Palm’s new handset: Pre-mature hype?
There are many who would argue that Palm’s future success rides on the shoulders of of webOS, if not the Pre itself. While it most certainly seems like an exciting device, there are plenty of skeptics out there. Even those who were lucky enough to parade around with their units weren’t that impressed when they first got the handset. A recent survey conducted by ChangeWave Research is now showing that prospective smartphone buyers are looking to RIM or Apple first — of 4,292 adults surveyed, only 4% showed interest in purchasing a Palm Pre according to the poll. The most popular choices were BlackBerry, getting 37% of the vote, and the iPhone with 30% of the surveyed group. Add to that the fact that Sprint will be the Pre’s exclusive carrier and you have 1% of respondents who said they would be willing to switch carriers. Of course we don’t know how ChangeWave found its test group and we trust you guys much more — how many of you are going to pick up the Palm Pre, and are willing to switch carriers to do so?
The Palm Pre looks like a great device but I dont think its worth the hassle of changing carriers.
bad choice for palm go have this phone released on sprint only,this phone should of been on a GSM network. palm a company that is dying decided to have its newest phone released with another company that is dying, may they both rest in peace.
How many non-geeks even know about the Pre?
Surveys like this are worthless until the device is released.
I plan to switch from the iphone and pick one up
Since I’m already with Sprint I can’t comment on leaving another carrier, however I will be opening another line to try out the Pre for 30 days. I use a Curve now, and can’t imagine not rocking a BB, but we’ll see what happens when I use the Pre for a couple weeks.
I will pick up the pre when it drops I’m already with sprint but as long as its not tmobile ill open a line up for a new phone quick
I personally have little to know interest in the Pre. Palm + Sprint; not a good look.
Getting a pre not matter what. they people who voted on that poll prolly didnt even know what a pre was.
you also talk about the kids who had theirs and sayed they were not satisfied untill they got a update well duhhh would you think there walking aroung with finished units.
I think they will do ok with their intended audience, the growing fat middle of buyers an new smart phone buyers. It is not a power user or professional user device. But for the wife or younger kid it looks good.
What struck me was the very big difference between the demo video on Palm’s site and the actual videos of the final betas. Palm’s advertising demo is like 5 or 10 times faster than the Pre seems to be in real life. That’s disappointing…and misleading.
Not many people know about the Pre. Wait until they actually start having commercials for the phone. People how pay attetion to technology know about it but the average person walking around has no idea what a Pre is.
The Pre has a lot of potential, we will have to see how the OS turns out. Regardless I would NOT switch to Sprint for any phone much less this one. I am currently on big red and would consider the Pre if it can be unlocked.
I’m extremely interested, but I’m currently not paying for a data plan on Verizon, my wife and I are locked into a contract until Feb 2010, and it’s hard to justify this switch, factoring in the data plan charges and ETF.
*Not
*No (Sorry, I haven’t had my coffee yet.)
I think this is an accurate survey.
Sprint as the carrier is already hurting them before it has even hit the shelves. Such high churn rate with so many customers permanently turned off to using their service.
IMO, the phone will end up converting users who previously were Instinct users.. that’s about it. I just can’t see this unit making a place for itself the way blackberry/iphone/sidekick has done.
I already have a palm treo I’m forced to use as a work phone…carrying around another palm / any smartphone for my personal phone AND having to switch carriers to do so??? not for me…
Does anyone know if the Dash is still coming out? That would make me switch carriers
@b.N That’s an interesting notion.
I know a lot of geeky/nerdy friends of mine are already considering switching to Sprint because of the 4G launch. Market that with the Pre and they might have a chance.
I currently have Verizon wireless and will be switching to a Sprint for the Palm Pre. I am also switching to Sprint for the cheaper data plans. I have also read from numerous sources that Sprints 3G network is faster and more reliable than both AT&T and Verizon.
@Jonathan But the question is how compatible handsets will utilize for 4G.
I probably won’t switch but I’ll pick up a Pre anyways to use the rest of the unit……..the way I carry my iPod Touch along with my cell(LG VX8350…which I love).I’ll check out the Sprint network and if it works well in my “hood” …….I’ll consider switching.
Someday, we’ll look back on this, laugh nervously and change the subject.
Please excuse all the typos. Thought’s aren’t processing.
@Brandon So true… I really hope Sprint doesn’t screw this one up on the hardware end
To be fair, I’ve heard good things about 4G performance in Baltimore.