I've been mulling over the release strategy of the iPhone from Apple and have to say these guys have got it right. By not allowing any pre-orders they take the must-have gadget to the arena of the usually hyped gaming consoles - with people lining up outside stores to buy one or succumbing to the "I gotta have it" crazies and plunking down three to four times the retail value through E-Bay or the like.

Apple has already gotten over (I think the figure is) 40 million dollars worth of free advertising since the announcement of the device with every corner of the tech industry watching. Sites like this one have sprouted up everywhere and everyone has something to say about it.

AT&T has not been as tight-lipped as Apple though the few scraps of leaked information have really been less than earth shattering news.

One thing is certain, when the doors open on sales for this device it will be everywhere. Evening news, business reports, blogs, newspapers ... everywhere. Will the iPhone create the same cult addiction as other apple products only this time coupled with the craze of newly released gaming consoles? I'd take the bet it will. Your opinions?

Labels: craze, cult, iPhone, release date