Uhoh.

That was the first word that came to my mind when I read that Palm may be dealing with some severe Pre shortages at launch day.  A tip was sent to MobileBurn a few weeks back by someone who works for one of Sprint's retail partners confirming that a limited supply of Pre units will be available at launch day.  As if that wasn't enough, Dan Hesse himself, in a conversation with Reuters, spoke about the supply available at launch:

"We don't intend to advertise it heavily early on because we think we are going to have shortages for a while. We won't be able to keep up with demand for the device in the early period of time."

MobileBurn's source indicated that 30,000 would be available on launch day, but it's not clear whether that means one particular channel, or across the board.  Needless to say, shortages will lead to inevitable frustration at launch day.  Think iPhone launch, but worse.  I was in that line and I remember it well - nothing like being 20 or so people away from being the last person to get an iPhone after waiting ten hours in a crowded mall hallway.  I hate to say it, but those interested in purchasing a Palm Pre should get in line as early as possible; this launch has the potential to be nasty.