iPhone customers like myself have been waiting for details on how to receive the $100 credit we're entitled to. Apple finally released those details today and while I can't complain (since nobody forced me to buy the iPhone back in June), Apple's tactics are disappointing.Apple posted a notice on its Web site, saying that if you bought the iPhone before Aug. 22, you may be eligible for an instant $100 electronic credit toward the purchase of products at Apple's retail stores or its online store.

Don't wait too long to claim it. Requests for the $100 credit must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2007.

To receive credit, Apple tells you to complete the following steps:

Step 1: Identify your iPhone To confirm eligibility, enter your phone number and iPhone serial number in the fields provided.

Step 2: Enter your access code You will receive an SMS text message on your iPhone containing the access code to redeem your $100 credit. Enter your phone number and your access code in the fields provided to generate an electronic store credit.

Step 3: Get your $100 Apple Store credit You will receive a $100 electronic store credit to purchase products at the Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store.

It took me less than five minutes to complete the steps and I got my electronic store credit number right away.

So now Apple comes off as a generous vendor that wants to be fair to its customers. I'd say that would be true if Apple sent me a $100 check in the mail, so I could put it in the bank. Instead I have been politely forced back to Apple's stores to purchase more Apple products. Keep in mind that AT&T stores are not part of this deal.

I happen to love Apple products and have a couple of gadgets in mind that I want to use the credit toward. But there are many customers scratching their heads right now and another handful writing hate mail to Apple.

What's even more disappointing is the fact that the credit cannot be used to purchase music, videos, and other content on iTunes. Isn't that also an Apple product? I'm guessing Apple would lose too much money on the service if it simply gave away 100 songs to each iPhone customer.

You can't blame Apple for trying to run a successful, profit-making business. Of course the iPhone was expensive to begin with, but that's just the price we have to pay for being the first in line to buy a cool new gadget.