While there's a lot of not-so-nice things you can say about Apple, you've got to admit that they know how to hype a product. The 3G iPhone hasn't even been officially confirmed yet, and already the blogosphere has itself in a lather speculating over the details. If that wasn't enough, the Apple hype machine proved itself superior to all others today by somehow creating a line outside their NYC flagship store on Fifth Avenue—for no reason. According to reports on Engadget, people are lining up outside (which is open 24-hours a day, people) as we speak:

"The group is more than 60-deep, though most people seem confused about what they're waiting for, while some believe they're actually camping out for a 3G iPhone."

Apple says the barriers are set up to corral regular iPhone buyers (who are apparently so unruly that they require them?). Goes to show, apparently you don't need flashy advertisements to attract customers, just a couple ropes.

Image via Engadget: