How does the preorder work?

Brian Kastens wrote:
One other question.. do phone backups save SMS/MMS conversations?

Yes.

Wow...a lot of helpful answers in this thread...but i have a few questions of my own..
1.) I have a Mastercard Debit card through Capital One....
Can i use that when i preorder....?
(At stores i can use the card as debit or credit)

2.) Im on a family plan so my mom is the account holder...

What information is required when i preorder...because she'll most likely be asleep at 12:01 on June 15....

Will i need her social security #, account # etc...??

My two cents..

I agree with you all the way. I put off getting a 3GS because it just seemed like a "Pro" model compared to my 3G, which works absolutely fine. I have noticed, though, that as more and more of my apps are updated to newer versions, they seem to run slower and crash more often. I don't blame my 3G as much as I blame the Apps that seem to be optimized more for the 3GS and possibly even iPhone 4, as opposed to still supporting earlier models. Which if true, doesn't bode well for people that want to stick with the older models.. But, whatever. 3 Years ago, I couldn't have imagined what would come of the iPhone. Being used to Windows Mobile phones for so many years through work, the iPhone is a breath of fresh air. Now I ask, what's Windows Mobile? 🙂

BTW, for anyone looking for any Pre-Order Information about the new iPhone, this is the best Comment Thread I've found online. Go team!

You should be able to keep your current plan. I'm still on the same plan I've had for about 7 years. This will be my 3rd iPhone and I've been able to keep everything in tact, minus the iPhone fee. I've had the same amount of minutes per month w/rollover at a great rate now for what seems like forever. I've never once had any real issues with AT&T, Cingular, or CellOne and I have no intention of leaving anytime soon...

...And, they wouldn't activate the phone before they sent it. That's a big security violation no-no.

Ok, so now I've heard 3 different answers to this question. When will my Credit Card officially be charged? The moment I place my Pre-Order or the Moment it is Shipped?

They may issue a temporary charge just to see if the account can cover the charge. Then you will be actually be charged when your iPhone ships.

From all of my past experiences with AT&T, they will honor an upgrade 2-4 weeks before you are "Officially" eligible for your upgrade, even though it won't say so online. When you check online (or at an Apple Store, for that matter), it's going to tell you the exact day you're plan is up. I've upgraded at least 5 times now with AT&T and they have always been more than helpful with me whether it be over the phone or at a local store. Bottom line is that they want your business and they're willing to bend the rules, if just a little, to make their customers happy. Especially now with all of the flack they're been getting about their service in certain highly populated areas. But, you're probably going to need to go to an AT&T store to see that happen.

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html#topic-10

Apple will not bill your credit card or process a transaction under your debit or check card until your order ships.

Until just recently, Apple has only accepted a credit card for purchase of an iPhone. It took some media attention with the recent iPad for Apple to allow Cash for Payment, but that might just be for the iPad. And, even still, I think you still need to present a Credit Card at time of purchase for some reason. Is that right?

I too am looking for an exact answer on this. I have a Master Card/Debt Card that I can use as a Credit Card in Store. I've seen in a few spots that this won't be accepted, only a real credit card would be accepted. That hasn't always been the case for me. I was hoping for a link or something with some proof.

Also, I believe that as long as you have the credit card information and the account holder's phone number, the only other thing you might need is a SSN#. I've never had to enter my AT&T Account Number when purchasing an iPhone online.

I should have refreshed the page! Thank you so much for the timely response. This thread really has answered all of my questions, and even a few I didn't know I had! Thanks again..

Copied from this link.

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html#topic-10

Whether you order online or phone in your order to Apple, *you may pay by credit, debit, or check card.* When you provide Apple with your card information, Apple will obtain a pre-approval from the card company for the amount of the order, which may result in a corresponding block on your available credit while the pre-approval remains in place. Apple will not bill your credit card or process a transaction under your debit or check card until your order ships.

Nice. Thanks man.

Is the preorder done on Apple's web site or ATT? I will be new to ATT wireless, can I presetup an account now so on Tuesday my order hopefully will take less time to fill out?

Thanks
Andy