Just a few oh-so-short days before the hype ends on June 29, when the Apple iPhone goes on sale in AT&T and Apple retail stores throughout the US, the first genuine reviews of the heavily-anticipated smartphone are starting to appear. Turns out my fears about the virtual keyboard were unfounded:

Walt Mossberg & Katherine Boehret: "The keyboard issue on the iPhone is a non-issue." (video)

David Pogue: "...once you stop stressing about each individual letter and just plow ahead, speed and accuracy pick up considerably."

Edward C. Baig: "Finger-tapping takes getting used to. Best advice: Start typing with one finger before graduating to two thumbs."

Common gripes covered the lack of true 3G, but everyone was surprised with the relatively scratch-resistant exterior, which included the real glass screen. Now you'll have a better idea if plopping down $599 (for the 8GB model) or $499 (4GB) will be worth it.

But if you wanted to be first in line, you're too late.