One thing that Apple is good at (actually they are good at a lot of things) is how to work their enormous marketing machine. I used to work for a company with over 500 affiliate marketers. We decided to run a promotion to give them incentive to push our products harder. So we decided to give away 10 Apple iPhones to our 10 lucky winners. Buying 10 iPhones is not really easy. You have to talk to Apple representatives and show the proof that you are not buying the iPhones for your eBay business.

Story short, I gave up my personal email address to open an account with Apple and pay for the iPhones. That was a big mistake though. I can’t remember how many emails I have got from Apple about their products and the imminent launch of the Apple iPhone. Not only that, these guys called me twice a week (even when I refused to pick up the phone).

Apple has great products and a great marketing machine. They know how to make you love their products even if you are not interested in buying. You hear iPhone so many times that even if you can’t afford it you got to have it. Apple is not just good with innovation in making products. They are very good in finding innovative ways to make you want their product, and for that they got to be applauded. Even though for the rest of us it means we will have less savings to count on!

Believe it or not we are only 4 days off the launch of iPhone 3G. Come this Friday, you can pick the new iPhone 3G at your AT&T and Apple stores starting 8 am sharp. If you are planning to go there on Friday, I would take a half-day off, if possible. Of course, if you have some sick days that you haven’t used yet, then Friday is the best day to get sick

You probably want to be there at least at 6 a.m to be somewhat in front of the line. Of course, depending on your area and state, you maybe able to pull of a 7, 7:30 but I doubt it. Remember, you need to buy an iPhone service plan so don’t forget a credit card. And don’t drink too much water before going there (for obvious reasons).

Good luck!

As we reported earlier this week, the new iPhone will be offered unlocked by AT&T as a means to sell more iPhone 3G units. But will you be able to use your unlocked iPhone with T-mobile or any other compatible carrier?

According to a few industry sources, the iPhone will remain locked within the AT&T network. You just get to choose the length of your contract and the type of service plan you want to have with your iPhone. I honestly don’t believe that should be the case since you are asking people to pay $600 or so for an iPhone that is partially locked.

Do I expect AT&T to come up with such a scheme? You bet. But will they actually go ahead with such scheme? I am not too sure. It would absolutely make no sense to me to buy an iPhone that is partially locked. The whole point of unlocking a phone is to have the chance to use it with any other mobile service provider so I am not sure if the “industry” sources are right no this.

Will you pay $400 or so extra for the semi-unlocked iPhone?

I just saw this deal that I thought some of you maybe interested in. eCost.com has iPod Touch 8 GB for $219. Check it out if you don’t have an iPhone already and are not ready to put up a few thousands for the service plan.

Optus has just released their pricing for the 3G iPhones in Australia. According to Australian IT you can get the 8GB iPhone for free if you go with a premium service plan. You can also choose to go prepaid and pay up $729 for the black iPhone 8GB or $849 for the 16GB iPhone 3G.

Pretty hefty, eh? It seems Apple’s strategy to target both prepaid and post-paid customers is not only for the U.S. Now I am sure a lot of people can’t afford to pay $900 for a phone, but it’s good to have that option.

Here is the full story.