A new survey conducted by ChangeWave Research shows that only 4% of those polled are interested in buying the Palm Pre at some point in the next six months. Most would rather have a BlackBerry or iPhone. Time for Palm to panic?ChangeWave's survey polled the thoughts of 4,292 adult smartphone buyers. Of that group, just 4% indicated they'd buy a Palm Pre. What are they really interested in? Over one-third (37%) said they'd rather have a BlackBerry, and just under one-third (30%) said they'd rather have an iPhone.

Additionally, just 4% of current BlackBerry owners said they'd consider the Pre, and just 1% of current iPhone owners said they'd consider the Pre.

With RIM and Apple holding the interest of two-thirds of smartphone shoppers, that doesn't leave a lot of market opportunity for Palm, Microsoft, Nokia and Google's smartphone platforms.

I think part of Palm's problem with respect to the Pre is visibility in the marketplace. I've seen webOS (because I am a tech reporter), and I think it is fantastic. It completely outstrips Windows Mobile and S60 in usability and ingenuity. It challenges BlackBerry OS, as well. I think once more people get a chance to spend some hands-on time with the Pre and webOS, they'll feel differently about it.

The last bit of information coming from ChangeWave suggests another potential problem for Palm: Only 1% of respondents would consider switching to Sprint for the device. In other words, Palm's choice of network operator partner appears to be a deterrent, not an incentive.

Palm has indicated that a GSM variant of the Pre is in the works. If the Pre becomes available from a GSM network operator, such as T-Mobile or AT&T, some potential smartphone buyers may change their minds.

Pair this lack of smartphone shopper interest with the recently-announced lack of developer interest in the Palm Pre and webOS, however, and there's some troubling food for thought.