Looks like Palm wants to get the word about its forthcoming smartphone, the Pre, to as many people as possible. As such, it has tapped famed radio disc jockey -- and noted Treo addict -- Howard Stern to give its device an on-air interview.According to ZDNet, Howard Stern is shopping for a new cell phone. It reports that he's a fiercely loyal Palm customer, and in fact still uses a Treo.

He recently said, "I'm embarrassed to hold up my phone right now it's so old school."

Enter Palm's big chance.

Stern is currently testing a BlackBerry, and has already ruled out the iPhone due to its lack of a physical keyboard. In response, Palm is going to let Stern test out the Pre.

He said, "They're going to show me the Pre and then take it away. They're trying to build excitement for this thing. If people don't buy this I don't see how Palm keeps going." He pretty much nailed it. If the Pre fails, so, too, will Palm.

It is a pretty big gamble for Palm to take. Stern is no tech reviewer. If he hates it, he'll say so, and Palm can probably kiss off any sales that his endorsement might have scared up.

What strikes me is that this seems desperate. Sure, celebrities have been spotted using lust-worthy devices before they hit the market, but they are generally quiet about it. Stern is the absolute opposite of quiet. His radio program is listened to by millions every day.

If Stern pans the Palm Pre, Palm stands to lose a lot.