Palm Pre Camping Guide

How many Palm Pre phones will be available on the day it’s released? Will you be able to get a Pre if you call Sprint? Are the rumors of limited quanities to be believed? All very good questions and no one really knows for sure. One way you can be sure to get a Palm Pre on the day its released, is to camp out for the Palm Pre. Not only is it a chance to geek out with other geeks, but you’ll have the comfort knowing that arriving at local Sprint Store during the early hours of {insert release date} will mean you’ll walk out with a new Palm Pre (assuming you pass Sprint’s credit checks and come prepared to pay {insert price}. For those ready to brave the cold or should we say heat, here are a few tips to get you through the evening and early morning.

The first thing you’ll need to do is locate a Sprint store in your area. Use the Sprint Store locator and find a store nearest to your location. You should contact the store to check availability and to find out store hours. Next up, plan for the event by assembling the following:

• Get coffee! Whether you are planning a full night of camping or an early morning arrival, chances are that coffee will be part of your plan. Before you embark on your adventure, do a quick search of Google Maps for "coffee + your zip code‘. Armed with a Venti coffee, you’ll be ready to wait.
  
• A comfortable, portable chair. A beach chair will work and Walmart has a 2-position chair priced at just $16.48. Much better than concrete and a place to put your coffee. That can only be described as a win-win.
  
• Bring your old phone. It will allow you to stay in touch with friends and family. Caution: They might think you’re nuts for camping out for a phone. Your old phone will be helpful if you are porting your old number to the Pre.
• Candy! Like most experienced campers will tell you, there is nothing like a good ole’ Snickers bar to fight hunger. Extra candy bars can also be used to barter with other people on line, perhaps for a chance to move up a spot or two.
  
• Entertainment. Sure, bring your iPod, PSP or any other portable entertainment device to help you pass the time.
• Cash and/or credit cards. Bring two if for some reason there is a problem with the authorization on one card. I’ve seen this happen during other campouts and it’s not pretty.
• Proof that it’s you, since Sprint will probably need that to activate a new line or service or to upgrade you to a Palm Pre.
• The biggest thing you’ll need is patience. You’ve waited 5 months for a chance to get a Palm Pre, so be patient with the store reps. Chances are this will be the biggest single selling day in the history of Sprint. The reps are there to help and a little courtesy will help everyone leave with good vibes.

There you have it. Everything you need to camp for the Palm Pre. Plan on camping out for the Pre? Join our Palm Pre Campers Group over in Pre Social or let us know tips in the comments. Think it’s crazy to camp out for a phone? Feel free to chime in below.