So, , and assuming you want to be among the first to get one, start caffeinating now.

Worth bearing in mind: Last year, Apple planned . It , with in the process. Interestingly enough, folks who pre-ordered directly from carrier websites last year reported fewer problems.

Speaking of those carriers, AT&T and Sprint say that they, too, will begin accepting preorders at 12:01 a.m. Pacific on Friday morning; Verizon says its virtual doors will open sixty seconds prior, at midnight.

The iPhone 5 starts at $199 for the 16GB model with a two-year contract commitment.