Got opinions? Become a Real Reviewer (and get a new phone courtesy of Palm)

Are your Facebook updates all about your experience with your phone? Do you know what "FP" means? (And are your blog comments a bit more substantive than that?) If you can tweet your opinions about Palm phones in 140 characters or less, we want to hear from you. (Heck, now that all of Shakespeare's plays have been condensed for Twitter, it should be a piece of cake to tweet your nuanced thoughts about your favorite phone features.)

We're looking for a few "Real Reviewers" to share their opinions about Palm phones across the blogosphere, social networks and beyond. If you're selected as a Real Reviewer, we'll provide you with a current-model phone and data-plan service for six months. We'll expect you to regularly share your thoughts about your experiences with your phone on whatever blogs and social networks you frequent (but you're already doing that, right?). We might even invite you to guest blog about your experiences right here on Palm's blog or host a discussion board on our Facebook page.

What's the catch? There's really just one: be yourself. Whether you're a fanboy or a skeptic, we want to hear from you.

Ready to become a Real Reviewer? Apply here by answering a few questions about yourself. We're looking for a mix of Palm veterans and newcomers, from all walks of life. (There are a couple of restrictions, though: You must be a U.S. resident and at least 18 years old.)

If you're interested, apply now -- we'll notify selected Real Reviewers on May 8.

Jon Zilber

Comments

[ups]

I hate these "be a US resident" stuff...

[Tj]

oOOOH! What's the significance of the date May 8th :):):):)

[Dimitry Z]

Awesome idea. Hope I get picked :D

[Philip Lam]

Is the Palm Pre an option?

[Jon Z at Palm]

Philip -- we'll work to provide Real Reviewers with the most current phones that work on their carrier (or provide service on an alternate carrier). That will include the Palm Pre when available.

[Matthew J]

I love writing reviews, this is a really cool idea! And yes, is there something going on on May 8th? :-)

[Jon Z at Palm]

Matthew -- yes, on May 8th we'll be contacting our first Real Reviewers!

[Josh Howton]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh pick me, pick me!!!! I've already been doing this for the Pre since the second i heard about it in January. I've been blogging it, tweeting it, Facebookin it... talking about it to everyone!!! Now if I could do this with real life experiences... I'd be set!

[Andrew]

US Residents only!? Bah, would love to contribute from the European point of view.

[Braden S]

Great idea! I just applied...maybe this is my big break into tech-journalism!

[Chris]

^ show some dignity brother!

[Stephen DelRose]

Thanks for this opportunity! I hope I'm selected!

[Bailers]

Hey, even if I don't get to participate, I think it's really cool that you are doing this. I hope you pick me, but either way, great job!

[Unum sed Leonem]

Indeed, why for the US alone?
I am positive no smartphone or PDA compares to the iPhone or the iPod Touch at all… but Palm Pre. Of course, one would argue there's no hard proof that it will. Its UI certainly does! Its physical design does! The WebOS, above being terribly beautiful, is very, very novel.
I live in Europe and am very willing to review Palm Pre, but, of course, it won't initially be available here - nor am I, as a European resident, qualified to review one according to Palm. That's somewhat bitter.

At any rate, I am curious to know when Palm Pre will be available here - and whether the conditions listed above will apply to reviewers in Europe.

Good luck, Palm, with the Pre and WebOS! My compliments!

Thank you.

[Gene K]

Yeah I am liking the May 8th date, wink wink nudge nudge.

[Jon Z at Palm]

Unum (et al)-- the US-only restriction has nothing to do with a lack of interest in (or respect for) the opinions of folks outside the US. Nor does it have anything to do with Palm's marketing plans outside the US. It's strictly a matter of some of the nuts-and-bolts logistics of managing this program.

[Philip Lam]

When you say "available", do you mean when it's officially launched?

[cliff]

My bet is the US-only restriction is since they're only working with US cell networks... Plus, it's CDMA

[John H]

Thanks for providing us with this opportunity. Obviously I'm pumped about the potential of the new Palm Pre, but to be able to review real products and share those thoughts with the world beyond my group of friends... Sweet!

Seriously though I can't wait much longer... I'm going crazy checking twitter and blogs every 5 minutes waiting for the latest news on the Pre.

[Ken]

Sorry everyone. I won.

[RC]

Jon, shouldn't our commander in chief get the most up to date phone on the market? Doesn't he deserve a PRE with all the features? Even though I am a Conservative Republican, I do believe Barack Obama as the leader of the free world should get the PRE if only to prove the US remains at the cutting edge of technology.

[Jon Z at Palm]

RC -- I'll keep an eye out to see if he applies.

[Matt Stubblefield]

thank you twitter and pre-thinking for that lovely little sound that just made my evening...hopefully the palm pre that I am stalking will be sent to me for the ultimate test drive that it deserves!!

I finally think this may be the phone for me that breaks my long love affair with with blackberry. I think it will fit in well with my organization!

[schnoid]

I can't imagine they're going to be able to get through so many submissions, but I'm gonna cross my fingers and hope that I get chosen. I just want the opportunity to give my open and honest opinion before the phone comes out. That would be awesome.

[shaherose]

I just applied! Hope to be selected!