14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone has definitely generated a lot of hype, and, as always, somebody will try to capitalize on it. There are already E-Bay auctions on 'pre-sale models' of the iPhone, for those who are eager enough to get their hands on the device. Despite what unknown strangers over the Internet may offer to sell, it does look like the pre-sale iPhone is a scam.
People want the iPhone, and some want it bad, but it looks like everyone will have to wait. A sales brief sent to AT&T retailers, leaked by the Boy Genius Report, states that there will be no pre-selling of the device whatsoever. If there was such a presale, no doubt both Apple and AT&T would get the word out. With this in mind, the launch of the iPhone promises to be quite eventful. With a first come, first served policy in place, no list names and no pre-selling, those that will be at the counter after the last iPhone gets sold will be mighty unhappy. Some are already starting to talk about camping out for the launch.
Interestingly, the memo also talks about the iPhone pricing. "Two models of the iPhone will be available, a 4GB will retail at $499 and have an 8GB will retail at $599. If asked what the price will be, answer that the prices have been announced as $499 for the 4G, and $599 for the 8G, respectively. There should NOT be any additional speculation/discussion about pricing." Although it looked like AT&T might have changed their mind about subsidizing the iPhone, this text has brought all the speculation back again. Whether it does happen or not will make little difference at this point. People were just as eager to get their iPhones when the general consensus was that the device would sell so well that there is no need for the companies to subsidize it.