Palm Pre price keeps sinking on Bell, down to $100
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 7th 2009 7:41PM
posted Nov 7th 2009 7:41PM
[Thanks, David]
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The Pixi embarrasses itself with a name like that.. I
Bell in Canada is shite!
They charge $5 for a sim card then tell you you cannot leave the store with it unless you pay $35 activation fee! WTF?
Telus has $9.99 Sim cards only but give them a week to match Bell's price of $40.. so get them not while they are cheap fellow Canadians!
Canada #1
It's magic!
Still better than Fido/Robbers charging 39.99+tax for one...
Now if Bell releases the HSPA version... sign me up.
@ Name: - "Bell in Canada is shite!"
Yes they sure are. Get this;
I have phone and internet with them and I WAS paying $2 a month for our modem rental. And now because they've bought "new" ones they are now charging my $3.95 now!!!!! What gives.
And you know how you can bundle your services and get a discount, well my bundle has 'expired' and now I'm paying $5 more for my internet. They said it was only good for 6 months but I've now gone back on my record and I've had in bundle for OVER a year now...
I'll be calling this week.
AHAHAAH
As Batman would say
"Deal with it"
I have the same Unlimited Internet plan from Bell from 4 years ago and they also charge me $4 for model rental and $5 extra...
They keep trying to take the plan away from me...
wow small internets...
Bell does get around to screwing its long time customers!
And oh yea, I cannot bundle to save $5 because my plan is discontinued! WTF?
Pre is an Awesome phone
http://www.epinions.com/review/Palm_Pre_Cell_Phone/content_473011621508
DJ @
"The Pixi embarrasses itself with a name like that.. "
Stealing a USB Vendor ID doesn't help either. I think Palm will continue
to slide until they publicly announce and return the stolen USB Vendor ID.
@ Trail Runner:
Publicly announce and return??? You mean as in theft of a real/tangible item? Thx for the laugh.
You're insinuating that the USB ID is the reason for Palm's "slide". Please get serious. Only us geeks are aware of the issue; the public at large couldnt care less. The truth is, Palms demise was probably written is stone well over 4 years ago when they all sat on their collective asses and did nothing innovative. They enjoyed their PDA successes and smartphone lead while resting on their laurels. ITMT, RIM, Apple and others went to work and are now where Palm should have been.
Palm is late to its own party and few ppl are noticing its grand entrance because the others have already stolen the show. I hope they continue their UPWARD slide and regain much of the market. I for one would like to see/use a 2nd gen Pre running on a mature Web OS (it also wont hurt to see iFanboys the world over crying hysterically and breaking down ;) ).
Re the Pre's pricing, I dont know how it would help sales of the weaker Pixi on the same network. I hope Palm learns from this and release future devices on multiple notworks. They may not be able to control a fickle market and its demand-driven pricing, but they can control that aspect.
Why the hell don't they just give away the damn thing for free. It'd make a very attractive paperweight.
Wow!!
Average thoughts too, eh!?
Don't forget what else Bell is doing with their internet: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/crtc-sets-web-throttling-rules/article1332188/
I almost considered moving to the USA when I saw that :|
Worst. Company. Ever.
Once my contract is up in January I will be done with them and I will never look back. Every month there are "errors" and every month I have to call them and wait 30 minutes to an hour for them to fix it. Terrible customer service. Bad cell service.
F-
Them lucky Canadians.
3 year contract is not exactly what i would call luck
Yeah, but you have to remember those are Canadian years, so it's only like 2.5 US.
CA NA DA #1
U S A #2
@Name:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/iphone-coming-to-the-shack-dallas-an-nyc-this-month-nationwide/comments/22913904/
Lucky to get a phone that is not ranked very highly by its own users, for $100?
We have differing views on what it means to be lucky. Give me a $100 lying on the sidewalk; that's what I call lucky.
Currently the Canadian Dollar is worth 93 cents US. What happened?
You Americans will have to find a new joke until you fix this :)
@n_shakuras
I wish I could rank you higher than Highest Ranked
ill stick with my iphone
And Low rankings will stick with you!
making comments like that is what we refer to as "Self Ownage!"
I'll stick with my Treo 650
Word.
Now I know why Palm keeps trying to hijack iTunes, no one is buying the Pre so it doesn't make sense for them to waste money developing sync-software for all 5 Pre owners.
Whoa!
There is a 5th person now?
It because Bell just got the iPhone 3G (S) and BB 9700. With such a heavy arsenal of smartphones, something needed to take a price drop.
It's been available at Walmart for $99 for a while now, with Sprint contract and gets 50 TV channels via Sprint 3G streaming.
it would be smart of any company NOT to follow Bell's lead on anything...
