Update: Only hours after we reported about Sprint's Palm Pre promotion, the company backtracked and called it a mistake. As of right now, the Palm Pre can still be purchased at a discount ($300 instant savings, plus a $100 mail-in rebate with a 2-year contract) which comes to a total of $150.

Reportedly, Sprint will grant the $99 pricing to those who signed up during the time the promotion was available on their website.

Original story is below.
Looking to spur sales and help sign new customers, Sprint Nextel is offering a $100 service credit to Palm Pre buyers who switch their line from another carrier and commit to a 2-year contract. The credit will be spread out over a three month period on users' bills, essentially halving the price of Palm's smartphone to $99.

The move has been met with mixed reactions around the web. Some believe the offer will cause discontent among loyal Sprint customers who will have to pay the full price while others are given VIP treatment, whereas others see this as a sign of desperation on Sprint's part amid lower than expected sales. Whether or not this is the case, Sprint is clearly trying to grab some additional market share while they still have exclusivity on the Pre.

Both Verizon and AT&T have hinted at plans to start selling the device early next year.