I just read an article that quoted analysts that stated Palm has sold 150,00 Pres since it’s its launch. Other hearing that the keyboard is way too small, the screen and case are a scratch magnet, far too few applications are available, and not being able to get your hands on one until mid July, reviews of the Palm Pre have been mostly positive.
The question that I want to toss out is can Palm actually sell enough Pres to truly contend with the likes of the BlackBerry, the iPhone, and even Adroid and, dare I say, Windows Mobile devices.
50,000 Palm Pres shipped the weekend it came out and 150,000 have been sold to date. Comparatively speaking, 50,000 iPhones probably went in the first few minutes that the 3G S was available and I am sure that Apple hit 150,000 iPhones sold well before lunch on the first day it was available.
I was talking to a friend about the Pre and they said, “You can’t really expect Palm to compete with the likes of the the iPhone or the BlackBerry”. I said that I guess not if Palm can only sell 5% of what Apple sells. To be fair, RIM won’t sell a million new BlackBerrys in a single weekend either, however, when you add up all of the BlackBerry Bold BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry Pearl Flip, and BlackBerry Tour devices that are sold on all of the carriers over the couse of the quarter, they will rival Apple if not come out on top in gross unit sales. The same cannot be said for Palm.
I hope that the Pre turns things around enough at Palm for them to be able to effectively come out with other WebOS based devices. The better Palm does, the more innovative RIM needs to be to stem market share from bleeding their way…
I think that we will learn a lot once the second wave comes out. I heard that Best Buy Stores have a big shipment coming around the 18th of next month.
Dude, their is no way that even if you add up all the BlackBerry sales together that they will outsell the iPhone.
@Norman R.
The next wave, as you put it, will be telling. If Verizon is smart they will make sure that the Tour comes out before July 18th. Could hold customers thinking about switching.
@iPhoneRulz
Seriously, Dude, what in the world has that got to do with this post? I welcome your comment, but, at least try to make it relevant to the conversation at hand.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE learn the difference between “its” and “it’s.” I see that mistake on this blog more than anywhere else…
“…has sold 150,00 Pres since it’s launch”
“It’s” is a contraction of “it is.” You don’t say “since it is launch.”
“Its” is the possessive, and correct in this case.
PLEASE?
Hard to tell…I personally have a Pre since launch and I’m loving it. It’s early, so I’m sure Palm is feeling its way regarding what needs to be addressed and corrected (software, applications, etc.). It’s certainly not a prime-time device for the corporate side. It’s too slow for me right now regarding email (opening, deleting, etc.), and the OS can be sluggish at times. The plus side of all this is that all the mentioned can be corrected via software enhancements. Applications can be added as time passes. Even the iPhone started out rough, perhaps even rougher, but the Apple name and brand exceeded the negative aspect.
From a usability standpoint, I love the phone. The OS is the best I’ve used, the browser is outstanding (and the best I’ve used as well), and the keyboard is actually not all that bad (I’ve gotten used to it after a couple of weeks and have improved my speed). Much of the success depends on how they improve upon the OS.
As for the hardware, I love the form factor. Nice and compact, but with some issues. The sliding keyboard can “ajar” the battery when closing hard, thus rebooting the device. Placing the battery in solid will address the issue, but only with some playing. Once secured, you can slam away. The back cover from the Touchstone is nice and has a slight rubbery feel, unlike the back that comes with the device. Reception is adequate at best, with frequent random bar movement (while I’ve always questioned Sprint and their coverage, this is truly a phone issue I believe). Again, software can address the issue.
With that brief summary said, I believe the device has a chance, provided the units get out there. It’s difficult for a company on the brink of shutting down to place a large order without knowing for sure if the device will be a success. Banks and investors (especially today) will not extend a line of credit to the magnitude that an Apple or RIM would receive today. Palm started out behind the eight ball, but I think with the success and reviews of the device, will be moving full steam ahead. A marketing blitz to coincide with the restocking should address any questions regarding future sales.
