Sprint's Launch of the Palm Treo Pro Pushed Back Again *UPDATED*

The Palm Treo Pro's debut from Sprint apparently isn't going to happen next week, as had been previously reported. At this point, it's not clear when this carrier is going to release this smartphone.

Back in January, Sprint briefly listed this Windows Mobile device on its web site, but quickly removed it. Not too long after that, an unconfirmed report indicated that the launch had been moved to Feb. 15.

Now, however, a memo to Sprint retailers that has leaked out says:

"The Palm Treo Pro will not launch on 2/15/09 as previously communicated. New launch date is TBD. Put aside the Palm Pro fact tags and price strips received in the 2/15 launch window merchandising shipment until device launch."

Update: According to a new report, the latest target date for the release of this model is March 15.

No reason for this delay has been given, but it could easily be related to the product the Treo Pro will replace, the Treo 800w. This model is similar to the upcoming one, but is notoriously problem-ridden. If Sprint hasn't yet exhausted its supplies of the 800w, it may be holding back the successor.

An Overview of the Palm Treo Pro

The Treo Pro has been available for some time, but Sprint will be the first wireless carrier in the U.S. to offer it. Previously, a GSM version has been sold by Palm directly to consumers as an unlocked device. In Europe, the Treo Pro is available from Vodafone.

This smartphone has the design that's become a hallmark of the Treo line, a candybar shape with 320-by-320-pixel touchscreen above a QWERTY thumb-keyboard.

It runs Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional on a 400 MHz processor from Qualcomm, and comes with the standard suite of productivity applications.

Other features include an external microSD card slot for additional storage, a built-in GPS receiver, and a 2.0 MPx camera.

More about Sprint's Version

The Treo Pro model currently available uses GSM networks, but Sprint's version will be a CDMA phone with EV-DO. In addition, it will have Wi-Fi and Stereo Bluetooth.

Sprint says its 1500 mAh battery will be good for 5 hours of talk time. 

This carrier intends to charge $200 with a two-year contract and mail-in rebate for the Palm Treo Pro.

Via Boy Genius Report