The Palm Pre: iPhone's first major rival?

For months the iPhone has been the 'must have gadget', topping sales, gadgets and cool brands lists. But now, there is a new kid on the block that looks set to dethrone Apple's golden boy.

The Palm Pre has long been touted as the smart-phone to shake up the mobile market and pre-order sales have already eclipsed that of the first generation iPhone. Available on the 02 network, that famously lost iPhone exclusivity a few weeks ago, the Palm Pre has seen 27 percent of O2 customers express an interest in owning one, compared to 17 percent when the iPhone was first released.

With both Orange and Vodafone now supporting the iPhone, the Palm Pre could be the device to save 02 as well as attract more customers. Some experts have even predicted that up to a third of people could switch networks to get their hands on a 'Pre'.

In a statement, Kevin Evans, associate director at TNS Technology, warned people not to underestimate the Palm Pre.

"The Palm Pre is already being touted as the "iPhone killer" and our research certainly suggests it's going to shake up the market. The decision to offer the Pre free to those on a 24-month contract is in sharp contrast to the GBP£269 price of the iPhone at its launch, while the launch timing capitalises on the fact that thousands of UK iPhone early-adopters are approaching the end of their 18-month contract period, while the next-generation iPhone is not expected until next June."

He added, "With other promising new launches including Vodafone 360, MOTOBLURand next-generation versions of Windows Mobile also challenging the iPhone's position as the dominant mobile multimedia platform, this is an exciting time for the industry and a great time to be a consumer."

However with the likes of Blackberry Storm 2 hitting the market, not to mention a range of Android phones, the Palm Pre is going to have to work hard to convince customers it's the smart-phone for them.

 

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