Not a corporate device, but I think they’ll take their share in the consumer market. Welcome back Palm.
“If Verizon is smart they will make sure that the Tour comes out before July 18th.”
We know they are not….
http://www.smartmoney.com/breaking-news/on/?story=ON-20090528-000871-1515
“We have the Pre through 2009,” said Sprint spokesman James Fisher.”
Pre browser is slower than smartphone industry leader.
http://www.iphonebuzz.com/iphone-3gs-web-browser-speed-test-blows-away-rivals-247710.php
Rock, we only know VZW is not getting the Pre by July 18th. Whether or not they get the Tour by July 18th is still up for debate. I am guessing the week of July 13th on the Tour, but that is just my personal guess on information that I have read and nothing offical. Maybe more hopeful than official! 🙂
@ The Rock,
Man, they didn’t even bother to add the BlackBerry to the list. Probably couldn’t fit it on the chart. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… If you primary goal for you mobile device is browsing the internet, the BlackBerry probably isn’t for you…
@Eric,
I’ve heard those same rumors. Can’t confirm anything but it would make sense for them to try to get it out before Palm floods Best Buy with Palm Pres…
Hey Rock
What you said about the Palm Pre’s browser is not exactly true, or, exactly untrue depending on your point of reference…
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=20065
Before I get flamed for saying something that could be interpreted as a negative comment about the iPhone on a BlackBerry blog, I fully acknowledge that the reason the BlackBerry wasn’t included in the survey that the Rock linked to is because it still isn’t done loading the page… 🙂
@ Rock
It doesn’t surprise me that you would provide a link from a site called “iPhone Buzz” to determine that the iPhone 3G s is faster than all the rest. I’ve conducted tests as well…3G with SW 3.0 on WIFI vs. the Pre browser on WIFI and the Pre won hands. I also did it on the network as well, and as expected, the Pre won. AT&T is the issue there. And don’t tell me I reside in a remote area…I reside where AT&T used to have their corporate headquarters. The Pre’s browser doesn’t even hesitate when expanding, zooming, etc.
I could care less about who provides the service, device, etc. I just want the best for what I need. You obviously have this fanfare with the iPhone and AT&T. I can understand since you’re a disgruntled Verizon employee.
@ BBAdmin…nice link. Touche’.
bluehorseshoe,
“You obviously have this fanfare with the iPhone and AT&T. I can understand since you’re a disgruntled Verizon employee.” Still and as always 100% INCORRECT, but that’s not surprising.
Your “needs” must change as we all read you claim the BB met your “power user” needs no? not to mention that once upon a time “who provided the service mattered to you too.
Since your “testing” various devices what about the BB’s vers the others?
“Hey [BBAdmin]
What you said about the [iPhone] browser is not exactly true, or, exactly untrue depending on your point of reference…”
It gets alittle technical so please try and keep up, it’s sure no silly zdnet test.
http://www.medialets.com/blog/2009/06/24/speed-test-iphone-3gs-even-faster-than-apple-claims/
“Now Before I get flamed for saying something that could be interpreted as a negative comment”, As the test goes on to say:
“Do any of these numbers really indicate which phone might be the best choice for a given individual? Absolutely not.”
“I fully acknowledge that the reason the BlackBerry wasn’t included in the survey that” the blackberry browser isn’t as advanced as the tested devices, and the BB browser uses a whole different method when it comes to data. 🙂
@ Rock
Reading is fundamental. Since you’re a huge follower of what I have to say, then you should know that I did not mention anywhere that I replaced my BB. I’m actually waiting on the Tour. And to repeat myself…again…I said the Pre is not ready for “prime-time” regarding email. The BB is still my power tool for business. And yes, VZW is still my service provider since they provide the best coverage as well.
Read on my mentally challenged friend. This time, try to follow the bouncing ball, if you will.
PS – when it comes to you, I’m 100% of the time correct. 🙂 Can you smell what I’m cooking now?
