Is the iPhone starting to rub you the wrong way?

Sure, consumers are excited, but for those who are knee-deep in the wireless industry, I'm starting to wonder if all the hype around the iPhone -- which has been unparalleled at this point -- could be a wee bit irritating based on sheer noise volume alone?

To make this point, I'll tell you about a quick stop I made to a Cingular Wireless (AT&T) store yesterday. I wanted to check out what the fine workers on the ground floor were saying about the device.

I asked: "Do you plan to get the iPhone?"

The worker said: "Yes, on the 29th at 6 p.m."

He added: "If you want one, you probably should get here earlier. We are expecting lines."

I asked sympathetically: "Are you getting this question a lot?"

He said: "Every second, every minute and every hour of every day."

The physical evidence that the iPhone was coming was a sole placard with a picture of an iPhone on it.

My next stop was the Apple store. It was already closed. But from what I observed through its big floor-to-ceiling windows, was nothing. There was no marketing or signage about the impending release of the iPhone.

Not sure what that means.