Apple’s retail stores have been called “the best place to buy a cell phone” by no less an organ than June’s Consumer Reports — despite the company only selling one model of the device!

Consumer Report's report cites a survey across 11,000 readers conducted last year by the mag’s National Research Center. Apple’s stores got [...]]]>

Apple’s retail stores have been called “the best place to buy a cell phone” by no less an organ than June’s Consumer Reports — despite the company only selling one model of the device!

Consumer Report's report cites a survey across 11,000 readers conducted last year by the mag’s National Research Center. Apple’s stores got ‘especially high’ marks for activation and check out.

Overall the company took an 84 percent satisfaction rating.

Others in the list (in order) include:

• US Cellular (80)
• Costco (79)
• Best Buy (79)
• Walmart (77)
• Verizon (76)
• AT&T Wireless (76)
• T-Mobile (76)
• Sprint/Nextel (74)
• Alltel (74)

Verizon’s online retail operations came in at 80 percent, top of the pack and ahead of ATT online, with 75 percent.

via Consumer Reports says Apple retail’s the best place to buy a phone! | 9 to 5 Mac.

Update: Source for original file: http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335/unanimouswow/Prototype352.jpg

Look like the black borders are symmetrical all around.  Could hide the wireless antennas quite well. But there is no docking port… so quite possibly [...]]]> This might be one of the iPad prototype?

• Look like iPhone: Check
• Has a home button: Check
• Look like 10″ diagonal: Check
• Announced docking port at the bottom: Might not be visible

Update: Source for original file: http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335/unanimouswow/Prototype352.jpg

Look like the black borders are symmetrical all around.  Could hide the wireless antennas quite well. But there is no docking port… so quite possibly a fake ;-(  Look good anyway.

UPDATE 2: OK, Someone pointed the fact that left might in fact be right So what I thought would be the bottom of the unit might be the top, hence no port there to be viewed.

Update 3: Look at the white back of the unit.  This could possibly allow people to buy it in different color like it is possible for iPods.

FINAL UPDATE:

This is a real product but not the iPad.  I found this other picture of the device from a different angle:

It is the MID 700 from BoEye.  The product was shown at Dubai’s GITEX. So now let see what Apple really come out with tomorrow!

Bell clients will soon be able to enjoy one of the most sought-after smartphone experiences, with unparalleled access to applications, web browsing, and digital [...]]]> Bell is committed to providing its clients the newest and most exciting devices, including the Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS – making Bell’s smartphone portfolio best-in-class.

Bell clients will soon be able to enjoy one of the most sought-after smartphone experiences, with unparalleled access to applications, web browsing, and digital content – all on Bell’s HSPA+ network.

The iPhone is a revolutionary mobile phone, widescreen iPod, and breakthrough Internet device in one. It offers desktop-class email, an amazing Maps application, and Safari — the world’s most advanced mobile web browser.  As well, so much more is available at your fingertips with access to over 85,000 apps available from the App Store.

Key Dates:

• SKU Opening: ready for ordering on Product Zone on October 15, 2009.
• Shipping Date: will begin shipping to all stores week of October 30, 2009.
• Launch date: November, 2009 – exact date to be communicated in a later communication.

The feature highlights of the iPhone 3G and 3GS are:

• Operate on Bell’s HSPA+ network and supports HSPA/UMTS/GSM/EDGE networks worldwide.
• Tri-Band:  850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz HSPA/UMTS.
• Quad-Band:  850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz GSM/EDGE.
• Speeds supported for iPhone 3GS – up to 7.2Mbps (iPhone 3G – up to 3.6Mbps)
• Global Roaming – Use your iPhone in over 200 countries worldwide.
• Revolutionary Mobile Phone:
• iPhone redefines what you can do on a mobile phone. Tap a number to make a call. Scroll through your contacts with the flick of a finger.
• Great Widescreen iPod:
• iPhone is an equally brilliant iPod. Enjoy music, movies, and more on the 3.5-inch widescreen display and browse by album artwork with Cover Flow.
• Breakthrough Internet Device:
• iPhone uses fast 3G and Wi-Fi wireless connections to deliver rich HTML email, Maps with GPS, and Safari — the world’s most advanced mobile web browser.
• App Store:
• Once you discover the App Store, you’ll see how applications can make your iPhone do just about anything. Choose from tens of thousands of apps, then download your favourites with a tap.

The table below outlines the features, camera type, available colours, and memory capacity of the iPhone 3GS and 3G:

The iPhone box includes:

• iPhone,
• Earphones with remote and mic,
• Dock connector to USB cable,
• USB power adapter,
• Documentation, and
• SIM eject tool.

Note:

• SIM cards will be affixed to the outside of the box.

Cellebrite Phone Transfer Tool:

The iPhone requires cable #110.  Please ensure that your store has cable #110; otherwise, you cannot do a Phone Book Transfer to the iPhone.  Corporate stores can order cable #110 via ARIBA.  Dealers/National Retail can order cable #110 via Product Zone.  Updated Cellebrite software that supports the iPhone and all other HSPA devices that will be launched in November/December will be issued within the next week.

Please note that this communication is intended to provide information for ordering product.  All policies, procedures, and LTO pricing (if applicable) will be communicated in a later communication.

The table below outlines the pricing and agreement rebates for the iPhone 3G – 8GB:

The table below outlines the pricing and agreement rebates for the iPhone 3GS – 16GB:

The table below outlines the pricing and agreement rebates for the iPhone 3GS – 32GB:

Always refer to the latest Pricing Grid for complete and most up to date pricing information, including LTO promotions.

The table below shows the English and French description and the SKU of the iPhone 3G and 3GS: