My money says on it: "This note is legal tender for all debts public and private." Sounds like by law they have to accept cash to settle the debt from purchase.

IANALAIDPOOTV

Many places won't take cash. Scottrade for example.

Legal tender for all debts public and private doesn't mean you have to accept it, but simply that it is legal currency with (at one time) the backing of gold.

..is that *IF* you accept it, you can be assured that it is worth the value printed on it, and that the US government will stand behind that value -- it does not mean that anyone, especially not a private business, *has* to accept cash.

The means and methods of payment for transactions in the private sector are up to the participants to agree to - Apple could require payment in clamshells, and it would be your responsibility to provide them...

What's that?

So what? Unless the unlockers don't have good credit, credit is just as easily used. Apple cannot force you to keep the phones you buy (they could be gifts). The biggest restrictor will be the 2-per person limit.

conspiracy with credit card companies?

Consider how hard it must be for any company to limit the sales of their products - especially one such as the iPhone that is in such great demand! Apple is being a good partner to AT&T by doing this. I doubt they are under any obligation to AT&T on this score, but Apple does also receive a healthy return from the subscriptions.

Forcing customers who want to purchase an iPhone from Apple to only use a major credit card will not stop people from reselling them on eBay, craigslist, etc. Apple's under the impression it's only people from other countries such as Canada that are buying the iPhone to unlock and use on GSM networks such as Rogers. The reality is a lot of Americans are buying the iPhones in bulk to sell to third parties internationally. Limiting the method to only credit card transactions will really only help track who is buying the iPhone and how many times they do. I do find it a wise idea to limit the purchase to 2 iphones instead of 5 so as to keep up with supply and demand. I have seen Apple store reps sell up to 10 iphones to one customer who pays cash which seems unfortunate for those standing in line that may be told "Sorry we're all sold out.".

I had no difficulty buying my iPhone in Seattle with my credit card and showing my Canadian ID. I was given a warning about unlocking it may void the warranty and about the 14 day return policy. Apple still is getting their money, it's just AT&T that isn't for the network service unless I'm roaming in the USA.

My only complaint about the whole process is I wish that Apple would take example from companies such as RIM, HTC and Palm with selling a higher priced unlocked version and one at a lower price that is locked to the carrier.

Who walks into an Apple (or AT&T) store with $500 in cash in your pocket?

Let's see - one of the most proftable and innovative companies in the history of the world should take "example from RIM, HTC and Palm" ??

Doofuses.