That is good for the Pre alright. Though, this month you can the the HTC Dream or Magic on Rogers for free (had been only $30). Yes, three months really does suck.
by the time my contract is ready to get one, i might end up getting it for free *crosses fingers*
Same, I'm waiting til feb of next year. Here's hoping!
My contract is up early next year as well, and there's more devices slated to hit all 3 carriers.
Telus is getting the Droid, and I'm hoping someone gets the HD2.
As for the Pre price drop, the EVDO network is going to be around for at least 3 more years. It's entirely possible that with the launch of of the HSPA network last week, Bell is blowing out their remaining CDMA Pres to make room for the HSPA model.
meh, moto droid is way better
Outside of iPhone OS, webOS is my mobile OS of choice. However Palm needs a phone with a larger screen and soft keyboard. GSM versions of their existing webOS devices for the states wouldn't hurt either.
Same but I have used my sister's Palm Pre countless times and it's not even usable for me compared to my iPhone 3GS. It's abhorrantly slow compared to the iPhone so I couldn't even think if replacing my iPhone with it.
Read the details $99:
On a 3 year term when activating a Voice & Data, OR Voice & Data Combo Plan of $45 or greater with a minimum of 500 MB is required. Bell reserves the right to limit the usage. Out of bundle rates may apply. For new activations. Offer ends November 19th, 2009.
Plus the hidden non-government System Access Fee. Bad deal.
Another colossal debacle for an iPhone wannabe. I give Palm 18 months before their remaining assets are sold off.
Next up, Droid. How bout that launch, Moto? Too late to fire the ad agency.
Check out this classic quote from a chick on my Facebook wall: "Just got the droid and I'm completly clueless - how the hell do you use it??? Can I return it?"
Ha ha ha ha. Note to ass clowns at Verizon, Google & Moto: Never underestimate the power of usability + branding.
Just wait until the Street throws Moto a beating in three months. Nice knowing you!
Wow, she was a geek enough to buy DROID on launch day and don't know how to operate the phone. Can you believe it?
Oh, by the way, check out this quote from my super model friend from future.. that's 2010 July, "Just got this iPhone 3Gs Pro, and 3G doesn't work! I think it's on EDGE, but why? Can I return it?"
Down rank for you because you are a liar, you don't know any girls...not even in the virtual world.
I heard that a third WebOS was going to be announced at the upcoming CES show in January and its not the Pixi it might be the successor the the Pre
Question: Why aren't phones in the US/Canada free when you sign up to a long/expensive contract as they are in the UK?
... Canada has had one GSM operator for the longest time till now. So they had the power to monopolize and gouge us. With 3 GSM operators now, we hope the price war will begin.
The Pre or the Iphone aren't free in the UK. They're both way more expensive.
Selective memory, eh?
Oh, there's always collection of free junk-phones to choose from. Newer smart phones cost a little more than free, but it's all pretty insignificant compared to the thousands you'll pay over the term of your contract.
And unless things turn around, they'll be giving away Palm Pre's in no time.
Palm had a window in which to save the company but it's probably passed. The Pre's performance problems have turned out to be quite severe; they didn't take a dent out of the iPhone or Blackberry, the new Androids look pretty good, and some day Microsoft may release a half decent mobile OS. It'll be pretty difficult for Palm to stay above water at this point, I think.
In the UK the 16GB 3GS is "free" on a £44.05/24 month contract and the Pre is "free" on a £34.26/24 month contract.
Admittedly this isn't exactly free in any conventional sense of the word, but nor is this really $100. Why the token payment?
you can get a more smart smart phone, like an iPhone 3G for 99 bucks
why would anyone pay more than 20 bucks for this POS?
Believe it or not, some people simply just don't want the iPhone! Plus the Pre has a much faster processor than the 3g. I believe it has the same processor as the 3GS if my memory serves me correctly. With that being said, the Pre for 100 bucks is one of the best deals you can find on a Smartphone right now. A very capable smartphone at that.
3 year contract? WTF? How about the wireless companies introduce life long contract...
Its insane
Etisalat in UAE is pretty much a life contract, but the perks are good as you can upgrade to the latest and greatest annually in the gulf-state.
Hmm I thought this thing was suppose to destroy the iPhone with its awesome "real" keyboard and multitasking. Now they have to steeply discount it just to get sales. I sense a similar future for the hemROID.
$99.95........
Still to high.
Dont you mean 'too'?
Let me guess: hopeless fanboy?
