iPhrenzy: 3G Debuting in 11 Days!

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Get out your camping gear: In little more than a week, the new 3G iPhone will be available in stores around the country, with the exact moment of release set at 8am. It is safe to assume that many Apple fans will be lining up prior to that time, especially since new rules state that you must buy and activate the gadgets in-store.

The big selling point of the iPhone 3G has been its discounted price—$199! It seems downright cheap compared to what early adapters have shelled out for their models. But some current AT&T customers won't be able to get the phones at that price. The company states that, "Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model." Adding insult to injury, those customers must still sign a new two-year contract with AT&T. The plans don't come cheap, either. The most basic is $70 a month, and that doesn't include text messaging (another $20 a month for unlimited access to late-night booze-fueled missives). Regardless of all that, word is that there is an 'unprecedented pent-up demand' for the phones. Because everyone thinks knows these things are life-altering.
· Report: half of prospective smartphone buyers eying iPhone 3G [AppleInsider]
· AT&T Announces iPhone 3G Pricing and Tips to be iReady [AT&T News Room]
· Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Buying an iPhone 3G (But Were Too Afraid to Ask) [Gizmodo]
· iPhrenzy: Racked's Uncensored iPhone 3G Buyers Guide [Racked]
· iPhrenzy: $199 iPhone Debuting July 11th [Racked]