Palm Pre: The Evolution of a webOS Pioneer
The Palm Pre entered the smartphone market during a period of intense competition and innovation. Launched as a challenger to the established order, it introduced a unique approach to mobile computing through its user interface and hardware design. However, its journey was marked by high-profile corporate disputes and a rapid succession of hardware iterations.
Upon its debut, the Pre became a flashpoint for intellectual property disputes. Apple accused Palm of copying elements of its user interface, with then-COO Tim Cook stating that Apple would not stand for people "ripping off our IP." Palm defended its position, suggesting it possessed a substantial patent portfolio to protect its innovations.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Launch Date: The original Palm Pre debuted on June 6, 2009, via Sprint.
- Initial Success: It set a record for Sprint phone launches, with estimated first-day sales of 50,000 units.
- Hardware Progression: The series evolved from the original Pre to the Pre Plus, Pre 2, and finally the HP Pre.
- OS Evolution: The devices transitioned from early webOS to HP webOS 2.0.
- Key Partnerships: Major carriers included Sprint, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, O2, Movistar, and Telcel.
Market Availability and Global Launch
The rollout of the Palm Pre was characterized by strategic exclusivity deals. While Sprint served as the initial US launch partner in June 2009, Verizon Wireless announced it would carry the device approximately six months later. Despite some conflicting reports regarding the timeline, Sprint maintained exclusivity rights through the end of 2009.
International expansion followed shortly after. In July 2009, Telefónica announced exclusive distribution in the UK, Spain, Ireland, and Germany via its O2 and Movistar networks. By November 2009, the Pre reached the Mexican market through an exclusive partnership with Telcel.
Iterative Improvements: Pre Plus and Pre 2
To keep pace with the evolving market, Palm introduced the Palm Pre Plus at CES 2010. This version focused on hardware refinement and increased capacity. It doubled the RAM from 256 MB to 512 MB and increased storage from 8 GB to 16 GB. Additionally, it featured a refined slider mechanism, the removal of the center button, and built-in compatibility with the Touchstone charger.
The lineage continued with the Palm Pre 2, announced by HP on October 19, 2010. This third-generation device represented a significant leap in performance, powered by HP webOS 2.0. Key specifications included:
- A 1 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM.
- A 5-megapixel camera.
- A durable Gorilla Glass screen.
- Support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Beta.
The Pre 2 was released in France via SFR in October 2010, Canada via Rogers in December 2010, and the US via Verizon in February 2011. Verizon customers also gained access to Skype Mobile for messaging and calls.
The Final Chapter: HP Pre
The series culminated in the HP Pre (also known as the Pre 3), announced in 2011 alongside the Veer and TouchPad. This model featured a 3.58-inch touchscreen, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and a 5MP camera. Despite its features, the device had a very short commercial life; it was briefly available in the UK and saw limited availability in the US through employee sales before being discontinued.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Model | RAM | Storage | Key Feature | OS Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Pre | 256 MB | 8 GB | Original webOS UI | webOS |
| Pre Plus | 512 MB | 16 GB | Touchstone compatibility | webOS |
| Pre 2 | 512 MB | Not Specified | 1 GHz CPU / Gorilla Glass | HP webOS 2.0 |
| HP Pre | Not Specified | Not Specified | 3.58-inch touchscreen | HP webOS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the primary carriers for the Palm Pre in the US?
The Palm Pre was primarily sold through Sprint, which had initial exclusivity, followed by Verizon Wireless and later AT&T for the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus models.
What were the main upgrades in the Palm Pre Plus?
The Pre Plus doubled the RAM to 512 MB, increased storage to 16 GB, refined the keyboard and slider mechanism, and added built-in Touchstone compatibility.
Did the Palm Pre 2 support Adobe Flash?
Yes, the Palm Pre 2 included Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Beta.
What happened to the HP Pre?
The HP Pre was discontinued shortly after its release in the UK, with only limited availability in the US via employee sales.
How did the market react to the initial Palm Pre launch?
The launch saw record-breaking initial numbers for Sprint, with approximately 50,000 units sold on the first day and up to 100,000 in the first week, though sales slowed significantly by July and August.