Apple is already warning that the iPhone 3G S, which is scheduled to be available at AT&T stores on Friday, will be sold out on launch day.
In anticipation of the iPhone 3G S frenzy, AT&T is offering customers a checklist on its Web site to "reduce your wait time on launch day." The Web site offers a pre-order form and checklist for iPhone 3G S users ("one iPhone 3G S per person").
Consumers can choose between a 16 GB version available in black or white at "$399 to purchase an early upgrade" or "$199 for new activations and qualified upgrades."
The 32 GB version is priced at "$499 to purchase an early upgrade" and "$299 for new activations and qualified upgrades."
The checklist also provides consumers with the ability to "select your accessories" and a number of options to choose a rate plan.
Customers can choose between opening a new AT&T account, which requires a credit check or the ability to port (transfer) to an existing phone number and the ability to "transfer your date to the iPhone."
Competitors like Palm, which began shipping its highly touted Palm Pre on June 8, were hoping to capture market share by besting Apple's older models. The Pre, for example, has won raves for its elegant user interface, but now must battle a newer iPhone that includes a slew of breakthroughs including video capture with editing functionality and the ability to post videos to YouTube or MobileMe. The new iPhone 3G S also has support for voice dialing and a camera with autofocus and low-light capabilities.