HP/Palm accidentally let slip on their dedicated student Facebook page that preorders for the new Pre 2 will begin November 8. They’ve since pulled the status update, but the cat’s kind of out of the bag now. This info doesn’t nail down a proper release date (the last guess was November 11), but it can’t be long after the 8th., especially since the Pre 2 has already been out in France for a few weeks now. In any case, it’s probably safe to expect North American availability before the holidays.
The Pre 2 isn’t a huge upgrade over the Palm Pre Plus, but it does crank the processor speed up to 1 GHz, upgrade the camera to 5 megapixels, and replaces the screen with scratch-resistant Gorilla glass. It will launch with a new version of webOS that includes a revamped implementation of multitasking, turning universal search into something of a command line for apps, plus the usual use of Synergy to populate contacts with information from online social networks.
Verizon is the only confirmed carrier for the webOS 2.0 phone, but Rogers and AT&T are also likely to pick it up. If you’re on any other GSM carrier, HP will be selling the Palm Pre 2 direct and unlocked. Although only the diehard Palm fans will be frothing at the bit for this upgrade, I think we’re all interested in seeing what HP and Palm build together when it comes to tablets and more adventurous smartphones.
[via PreCentral]