The numbers are not looking pretty for the release of the Pre. Out of 1000 Best Buy stores across the country only 4500 handsets will be available for consumers. This is a rather frightening ratio to consider, seeing as the hype surrounding this phone seems to grow daily. Some blogs are claiming that this is a stunt on the part of Palm to generate interest, while we here at MobileRoar are hoping, for the sake of Palm’s success mostly, that this is all just fake rumour shenanigans. Either way, only the June 7^th release date will reveal all.

For those planning to storm their nearest Best Buy location the prices are out, and it looks like if you want the device with no strings attached the piggy bank is going to be taking quite a hit. The device sells for a cool grand sans contract, while new customers who are willing to sign a 2 year contract get it for $199 and upgrading existing customers pay $299.

[Via PalmWebOS.org]