Palm Sprint on Lineups

Both Palm and Sprint late Wednesday said that they don't expect, and may want to avoid, long queues for the Pre. The smartphone creator's spokeswoman Lynn Fox admits that Palm expects a slow build-up rather than an immediate rush and thus that crowded stores alone wouldn't work. Palm is "not like Apple" and can't expect to trigger the same behavior, she says.

Simultaneously, Sprint press representative Mark Elliott also dismissed the concern over long lineups and instead said his company was trying to curb those lines. By controlling the flow of customers, the provider can ensure that Pre buyers don't feel pressured and are more likely to enjoy their phones in the long term.

It's "not about having a line out the door," Elliott says. "It’s about being able to treat each customer and make sure they’re happy with their decision."

Either statement involves a moderate amount of spin from the two companies, both of whom expect a supply-driven shortage when the Pre goes on sale on Saturday. However, it also reflects the hurt reputations of the two firms and the absence of high-profile smartphones in their respective catalogs.

By Electronista Staff