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Aug. 14, 2008

Best Buy said it will start selling the Apple iPhone 3G beginning September 7.

Other than Apple and AT&T stores, the move will make it the only retail store in the U.S. to stock and sell the super hot mobile handset.

According to Best Buy spokesman Jeff Dudash, the deal is exclusive through this Dec. 2008’s holiday season.

Apple's new iPhone 3G will be sold in all of the chain’s 970 stores, as long as they are in areas within AT&T coverage, Dudash said.

However, unlike any other place in the U.S., it will be displayed among several other phones and wireless carriers, including competitive models such as Verizon’s LG Dare and Sprint’s Samsung Instinct.

Currently, it’s still unknown if Apple will expand retail sales of the iPhone for this year. Apple could not be reached for comment.

An AT&T spokesman declined to elaborate. Also not clear at this point is whether Apple will design its marketing differently for Best Buy, given the numerous choices on adjacent shelves.

Currently, Best Buy is training its employees and generally ramping up smartphone sales, company officials said.

Pricing will be the same as from Apple and AT&T directly – $199 for the 8 GB phone and $299 for the 16 GB version, plus a new two-year contract.

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Source: Best Buy.