The five-month wait for the first Palm Pre models to hit the store shelves is almost over. This Saturday, the Pre is slated to be available at Sprint stores and various retail outlets including Best Buy. Apple went through a somewhat similar drawn out affair with the first iPhone, previewing it in January, 2007 and then shipping the first models in June of that year.

But Apple had the rumor mill on its side, working overtime to generate buzz and speculation as to what features would be included in the iPhone. Palm has been open as to the Palm Pre’s specs and has been pitching the device more directly of late. Last week Palm execs spoke at the All Things D conference about the Pre. Now Palm and partner Sprint are hosting a charity event Wednesday, ahead of launch, to get the Pre in front of some of Hollywood’s heavyweights.

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