Palm Pre to run $549 off-contract

We'd ventured a guess that the Pre would run close to $500 off-contract, and it looks like we were in the ballpark -- Sprint customer service is apparently telling people that Palm's first WebOS device will run $549 without a two-year commitment. That's just off-contract, not unlocked, mind you, so don't get any ideas about throwing this thing on Verizon. We're guessing most people will sign the papers on June 6th and pay $199 after rebate, so don't get too worked up -- just know that living a life free of attachment and responsibility will cost you $549 upfront.

[Thanks, Dustin]

[ronno Posted May 19th 2009 5:18PM]

Sprint's online Chat facilities are apparently crashed now -- seems they are overwhelmed with Pre questions...

[MJ Posted May 19th 2009 5:22PM]

May 6th? that was like 13 days ago.... lol

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 5:30PM]

Does it really matter anymore whether or not you're on a contract? I've been with Sprint for 10+ years and I'm not leaving anytime soon...... GIVE ME THE PRE!!!! I'll be hitting it on June 6th!

Good to hear that you AT&T users are getting some love from Apple. Congrats on your new iPhone. Enjoy!

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 6:45PM]

so... if i dont qualify for an upgrade, it's still 299? very confusing

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 8:49PM]

How long before the Pre is jailbroken so we can put it on Verizon?

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 9:02PM]

Only one problem.....its VERIZON.....theyre not gonna let you do a whole lot of anything.

[ale Posted May 19th 2009 10:48PM]

hey Nilay how about a GSM version? Any idea when that would come out?

I thought I heard rumors about it and it sounds like such a great OS. Either that, Android, or OS X sound good. I'm not that into s60.

Plus if there is an unlocked version, NOT ONLY would I have a choice of which service (I'd whichever the 3G bands correspond to in case I wanted it)
But I don't have to pay for the ridiculously priced data plans!! I could just use wifi on campus or in my house

So is there one?
Thanks

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 11:03PM]

To clear it up, if you're currently in a contract, you're paying $549. There's no discount for existing Sprint customers that are in a contract unless you're past one year of your two year, which will get you $75 off. Very disappointing.

[(Unverified) Posted May 20th 2009 12:58PM]

Save $50 and pay the ETF.

[(Unverified) Posted May 20th 2009 1:03PM]

That's supposed to be "Save $150"