'll come as a great Earth-moving shock here on MR and send out eddies and ripples, but still... let's consider the following:

1. U.S. iPhone service is only available through AT&T.
2. AT&T uses GSM and not CDMA.
3. Sprint's equivalent rate plan to AT&T's so-called "iPhone plan" is less expensive.
4. I already have an iPod Touch with a larger capacity SSD than is available on an iPhone.

I have no idea whether or not the Prē will ultimately be a success. Who knows -- it may well be the last gasp of a dying tech company. But for me, the barrier to having an iPhone at the moment is pretty well insurmountable. Tell the truth, it's been a debate between the Prē, the iPhone and the Android. However, the Android isn't available through Sprint and is, again, GSM only, so (for the moment at least) forget that nonsense.

C 'est la vie.

 

[shakenmartini]

As others have said, the real issue I see with the Pre is app support. iPhone clearly has it. RIM clearly has it. Their "store" isn't as developed as Apple's, but there is a ton of software available assuming one is savvy enough to use the browser to get to it. Even WinMo has third party apps.

How soon will things like a dedicated GMail app, Google Maps, and IM software be available on the Pre. Will Google, etc, feel driven to develop for it? If so, it may take off, if not, I suspect it may die, regardless of how great the phone and OS itself might be.

Personally, I am presently a Blackberry guy. Communication is #1 for me in a phone, PDA ability #2, and internet #3. Games and multimedia are not important to me. In my mind, a Blackberry competes well with the iPhone in the areas that interest me. Toss in a physical keyboard, and I'm sold. If I was into multimedia, the iPhone would be more tempting, but AT&T is a nonstarter for me anyway.

I'll likely get the BB Tour when it releases on Verizon. If the Pre goes to Verizon by July, which seems unlikely, I'll certainly consider it as well - subject to app support.

This could very well put the nail in the coffin for palm. The Pre SDK should have been released to the public 2 months ago. Why buy a Pre in June when there are only the OEM apps available? With the SDK not available, this leads me to believe the API's are not in very good shape.

As a dev, why waste my time with the Pre without much installed base, when I can easily code a iPhone app and make some $ very easily.

 

[zelet]

As others have said, the real issue I see with the Pre is app support. iPhone clearly has it. RIM clearly has it. Their "store" isn't as developed as Apple's, but there is a ton of software available assuming one is savvy enough to use the browser to get to it. Even WinMo has third party apps.

How soon will things like a dedicated GMail app, Google Maps, and IM software be available on the Pre. Will Google, etc, feel driven to develop for it? If so, it may take off, if not, I suspect it may die, regardless of how great the phone and OS itself might be.

The Pre has GMail, Google Maps, and a multi-protocol messenger service built in already. The IM thing is cool too cause you can go from text message to instant message in the same screen and the device is smart enough to know from your contacts that the user is the same so it keeps the conversation threaded together.

They've also already partnered with Pandora, the Amazon Music Store, and DataViz to have Microsoft Office read/write support. There is also a classic Palm emulator ready for launch date that allows for most of the original Palm apps to be used on the Pre.

I think they have a pretty good start - just remember everybody said the same thing about the iPhone... it has no apps and WinMo has THOUSANDS it'll never compete... we'll see.

As for build quality - I've used one - the build quality is quite nice.

 

[zelet]

This could very well put the nail in the coffin for palm. The Pre SDK should have been released to the public 2 months ago. Why buy a Pre in June when there are only the OEM apps available? With the SDK not available, this leads me to believe the API's are not in very good shape.

As a dev, why waste my time with the Pre without much installed base, when I can easily code a iPhone app and make some $ very easily.

The SDK is has been released to select developers including Pandora, Google, DataViz, Amazon, and the company making the emulator. They accept more developers every day. Just like the iPhone SDK it is a slow roll out.

 

[Breckenridge]

Palm might be able to compete with the iPhone with such product, I am already thinking about dropping my iphone for another brand because ATT's false promise of more bars in more places just doesn't apply to my house or office anymore. Although 2 years ago everything worked just fine, ATT's service has dropped to the lowest quality service provider I've ever had in Breckenridge, Colorado. All my friends with iPhones are ready to switch to someone else ASA their contracts end, nevertheless, they always ask, what else is out there? As of now nothing is really out there to compete with the iPhone, but the release of the pre is very tempting, sprint has an incredible converge in my area and they are actually teamed up with the local land-line phone companies. I think I will give them a shot not because I don't like my iPhone, it is because ATT is becoming useless as a reliable business cell provider.