It's also expected 'la iPhone' will be announced at the Apple Expo conference in Paris tomorrow, although all indicators are that Irish customers will have to wait until after Christmas.

Orange will sell iPhones in France.

But what if you can't wait?

There's nothing stopping Irish people nipping over to Britain or the Continent and buying an iPhone but there are a few things worth bearing in mind.

1

No Irish network operator has completed a deal with Apple yet so hardware or software hacks will be necessary to make it work. These cost anywhere between 100 and 250 online and Apple may have a few nasty tricks up its sleeve if you do.

2

The iPhone works on the US standard 2.5G EDGE network technology rather than Europe's 3G networks, and can hook into wifi spots.

EDGE is not in widespread use in Ireland, north or south.

So how much does it cost?

Apple recently dropped the price of the iPhone in the US to 285, but it will retail in the UK for roughly 385 without a contract.

The 18 month O2 iPhone contract deal will set you back �900. Apple justifies higher prices on the grounds that doing business in Europe is dearer.

Rumour has it a faster 3G version will be released in Europe early next year.

Apple said it didn't go with 3G first time round because of battery life concerns.