iPhone 3G demand 'unprecedented'

The virtual 'sold out' signs have gone up on O2's website following a frenzied pre-order session. iPhone fans keen to get hold of the latest 3G incarnation on launch day sent the ordering system into near melt-down, despite O2's best efforts to increase capacity by "over 250 times its normal rate".

Having experienced order rates normally reserved for stadium rock gigs, it completely cleared its first stock in a matter of hours. So, if you didn't get in on the pre-order list, you'll have to start queuing outside stores if you want the Apple's prized handset on launch day this Friday.

For those less inclined to sleeping rough on Regent Street , O2 is promising that it's working with Apple to meet  what it calls, the "unprecedented" demand to ensure that "everyone who wants an iPhone 3G can get one."

For now, though, the O2 online shop isn't accepting any more orders, with the helpful statement that "iPhone 3G is only available in black", preceded by the statement in bold that, "iPhone 3G Black is currently not available". Guess that means you can't have it in any colour you like...