Apple Inc. and AT&T are gearing up for what many people are expecting to be a crazy release day on Friday. The iPhone is officially going to be released at 6 p.m. and many people are getting ready. It’s probably the first time a cell phone is drawing a crowd similar to the release of a new video gaming system or day after Thanksgiving sales.

Accessory sales are a big business when it comes to Apple products. There is no shortage of accessories and accessory manufacturers when it comes to iPod and other popular Apple products. The new Apple iPhone has turned out to be a little tougher of a challenge. Because Apple has been extra secretive and not allowing too many people to get their hands on an iPhone, accessory makers have had to recreate the iPhone based on the specifications listed on the Apple website. Some manufacturers showed their recreations to Apple and asked for advice about size, shape and outlets so they could prepare their accessory lines. Unfortunately, only some of the top Apple accessory manufacturers were able to receive advice directly from Apple so be careful which accessories you buy. Many companies will have some very basic mistakes which could result in a non-fitting case or a holster that blocks some of the key functions of the phone. Many iPhone accessories have already begun to hit eBay although many are not from reputable vendors. eBay is taking steps by running a staff of 2,000 security representatives to keep an eye out for iPhone scams. The odds of finding a good quality case and other accessories alongside the iPhone at an Apple or AT&T store are pretty good but be wary of any lesser known company offering accessories this early in the game.

The iPhone starts at a relatively hefty price but it doesn’t stop there. Once you buy your iPhone, sign your 2 year contract, you can be looking at money cell phone payments in the $59.99 to $99.99 range. The major difference between the plans is minutes. Don’t forget the activation fee of $36. The hype is so great for the coveted iPhone that Apple stockholders can’t afford to have any small disappointments. Analysts claim that any issues or unmet expectations with the iPhone could have a dramatic effect on the price of its stock. There will probably be no concerns with the initial sales as people strive to be the first of their friends to own the Apple iPhone but as Sony is finding out with the PlayStation 3, the hype doesn’t always carry on throughout the life of the product. Apple may have some things going against them including only being available with AT&T. Many people are tied into contract with other wireless providers or don’t get good coverage from AT&T in their area. Either way, you can be sure that unless you have $500-$600 to pony up for a new phone on Friday, you’ll want to steer clear of your local AT&T store.

Related Web Directory Categories:

• Cell Phones
• Cell Phone Accessories
• Home Electronics

On Thursday, June 14, 2007 the San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a 4-0 series victory over Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tim Duncan and the Spurs are on their way to becoming an NBA dynasty as they take their 4th NBA title in 9 seasons. The Spurs clenched the win by one point at 83-83 and sent the young Cleveland Cavaliers team back home to learn from this playoff experience. Tony Parker from the San Antonio Spurs became the first European player to win the NBA Finals MVP trophy which surprised many fans who were expecting Tim Duncan to take that trophy home. The Spurs quick victory wasn’t exactly a shocker since most people expected them to win in 5 or 6 games. Lebron James, only 22 years old, attempted to lead his team of less-than-all stars but couldn’t quite match up against the extremely deep and experienced San Antonio Spurs.

One of the stories that is more interesting than the playoff games themselves was the extremely low ratings of the final matchup of San Antonio and Cleveland. Game 1 of the Spurs – Cleveland matchup turned out to be the lowest rated NBA Finals Game 1 since the NBA Finals moved to primetime television. The non-excitement around the Spurs and Cavs are probably to blame since just last year when Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq, the Mavs and Heat turned out about 19% better ratings. There was an even bigger gap between this year’s game 2 and last year’s game 2. One unfortunate event or lack of planning scheduled Game 2 the same time as HBO’s Sopranos finale which turned out very good ratings.

The lower and lower ratings coming out of the NBA Finals were about as expected since all televised sports (except the NFL) are in decline. ABC also featured The Belmont Stakes recently which was down 14% from last year and featured the race’s lowest ratings in almost 20 years. All sports are feeling the lower viewership including the NHL Stanley Cup which is showing much lower ratings in recent years. Many analysts predict one of the biggest issues in the NBA is there is no strong rivals in key markets like New York and Lost Angeles. The two Finals teams, San Antonio and Cleveland, are hardly the match up that most basketball fans were looking for. San Antonio is only the USA’s number 37 market and Cleveland comes in at number 17. Fortunately for the NBA, they had the marquee player of Lebron James to draw some fans in. The star of San Antonio, Tim Duncan, is known for his extremely tough and consistent play and has won MVP awards for doing so, but doesn’t exactly draw the young crowd that is looking for high flying dunks and long three pointers.

The NBA desperately needs to go back to the drawing board and find some new methods for bringing the fans back. Unfortunately, they may just have to wait until one of the strong markets emerges with a quality team which is a little beyond their control.