FAQs

Q1: When was the Palm Pre released?
A: The Palm Pre was released on June 6, 2009.

Q2: What is the Palm Pre’s operating system?
A: The Palm Pre’s operating system is webOS.

Q3: What are the key features of the Palm Pre?
A: Some key features include its webOS operating system, which allows for multitasking and multiple applications to be open simultaneously, and its focus on calendar and work document handling.

Q4: What is the price of the Palm Pre?
A: The Palm Pre was priced at $299 with a $100 mail-in rebate.

Q5: Is the Palm Pre a success?
A: While the Palm Pre did not achieve the same level of hype and sales as the Apple iPhone, it was considered a strong competitor in the smartphone market.

Q6: What impact did the Palm Pre have on Sprint?
A: The Palm Pre’s success was crucial for Sprint, as it helped stem customer defections and repair its damaged reputation.

Q7: Who manufactured the Palm Pre?
A: The Palm Pre was manufactured by Palm.

Q8: Why is the Palm Pre important?
A: The Palm Pre’s success was important for Palm, as it was considered a lifeline for the company’s recovery and competitiveness in the smartphone market.

Q9: What are the advantages of the Palm Pre over the Apple iPhone?
A: The Palm Pre’s advantages over the iPhone included its webOS operating system, which allowed for multitasking and multiple applications to be open simultaneously.

Q10: What are the disadvantages of the Palm Pre compared to the Apple iPhone?
A: The Palm Pre’s disadvantages compared to the iPhone included its limited carrier availability and lack of a large app store.

Q11: What are the overall strengths of the Palm Pre?
A: The Palm Pre’s strengths include its webOS operating system, its focus on calendar and work document handling, and its sleek design.

Q12: What are the potential drawbacks of the Palm Pre?
A: The Palm Pre’s potential drawbacks include its limited carrier availability, its lack of a large app store, and its relatively expensive price.

Summary

The Palm Pre, released in 2009, was a highly anticipated smartphone that generated significant buzz but ultimately fell short of the hype surrounding the Apple iPhone. Palm and Sprint, the exclusive carrier for the device, sought to downplay expectations for massive crowds and long lines.

Initial sales of the Palm Pre were steady but not overwhelming, and Best Buy stores experienced sellouts due to limited inventory. The device received positive reviews for its webOS operating system and multitasking capabilities, but it faced competition from the iPhone and devices from Research In Motion.

Analysts anticipated that Palm and Sprint would sell around 1 million units per quarter, with a total of 6 million devices sold in fiscal 2011. While the Palm Pre did not match the sales figures of the iPhone or BlackBerry devices, it was considered a viable competitor in the smartphone market.

The Palm Pre played a crucial role in Sprint’s efforts to improve its reputation and curb customer attrition. It also served as a lifeline for Palm, which aimed to regain its standing in the smartphone industry. However, the pending release of a new iPhone with potential hardware and software enhancements posed challenges for the Palm Pre’s continued success.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Palm Pre or other smartphone devices, we recommend checking out the following resources: