Sprint has recently expanded sales of Palm's Pre smartphone to a variety of online retailers, according to a company memo posted on preThinking. Customers will now be able to purchase the device through portals such as Amazon.com and LetsTalk, among others.

Along with the push for online distribution, LetsTalk on Monday ran a promotion that brings the Pre down to $99. If other retailers follow the same trend, the device will compete directly with Apple's iPhone 3G that is now available for $99 following the 3GS launch.

Recent data from Changewave noted a surge in demand for the Palm Pre and iPhone 3GS following their respective launches. A true comparison of Pre sales against iPhones or BlackBerrys will be difficult to determine until after the third quarter.