iPhone Acquisition Strategies, Data Plan Info Soon?

Many readers have been discussing acquisition strategies for obtaining an iPhone on the first day it goes on sale (June 29th). So far, information has been limited.

Apple's most recent press release gives us essentially all the information we know about where to get one:

iPhone will be sold in the US through Apples retail and online stores, and through AT&Ts select retail stores.

Steve Jobs told us that the iPhone would go on sale at 6 p.m. on the 29th and an AT&T memo confirmed that this would be "local time" -- meaning East Coast customers will be able to buy the iPhone first.

BoyGeniusReport and Appleinsider have both reported that AT&T's retail stores will close around 4:30pm and reopen at 6:00pm and plan on staying open until at least 10:00pm. iPhone purchasers will be able to find some early accessories on sale, including the Apple Bluetooth Headset, Jawbone Bluetooth Headset, and a number of 3rd party accessories (photos).

Many expect large lines at both Apple Stores and AT&T stores. To give an idea of interest, one New York City AT&T store reportedly had over 2000 names on their waiting list before this practice was prohibited.

We've received reports that more promotional materials and possibly data plan information will come this Friday at local Apple Stores. Meanwhile, we have received conflicting reports from various local AT&T stores, so it seems clear that none of the local AT&T store staff have any official information on iPhone sales or data plans.

We expect that many MacRumors readers will be amongst the first to purchase the iPhone. We have started collecting a list of iPhone questions for new iPhone owners that will be presented on June 29th to give new iPhone owners topics to report on for fellow readers.