How Do I Buy An Unsubsidized iPhone?

[hulagrrrl]

I want an iPhone 3GS but don't want to sign a contract w/ AT&T. I'm OK paying the $500 or so for it - just don't want to have AT&T as my carrier. I spent some time poking around different sites & forums to find out how I can buy and unsubsidized iPhone (in the US).
1) Can I really go to an Apple store and just buy one? I know this sounds like a stupid question but seriously, it doesn't seem like I can buy one without a contract w/ AT&T (and without having to pay at least $1K)
1a) If it's as simple as going to an Apple store, anyone have an insight as to why doesn't Apple just offer this as an option "B" online (option "A" being iPhone w/ AT&T contract)?

 

[patrickdunn]

Apple won't sell you one, unless you have AT&T already, AT&T won't sell you one unless you have a plan.

Stop by an AT&T store and talk to them about your options. Perhaps you can buy one on a plan with no contract, then cancel the contract the following day. I think this one will be better answered by AT&T. Otherwise just go to flea-bay or Craigslist.

 

[ouimetnick]

I was told from Apple that if you pay the full price, you can leave the store with out opening it there and activating. AT&T will only sell you one if you already use AT&T

 

[serialtoon]

Have a friend with ATT go with you to an Apple store. Have her purchased the unsubsidized phone for you and dont activate it. Other than that, i dont think its possible.

 

[patrickdunn]

Have a friend with ATT go with you to an Apple store. Have her purchased the unsubsidized phone for you and dont activate it. Other than that, i dont think its possible.

+1 I feel like that would be your best and only option.

 

[safetyobc]

You could always go with eBay. I sold mine on there a couple months ago. Perfect condition.

 

[nehunte]

Go to Best Buy. They don't care if you are on AT&T or not. Just pay the full price and you're good to go.

 

[kAoTiX]

I'm in the UK and I just purchased a 3G S from the Apple store (online) and was never asked for any information regarding what carrier I am with.

I am with o2 as I currently have the 3G but they have no way of knowing this. I presume I will have to activate through iTunes when it arrives. Other than that I don't know how the US Apple stores work.