I don’t know if its just in the Northeast, but there is a definite lack of a sustaining buzz about the Palm Pre. It was the first Palm product that really interested me in years, and it had garnered a lot of pre-release attention, and was reasonably well reviewed upon release. By I haven’t met anyone who’s using one and there were no Crowds at the Sprint store at the mall, nor at the Radio Shack. In both stores, the Palm Pre was sitting on display among the rest of the Sprint phones, without any adornation at all. I finally had a chance to fool around with a Palm Pre in a Radio Shack, and of all the high-end phones I’ve ever owned or evaluated, it had the cheapest feel of any of them. Light and sharp-edged, but in both instances not in a good way. It seems to function and be designed best, with the keypad extended, as phone that you can hold up to your head. The curves, shape and size works well for that, but who cares, since most of your use will be through a BT headset anyway? I was even disappointed in the screen, which looked smaller than I’d anticipated and the keypad was a cramped disaster. I didn’t intend to sneak in a phone review exactly, but I couldn’t help but wonder, when I came across the Palm Pre at the mall, laying there among a menagerie of ill-designed also-ran phones from Sprint, whether the buzz had already died off, despite a promising design and OS.
” Since you’re a huge follower of what I have to say’
Better snap out of that dream….
@ Chromosome boy…
“as we all read.” You said it toots. Look above at your post. Like I said before, reading is fundamental.
Still just “trying to educate”. Thought all you guys at rimarkable would like this.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/10/31/the-real-reason-the-blackberry-storm-doesnt-have-wi-fi-or-tri-band-hsdpa/comment-page-9/#comment-312889
“On Nov 2, 2008 @ 8:22 pm, Tommy L. Said:
@bluehorseshoe:
Guess what dude, even if you’re right (I don’t know if you are or not, don’t care either), attacking someone’s intelligence and grammar just because they don’t agree with you or make small mistakes is really petty and immature. You should also know that the fact that you would attack someone personally as you did Paul reflects badly on one person: you. It also weakens your argument. I hope you’re just a disgruntled 16 year old who will, for everyone’s sake, eventually grow up”
“On Nov 2, 2008 @ 11:57 pm, bluehorseshoe Said:
The best part is that ‘Paul’ works for VZW and hates how they treat the union, hence his deep hatred for anything VZW. There you go people…a little insight into ‘Paul’.”
REALLY? Wasting our time at BRG and here at rimarkable with the same sad posts?
And to think BGR and Rimarkable are about communication devices, why the need to take shots at people personally who post’s you don’t agree with?
And to think bluehorseshoe 06.25.09 at 12:58 am had a decent, intelligent post. Sadly as we see in other threads here, and on other web sites (such as just the one BGR thread noted above, there are many many more) all it takes for bluehorseshoe to throw a childish fit is another poster to point out that something may or may not be correct as bluehorseshoe posts, then bluehorseshoe lashes out spewing personal attacks, name calling and ignorance.
Wow…
Not at all Cool bluehorseshoe.
Again for the 1000th time, why the desperate, pathic need to take personal shots at other who posts you can’t handle? This is not acceptable behavior here at Rimarkable. Again grow up and show some respect for others and our host Robb and others or you should really stop crap posting all over the ‘net.
As Tommy points out above “it reflects badly on one person: you.” and wastes everyone else’s time and bandwidth.
“Can you smell what I’m cooking now?”
Nope, but the heat is sure on your piss poor behavior again and we’re smelling that again. Listen and learn what others have to say, again you don’t have to agree, but you need to learn you can’t get all upset and take out your anger on others and crap post. Others can and will continue to post even when what is posted might not for what ever reason sit well with you. As you’ve been told, Your ego posting like your some kind of big shot needs to stop.
As I posted before to your latest nonsense, ” Since you’re a huge follower of what I have to say’
You better snap out of that dream and now as we see also stop the other nonsense you try too. None of it is cool.
Tommy L. = The Rock = Paul = hellno = etc.
Rock, you’ve been banned before under a different alias, and I’m sure one day it will happen again.
