iPhone News Updated

Electronics giant to carry iPhone 3G

Best Buy Co. will start selling the iPhone 3G on Sept. 7, becoming the first U.S. chain to do so outside of Apple Inc.’s and AT&T Inc.’s own stores.

The announcement by Best Buy expands the availability of Apple’s vaunted phone to nearly 1,000 stores. It’s also a coup for the Minneapolis-based chain, which has been upgrading its cell-phone departments.

Best Buy also resells Apple’s Mac computers and iPod media players. An Apple spokeswoman said the long-standing relationship between the companies was why Best Buy would now be able to sell the iPhone.

Boost for holidays: The timing is good for the nation’s largest consumer electronics company. Like many U.S. retailers, Best Buy has seen its sales slump as consumers pull back on discretionary purchases. A boost in September could give it some momentum heading into the holiday season.

[Thanks: http://www.chicagotribune.co]