Apple has not commented on plans to disrupt the Pre's sync capability with iTunes, although analysts predict Apple will either sue Palm or write the iTunes software to stop the Pre syncing. Palm has defended the sync capability as making it easy for Pre users to access their purchased songs, however.

The Pre customers who switched service from Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc. said they found the Pre compelling enough to buy it now, rather than wait at least half a year before either competitor sells the Pre.

Verizon announced and AT&T has said it is interested, although the expiration date of the Sprint deal as the exclusive Pre carrier is still up in the air. CEO Dan Hesse suggested Friday that the exclusive deal might last beyond the end of the year, although David Owens, director of Sprint consumer marketing said later it was through the end of year.

Elliott, the Sprint spokesman, attempted to rationalize both of those predictions today by saying, "What we've been saying is that the exclusive with Palm Pre lasts through at least the end of the year."

Nick Barber of the IDG News Service in Boston contributed to this report.