Engadget got their hands on an internal Sprint document suggesting that the targeted release date for the Palm Pre is no earlier than May 16th. Following Sprint's product launch trend, May 16th will most likely be Sprint Store's preparation for a May 17th launch, that is if they have enough inventory. Don't know if anyone else noticed it, the very second item from the list reads, "P100(Code name for Palm Pre) FAQs for Search/Support and Learn", happening exactly a week before launch. My guess it's a product update for Sprint employees to answer the FAPQ(P as in Pre), so they can stop answering by, "we'll get more information on that when it's close to launch", since it will be close to launch by then.

[via engadget]

All the rumors and speculations of a mid-April/late April/May launch of the Palm Pre doesn't appear to be too far of a stretch. Stated in an email from Sprint, "Employees can expect training to start in April as well as multiple communications to get them excited and ready to help our customers." I was wondering if the training has begun -- so I asked for a confirmation on that thought.

"I would like to inform that Sprint is in the process of providing the training for the new Palm Pre. Once it's launched, Sprint will be ready to serve their valued customers regarding the Palm Pre."

The fact that Sprint employees are already training up on the Palm Pre, pretty much implies that the release date of the Pre should be near. On top of that, early this week, Sprint began getting the word out about the Pre with their new marketing campaign. So don't be surprised when the Palm Pre launches within the coming 5 weeks or so!

Some say that after seeing Palm Pre demos at CTIA, the Pre doesn't seem to be ready, software wise. And of course many have advised Palm and Sprint to not rush the phone. So the question is, is it really ready?