You can now order an iPhone 3G from home -- kind of

Apple has announced a new buying program for the iPhone 3G, purportedly designed to help quicken purchase of the device in anticipation of the forthcoming holiday season.

The process, outlined at this Apple website, is fairly simple and consists of four steps:

1. First, customers enter their credit card information, billing address, data of birth and social security number for an automated credit check. If you get successful credit approval you will be able to proceed to the next steps.
2. Second, you review your eligibility and pricing.
3. Third, you select your preferred calling plan
4. Finally you review your order. Then you make arrangements regarding your choice of Apple store and date and time you want to pickup your iPhone 3G.

According to the website:

"Once you?re done, choose your closest Apple Retail Store and let us know when you?d like to come in to complete your purchase," Apple says. "An Apple Specialist will be ready to help you personalize your new iPhone 3G, make calls, browse the web, receive email, and more."

The iPhone 3G will still require in-store activation according to sources familiar with the program.

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