Palm Pre launch plans leaked

    By Philip Elmer-DeWitt

    It’s labeled “Sprint confidential information for internal use only,” and accompanied by a warning that any “improper sharing” is considered a leak, will be investigated, and could result in “termination.”

    But that didn’t prevent a copy of Sprint’s business/executive launch guide for the Palm Pre from falling into the hands of the sleuths at Engadget, who published the 21-page document in its entirety on Sunday.

    It’s chock full of juicy details — including the dates of a Hollywood promotional event (June 3), a New York executive breakfast (June 5) and invitation-only VIP events at 10 flagship stores (June 5).

    For the rest of us, who have to wait for the official June 6 launch, there are instructions to staff about who should and shouldn’t be sold Palm’s (PALM) bet-the-company device.

    “We Can’t Afford to Sell the Pre to the Wrong Customers,” warns the call-out text.

    But most relevant for would-be buyers — and competitors — are the details of Sprint’s (S) pricing plans, which start at $69.99 (for “Everything Data” and 450 calling minutes per month) and $99.99 (for “Simply Everything,” which includes unlimited minutes).