No and no....... I meant "to" and I am a smart consumer who can recognize cheap hardware. Have you ever held a palm pre in your hand. It feels like 46 cents. You can make all the ads. and all the reviews, and all the hype you want but once someone holds this device in their hand it has the very distinct feel of 4 dimes, one nickel, and one penny.
3 years? Give me $800 outright anytime.
Surprise! Bell doesn't offer anything less than a 3 year contract on the Pre. Not even off-contract.
Although I *did* pick up a Mogul back when they still had them for ~$130 US off-contract and shove it on Pageplus Prepaid... saves paying hundreds more for a new model of the same States-side. (The advantage of living next to Canada... cheap beer and cheap last-generation phones.)
Given how often new phones are released, all contracts should be one year max.
Is there a GSM Palm available in Canada ?
Or it is only available in Europe ?
Both Bell and Telus are now GSM Just like Rogers.
@torontodirk
While Bell switched to HSPA, the Pre is still EVDO.
Which makes me wonder why didn't they just launch the HSPA version to start with. I wouldn't pay for something that runs on a network that I know is going away.
such deep discounts so soon after the phone was launched seems to indicate lagging sales, IMO. but yes, it certainly stopped the iPhone dead in it's tracks, didn't it? and the multiple touchscreen blackberry's, and the droid, and... and....
So the iPhone must have been a huge failure considering they dropped the price by $200 less than three months after release.
Yeah, only $99.95!!!!!! (after giving Bell thousands of dollars on your 3 year contract.) Don't get me wrong, I'll be paying Rogers thousands of bucks over the next 3 years to use my new iPhone. :-)
That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Just another way to get your product out there. I commend u palm.
For example iPhone came out at $600 within 9 months was at $199 so the masses were able to buy n iphne able to move product.
It might be time to start up the old Palm Bankruptcy Clock again. 10 minutes to midnight?
I hope this just means they have bigger and better phones to succeed it. I would hate to see Palm collapse, not after they put such great stuff out like the Pre and the new Pixi. After seeing webOS on my friend's Pre, I think overall, the UI is far more attractive than the iPhone's, and considering I can't get (reliable) service anywhere anymore, I would really love to have one of these.
$99 sure sounds cheap..
but that's what you'll be paying every month for the next three years (depending on your data plan) just to keep that phone.
The phone might as well be free..
Listen, all you Pre haters need to get your head out of the iPhone's ass. The iPhone is great but the Pre does things BETTER than the iPhone, one of them being multitasking. That is HUGE. So get your panties off your head and realize that the Pre is a bad ass phone. It's fine to stick with your iPhone but to bash the Pre tells me you know nothing about technology. In other words, STFU.
Another discombobulated Pre user who just realized he bet on the wrong horse. How's that iTunes sync working for you?
Sour grapes huh.
Pre sold 50,000 in first week.
iPhone sold 7 million in 3 months. What does say?
That no one gives a rats a$$ about multitasking!!
Btw iPhone 3gs did it with zero iPhone 3gs ads. Sick dude.
Doesn't matter whether Pre is better or not than the iPhone. What's the point of the Pre being better than the iPhone is it's not available everywhere nor have the sales number? What's the point of the Pre being better if Palm as a company cannot even survive? And who cares about the iPhone. The one killing the Pre is not Apple, it's Android.
Whatever happened to the pre coming to verizon?
Time once again for my generic Engadget post:
[gadget name here] f*ckin' sucks! [gadget name here] totally kicks [gadget name here]'s ass! [gadget name here] has [feature] and [feature] but everyone thinks [gadget name here] is better because of [gadget name here]'s [worthless metric here]. F*ckin' [giant corporation name here] fanbois!
So theres HTC HD2, Apple iPhone 4G, Palm Pre, RIM Blackberry Storm 3 ? Which one should I get?
Errr, that's what the price should've been in the US too, but imo it's too late. Palm, you wasted your time by having a hissy fit with Apple about iTunes, while Android phones are being released everywhere.
As for the Pixi, Free, or don't bother.
I see. They trying to sell 7 million iPhones in 3 months like iPhone. N match iPhone gargantuan sales.
Feck off.
I don't think this is good news for Palm. I wonder what is happening behind closed doors over there... Could spell trouble for the potential comeback kids.
Per sprint CEO " iPhone is Michael Jordan of smartphones"
now what does that say.?
Wow, I didn't realize any western nation had even worse cellular packages than America. My heart goes out to the North...you guys are well and truly being screwed.
so the palm pre can play full flash right???
