AT&T Launches New Online Store

Some customers insist on seeing and "touching" a product before they buy it.

AT&T has made it easier for those who shop at their home computers.

The wireless company has launched an Online Experience Store where interested buyers can see a 3-D demonstration on seven of the company's high-tech cell phones.

"It's meant to mirror the in-store experience, not replace it," said AT&T spokeswoman Kelly Starling.

Customers could always shop online for a variety of AT&T products, but the new design allows them to view them in a different way. Because the items appear on the screen in 3-D format, it gives Internet users the sense they are really "touching" the devices before they buy them, she said.

Customers can opt for the AT&T store layout, "roll over" an item using the curser, right click on it and drop in on a virtual "table." A narrator then talks about the phone while it is displayed in a 3-D format.

They also can choose a guided tour of the store or explore the sights and sounds of the five stations at their own pace.

"It allows you to explore and do your homework if you want or you can simply shop there," said Starling.

The launch took place Thursday.

The devices available on the online store are the Samsung SGH A737, Sony Ericsson W580i, BlackBerry Curve 8310, LG Shine and Windows-enabled items such as the Pantech duo and the AT&T Tilt.

More are expected to be added to the online inventory, Starling said.

The iPhone 3G is not available on the online store because Apple has its own shopping site at http://store.apple.com.

To find out more about the Online Experience Store, visit www.att.com/onlineexperience.