Do you really think we believe that Tommy L is really someone else? LOL…talk about pathetic. Tommy happened to stumble across a post from October of last year from a different site? LOL…
Rock, you really are missing a chromosome! Classic.
Still 100% INCORRECT. But nice desperate try to shake the heat from your piss poor posting instead of taking everyone advice and stopping to listen, learn and grow up.
@bluehorseshoe:
Actually I happened to stumble across this post here at Rimarkable and it reminded me about the same immature stuff you posted when I commented about it at BGR back in Oct. I could not believe it was almost a carbon copy of the same stuff. Name calling, attacking someone’s intelligence, grammar mistakes, and attacking others personally all for posting a opinion which you don’t agree with. That your still up to the same garbage reflects badly on one person, you.
Please take others and my advice, for everyone’s sake, grow up.
Wow…
Not at all cool bluehorseshoe. The bad reputation seem to follow you. I’ve been suggesting you grow up and show others respect for years now, yeah there is no one else on the internet suggesting that….
NOT.
Rock (or Tommy…I guess you’re in full force today regarding your schizophrenia), please take your meds. It’s so damn obvious, you look like an idiot. You bring this site down with your stupid links, and now you’ve dragged me into this crap.
Keep bringing it.
It’s been suggested time and time again to you that Rimarkable is not a place for you to name call and crap post others. Thanks to others today we’ve been shown that your poor actions here at Rimarkable are much like your poor actions on other internet sites, how surprising. Heck the posts and crap treatment of others at other sites are so close it seems you post the same ignorant and pathetic crap where ever you go.
There is no need for “bringing it” however there is a big need for you to listen, learn and knock off all your nonsense. You can’t blame others, you “dragged” yourself “into this crap” by your own ignorant actions and desperate need for attention.
The Rock is cooking since it’s dinner time. But as you asked before we ALL……
bluehorseshoe 06.25.09 at 4:21 pm
“Can you smell what I’m cooking now?”
And thanks to YOUR actions you stink.
It’s been suggested by you, and only you. When you decide to stop acting like the demented fool that you are, then we’ll leave you alone.
I’m ending it here. Back to the draft.
Heck the posts and crap treatment of others at other sites are so close it seems you post the same ignorant and pathetic crap where ever you go, all while getting peoples names, opinions, and jobs mixed up.
Funny the person desperately trying to bring up “banned”:
bluehorseshoe 06.25.09 at 7:17 pm
“you’ve been banned before under a different alias, and I’m sure one day it will happen again.”
Is the same person crap posting these words right here in this thread…. (no need to go any further)
“Read on my mentally challenged friend. This time, try to follow the bouncing ball, if you will.”
“@ Chromosome boy…
“as we all read.” You said it toots. Look above at your post. Like I said before, reading is fundamental.”
“Rock, you really are missing a chromosome! Classic.”
“Rock (or Tommy…I guess you’re in full force today regarding your schizophrenia), please take your meds. It’s so damn obvious, you look like an idiot. You bring this site down with your stupid links, and now you’ve dragged me into this crap.
Keep bringing it.”
Not at all cool, it’s shameful. Again Rimarkable is not for that type of posting.
For crying out loud, exchange emails, and bitch at each other all you like without subjecting everyone else to it. You guys have been going at it for years. It is really getting old…
LOL…it’s like driving by a bad car wreck. Just cannot NOT look (the argument just presents itself on screen, along with logic that is just unheard of). While I know I shouldn’t, there’s that inner being…
For Robb’s sake, I vow to end. 🙂
Oh no…..
Palm Kills Homemade Apps With Latest Pre Firmware
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/06/palms_kills_hom.html;jsessionid=GLGT0KG25TZ1YQSNDLRSKH0CJUNN2JVN
“That’s really a shame, especially since the Palm Apps Catalog offers barely more than several dozen titles.”
Palm Pre Customers Grumble About Defects
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GadgetGuide/story?id=7971290&page=1