Maybe it's just me, but it's ironic how most of my friends here in Canada are picking up the iPhone and the Palm Pre (Both Amazing Smartphones). But most of my American friends from San Diego to New York are picking up Blackberries (Canadian owned) I know it's off topic but interesting nonetheless. Nice to see my American brothers supporting RIM (Blackberry) while we Canadians support Apple and Palm (American owned) God Bless North America. :-)
Palm's finding it's niche for sure, and I think it will actually have bigger success with the Pixi (to the surprise of many of the geeks on here).
WebOS will eventually support flash and 3D, and will be positioned better for the future than Blackberry, plus it's not leaning heavily on any proprietary nonsense - the whole thing is written based around open tech.
I think the Pre is getting cheaper to make room for something WebOS-based that will replace the Treo Pro.
HELLO, have you got any idea how obsolete and annoying this phone will be in 3 years? Ant how much money the contract will cost over that time?
It's really not worth to get such a phone even for free if you have to sell your soul to the devil for 3 years.
As someone who doesn't live in the US or Canada, can someone please explain the following:
1. Why anyone cares about the upfront cost of a phone, why is it exciting that it's dropped from $199 to $99 when in reality to buy the phone you are also buying a contract for several years and the cost is usually thousands of dollars? Shouldnt the entire contract amount be the one people look at?
2. Who in their right mind would sign a 3 year phone contract? If you were to buy one at Christmas, you would be eligable for a new phone at the start of 2013.
Your second point is not true. Depending on the company, you can get an upgrade after one year. You agree to use the provider's service for 3 years. It does not mean you have to wait 3 years to be eligible for a new phone.
Here in America we have what you would call "complete idiots." The average person could not tell you how much they're spending over the next 2 years. Even something simple like $100/month for two years, they would not know how to do that math /even with a calculator/.
I wish I was exaggerating, but I'm not. I fear for my country :(
You can get the Pre for $80 with a two-year Sprint contract in the States right now. Which makes releasing the Pixi for $100 on November 15th kinda dumb. Wait anxiously for the Yaris hatch while I can pick up a Lexus now for less scratch...this is Palm's business strategy with their phones apparently.
The $100 price point for the Pre doesn't seem that out of line vis-a-vis the $100 iPhone 3G deal. But it sure is out of line stacked up next to the $100 Pixi; Palm has now successfully confused their own customers I am sure. Sprint will be giving Pixis away by mid-December - and knowing Sprint - probably piss a few customers off by getting them Pixi love at $100 without telling them they coulda had the Lexus for $20 less. Its Palm running the business side of things so badly that gives me pause regarding the company's future. Great tech, terrible suits.
I've always thought that since they announced the Pre at CES, told everyone to wait six months, then in March they crap out one last Treo. Only Palm is that stupid business-wise.
If you are going to compare prices than at least compare them properly.
You can get the Pre for $80 IF you are a new customers and IF you purchase from the right reseller.
The Pre is $250 out-of-pocket from Sprint, $150 OOP at Best Buy, and $80 at WalMart/LetsTalk.
The Pixi is $200 OOP from Sprint, $100 (most likely) OOP at Best Buy, and who the hell knows how much at WalMart/LetsTalk.
Actually for walmart/letstalk you need to add in the $37 activation fee. Sprint includes the activation fee in the $250. I don't know about BestBuy.
This is what would happen to something has a kickass OS with a stinky hardware design.
Hey, it's not quite as cheap, but precentral.net has the Pre fo $109.99 for new or renewing subscribers on a 2yr contract. I picked one up for my wife who's already on Sprint. She had a Katana and was in desperate need of a phone that she could text on easier.
http://www.precentral.net/friday-notes-buy-pre-win-software-and-more
The Pre is decent. The problem is Bell. Bell suck absolute gonads.
Bell Mobility sucks. My Pre is built like shit.
I would kill for a BlackBerry Bold 9700 right now.
Or a Droid
We (Wife and I) have owned 2 Palm Pre phones for 5 months, and the build quality is solid. And it comes with a 1 year warranty from Palm. And webOS is the best smart phone operating system. It’s not just the multi-tasking or synergy, it is the awesome cards interface and smart notifications – check out the many reviews. Plus they are adding approximately 200 new applications per month for webOS. The Palm Pre is simply a better Smart Phone than the BlackBerry. But if what you are looking for is a metal phone, then look somewhere else. But if you want a reliable phone and an awesome smart phone, the Palm Pre delivers.
It is estimated that Sprint sold over 600,000 Palm Pre phones in three months. As I said, I am one of those customers. Using this phone is great! I am talking from experience…
Bell, Telus, and Rogers ATT can offer phones at $0 but with a 36month contract and sky high phone prices owning a smartphone in Canada isn't a smart.
Wow, iPhone killers are getting cheaper and cheaper and...