Apple 3G iPhone Countdown Is On

Some consumers are already camping out at Apple stores, while AT&T is planning to open many of its U.S. stores at 8 a.m. Friday to get a jump on the launch. By W. David Gardner InformationWeek The latest versions of Apple's iPhone aren't available yet, but there are early signs a buying hysteria is gathering force -- already user interest has caused two iPhone sites to crash, in the U.K. and New Zealand. Consumers began camping out at Apple stores earlier this week including a long line outside Apple's 5th Street location in Manhattan. AT&T is planning to open many of its U.S. stores at 8 a.m. Friday to get a jump on the expected surge in orders. hype has already caused a commotion online. O2's site was overwhelmed on Monday, causing the service provider to shut down much of its order-taking capabilities. Would-be purchasers... [read full story]