Difference between ordering from ATT vs. Apple?

[pjny]

Hi,

I've always ordered new iphone from Apple. Only reason I am ordering from ATT is because i want to extend 2-year contract.

Is there any difference between ordering from ATT such as availability, returnability, etc.? Is their ordering system reliable?

And someone said the per-line fee for 2-year contract is way more than Next plan. Is this true?

 

[segrobja]

Last year I got screwed with AT&T. Ordered one on my Verizon line through Apple, got it on launch day. Ordered my AT&T one through AT&T and ended up getting it a week later even though my order was placed at 0300 ET on the dot. Ended up buying one at an apple store and returning that upgrade when it came. Now I am realizing that line, which should be eligible for an upgrade is NOT because they never processed the return. Good thing I was only planning on upgrading my Verizon line tonight.