Palm Pre: 60 days exclusive at Sprint too?

Yesterday, we reported on a rumor floating around that Best Buy would have the retail exclusive on the new Palm Pre smartphone that rocked CES. Other than Sprint stores, retail giant Best Buy will be the only source to pick up this phone. This rumor was seen by Iyaz, our Editor, as a good move for the phone’s visibility. Palm announced Sprint to the be the initial exclusive carrier, but for how long is unseen.

Just like the iPhone?

Apple and AT&T have been in bed for so long, it is hard to think that one day it will end. Many folks rag on the iPhone for its AT&T only proposition and surely AT&T has seen subscriber numbers rise thanks solely to this phone. It seems quite logical that Sprint would want something like that too.

Around the world in 60 days?

What if it is 60 days for Sprint? Sprint would still benefit from the Palm Pre press and they’ll likely hold an event to launch. 60 days seems like an interesting headstart to give to Best Buy. They are one of the biggest mobile phone sellers so why stop there? Is it Palms intention to sell these in Target and Walmart? Company direct sales? 3rd party corporate-focused sellers? What gives?

Putting the “smart” in smartphone, baby

Upon hearing the news, I assumed this meant a contract measured in years surely makes the most sense. But this 60 days for Best Buy says to me that Palm is being smart about this. I believe they know what they have on their hands (a kick butt winning smartphone by my initial review) and will leverage that with multiple partners to their advantage.

60 days would make a lot of people awfully happy. No offense Sprint.