Funny that Apple keeps the iPhone out of the hand of its independent reseller channel. You know, the stores that focus on Apple products and are knowledgeable in those products. Go figure.

Even an iPhone isn't worth putting up with rude, pushy jerks

"Funny that Apple keeps the iPhone out of the hand of its independent reseller channel"

Not really. If you want to get the best price on any Apple product, go to an independent... they will cut the best deal. The slower sales are, the better the deals. Independent owners are answerable to no one but themselves on pricing and are therefore most inclined to discount if the commercial need arises. Discounted iPhones, throwing its entire distribution network into chaos, is the last thing Apple wants.

Actually, I've started to like Radio Shack again. There are things you can get there that you can't find anywhere else, and I've found the staff to be friendly and helpful. I generally like to buy my Apple products directly from Apple though.

35 years ago, Radio Shack was a 'realistic' (pun intended) place to buy electronics for the hobbyist and geek. The electronics weren't the top quality but the service was OK. They have gone downhill sooo far that I gave up on them 30 years ago. They have continued on the same low quality high priced track and I hate to see Apple associated with that name.

Apple makes great quality devices and offers great service. How can they do this to their branding?

It won't last for very long. I doubt it goes beyond Dallas & New York.

Apple won't let them discount the price of the phone. It would undercut the fixed pricing that AT&T and Apple Sell them for.

However, they might throw in some crapy remote control car!

RS stays in business. They are good for picking up spare electronics/audio/video parts when you only need one or two things and don't have the time to drive to Fry's Electronics (the nearest to me is 12 miles away).

Otherwise... why on Earth would I ever go to RS??? Their 'Realistic' electronics are awful Chinese junk. I wouldn't buy a phone there. I don't really want any radio-controlled cars. They got batteries, though... I guess they are good for batteries.

Excuse me. They're selling their stuff at Best Buy. I think that should show you how low they're willing to go for sales.

Apple won't let them discount the price of the phone. It would undercut the fixed pricing that AT&T and Apple Sell them for.

OK, what has that to do with anything? No one can discount the iPhone. Yet Best Buy sells it. ATT stores sell it. Why not RS?

They have continued on the same low quality high priced track and I hate to see Apple associated with that name.

Well, if they're so well-known for high-prices, than Apple products are perfect for them!