Palm Pre to Sell for $150?

As potential customers eagerly await the release of the Palm Pre smartphone, forecasters are predicting how much it might cost. A report from Brighthand indicates it could be as low as $150. That’s $50 cheaper than the 8GB Apple iPhone.

Of course, the quality comparisons of the two products are hard to make until the Pre becomes available. But it was revealed this week that AT&T, the iPhone’s exclusive wireless operator, was doing everything it can to point out how the Pre might – and we emphasize, might – be inferior.

May 17 is the tentative launch date for the Pre. Sprint will be the official distributor. No word yet from Palm or Sprint to confirm the $150 price tag. A two-year contract with the carrier will likely be required.