Palm Pre to Launch in UK Next Month

From DailyTech: In the company's continuing battle against Apple and other smartphone makers, Palm will launch its Pre device in the United Kingdom next month.

On October 16, the Pre will launch on the O2 network, the British telecom company confirmed on Thursday morning. Available from O2, Phones4U, and Carphone Warhouse, actual consumer demand for the device remains unknown. The iPhone has been popular in the UK, and some analysts point out the fact consumers will have to choose between the Pre and iPhone -- which also is available on O2 -- will doom the Pre in the UK.

"There's a lot of excitement about Palm Pre in Europe as we continue to expand Palm webOS products across new carriers and countries," said Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein in a statement. "We look forward to launching Palm Pre with O2 so people in the U.K. can see firsthand how Palm webOS offers a new and better smartphone experience."

On an 18-month contract, O2 will make the Pre available starting at £29.38, which is comparable to the iPhone 3G. Consumers have the option of signing a two-year contract that begins at £34.26, though the phone will be available for free.

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