Earlier this afternoon, at an undisclosed Sprint Nextel store location, I held the polished riverbed stone-like Pre in the palm of my hand, and I was sold. I walked into the Sprint store to inquire about the launch tomorrow morning, calling plans, pricing, etc.; all the things I want to know to help me decide if I would pick up a line of service with Sprint so I could have the Pre.

The Wireless Specialist – we’ll call him “John” to protect him from any repercussions – was very excited about the Pre and, seeing my own excitement, waxed conspiratorial and slipped into the back room to emerge with a Pre. Once I felt it’s weight resting in my hand, I knew I would be back in the morning to make an official purchase. Given the limited quantity (this particular location will only have 10 phones), I will buy it with my company sponsorship and one will be ready for me to pick up on Monday. I’ve waited this long, I think I can wait another 2 days. Just maybe.

Although the Pre has now been heavily reviewed already on numerous sites, I’ll just say that a few moments with this slick polished beauty is all I need to know that Palm and Sprint have a winner, hands down.