Palm Pre coming to Europe on October 13
As promised O2 is bringing the GSM version of the Palm Pre to the lucky people of Europe and by mid-October you can have it too. So far, O2 Germany, UK and Ireland websites have information about the upcoming release. Strangely enough Movistar that should be offering the Pre in Spain is still quiet about it.
Movistar was supposed to offer the Palm Pre in Spain and it was sort of implied that they will release it at about the same time as O2. Well maybe they just forgot to put up the announcement. At any rate, O2 Germany seems to be releasing it first - October 13th, while O2 UK will offer it three days later.O2 Ireland doesn't list a specific date but they do have info on the tariffs.
Here's the rundown - the British can get the Pre on a 30 pounds a month eighteen-month contract for 97 pounds, or for free for either 44 or 34 pounds a month (18 and 24 month contracts respectively). All these contracts include unlimited network data and Wi-Fi access. You can get it directly from O2 stores (including the online store), or through Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U.
Things in Ireland are pricier - 99 euro for the phone with an 18-month contract, 45 euro monthly tariff or for free for 100 euro a month (again 18-month contract). Wi-Fi is free, though network data is capped at 1GB (2 eurocents per MB in excess).
For now O2 Germany seems to be the only provider offering the Palm Pre SIM-free - but there's a cost to pay. Specifically, 20 euro a month for 24 months. The other options are 50 or 90 euro for the phone and 8.50 or 17 euro a month respectively (24-month contract). Data costs an extra 8.50 euro for unlimited data though they drop you to GPRS speeds when you exceed 200MB.
All these plans include various limits (or lack of limits) on voice calls and SMS but you can check that out yourself as it all depends on how much you talk usually. However, using the Palm Pre without a data plan is certainly a waste of its talents.
Sources: O2 Germany, O2 UK, O2 Ireland