Since the launch of the Pre, Verizon released an anti-Pre chart, the device was disassembled and priced for all to see, and the Touchstone is in short supply in stores around the country. More news has come in, from sales numbers, to numerous hardware and software problems (and solutions), new webOS apps, and of course the new iPhone hardware announced at the Apple WWDC. Read on the for the latest.
Over 50,000 Palm Pre phones sold, over 150,000 Apps Downloaded; supply running low?
A new Sprint record was set this past weekend with the Pre, breaking first day and first weekend sales records, reports Yahoo. The new webOS device is touted as a defining wireless crossover device for businesses and consumers for Sprint's Now Network; and although lines may have been shorter than for the first iPhone, there was still a decent turnout. An estimated 50 - 100,000 units were sold in the first weekend, and over 150,000 apps were downloaded by early adopters, notes Gizmodo and IntoMobile. This number could easily rise to over a million by the end of the year, more if a GSM version is introduced, estimates iSupply.
Many Sprint stores sold out of the Pre in just one day, while CNET reports that many Best Buy locations sold out almost immediately (due to low initial stock and a $100 instant rebate). By comparison, Sprint's flagship store in NYC received nearly 200 phones, while the nearest Best Buy received only 40-48 phones for launch. Also, while the device is currently available only in retail stores, the Touchstone and other accessories can be found online with free shipping, if you couldn't grab one on Saturday.
Palm shares are similarly being sold off, with news of the new iPhone and other factors driving the stock price down 6.5% today, reports Barrons. More news after the break.
iPhone 3GS steals the Pre's thunder at WWDC; Pre still in second place
The highly-anticipated Apple WWDC began today, with all of the Pre-busting iPhone news finally out in the open. In addition to adding an S to the end of the name, the new hardware claims to be twice as fast, has a 3MP autofocus camera with video recording, voice control, and up to 32GB of storage. However, the weight increases slightly to match the Pre's (135G), and it still lacks multitasking. Also, Sprint's $70 plan still costs $240/year less than AT&T's equivalent plan, the silver lining for Palm is still webOS, and current iPhone users should be prepared to pay up to $699 to upgrade.
The old 3G 8GB hardware now drops to $99 on-contract, with the 16GB version priced at $149. PC World has an informative chart with an updated comparison of the new Palm and Apple devices. In any case, the Pre is sitting soundly in second place, with a new Engadget poll currently indicating 23.9% still want a Pre, while only 10.1% prefer WM, Symbian, and Android combined. Some sites are even giving Palm Pre tips for the next version of Android.
So have you been holding out for the new iPhone, or are you still sitting pretty with your Pre?
Palm Pre issues and problems roundup
Having trouble with your new Pre? Well you're not alone, and a solution might be just around the corner.
- For sync issues, Palm Infocenter has a great list of webOS software that may help, including CompanionLink, Chapura, Echo, and The Missing Sync, so you're bound to find something to fill in the gaps.
- Some reviewers found the included ringtones too soft. Well, that hardly should be a reason to ruin your enjoyment of your Pre; and Precentral already has a solution to ramp up the volume (as well as downloadable, louder ringtones to boot).
- Hardware issues are a bit more dicey, with reports coming in of screen distortion, random shutdowns, and dead pixels (our own Ken found two stuck pixels on his Pre). Before you take it apart, the best solution would probably bring it back for an exchange (Sprint already stated they won't repair it, just exchange it), and check the comments section and forums to see if someone was able to fix the issue on their own. Have you had any hardware issues on your Pre? UPDATE: Precentral found a simple solution to the random shutdown problem, check it out here.
- Many sites, including jkOnTheRun also have some helpful tips on Pre usage, such as saving battery life and turning your Pre into an ebook reader.
- If you're worried about the lack of tethering, Precentral sheds some light on the possibility of future capability, either from Palm or third-party developers. Bluetooth tethering is already confirmed, albeit at painfully slow dial-up speeds.
New webOS apps appear in App Catalog
No doubt we will see a massive influx of apps as soon the Mojo SDK hits, but Precentral reports on a few new webOS apps that are trickling into the App Catalog:
- GoodFood (Goodrec): A restaurant locator with sorts by cuisine and price, plus a rating feature. Location-based.
- Infopedia (SplashData): Currently in beta, a Wikipedia app with headlines, bookmarks, saved history, searches, and ability to send entries to a friend (or yourself).
- Match.com (Match.com, LLC): Find some love (besides for your Pre, of course).
- mCraig (SplashData): Currently in beta, a Craigslist mobile browser, with location-based searches.
- Shortcovers (Shortcovers): An ebook reader and digital library with free classics and new releases.
- Sporting News Pro Baseball (Zumobi): Keep up-to-date with the latest past and in-progress scores for your favorite teams, as well as fantasy teams.
- SpashID (SpashData): Currently in beta, store all your usernames, passwords, and secure information in a convenient app. (pulled from App Catalog for bugfixes)
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