Over the past few days, the wireless world has been buzzing about the June 6 launch of the Palm Pre, which will be exclusively offered on Sprint’s 3G network. 

Across the industry, reporters, analysts and consumers alike are asking questions and speculating about the device.  How will it compete against the iPhone?  What will the browsing experience be like?  PC World’s David Coursey questions if the mobile app developer community will embrace the device – or continue focusing on Apple with the iPhone 3.0 also coming out soon? 

Meanwhile, Marisa Taylor at the WSJ asks if the pricing plans for the device will “make you more likely to jump for a Pre over an iPhone?” 

Despite all of these questions swirling about the device, I find myself wondering about what the device, and the choice to use Sprint’s network exclusively, means for the future.

By now, we all know Sprint is delivering WiMAX service, in conjunction with Clearwire.  I don’t think it’s a huge leap to think that Palm choose Sprint because of its affiliation with the technology.  Perhaps the next version of the Pre will have duel mode chips embedded, allowing subscribers to leverage both Sprint’s 3G and 4G networks (as it becomes available.)  Time will tell if Palm joins the likes of Intel, Google, Cisco and of course Sprint in the WiMAX ecosystem.

Are you planning to buy a Palm Pre when it comes out next month?  Do you think future versions of the device will include WiMAX?