Best way to purchase iPhone

Question

I plan to upgrade to iPhone 4 from my LG enV Touch as soon as I can.  Is there any advantage in purchasing the iPhone from Verizon or Apple? I have used Apple Care for my Mac and my iPod Touch and find it worth the investment although it only provides for a maximum of two years of service.  I understand that Verizon offers an extended warrantee for $2.00 per month and that it covers replacement for as long as the user owns the phone.  Any differences in the two programs?

Answer 1

Thank you everyone for your help.  Extended Warranty ($1.99) and WPP ($9.18) can be purchased separately OR bundled with Total Equipment Coverage at one discounted price, $10.99.  NJ_Analyst, as for your question about the difference in Extended Warranty and AppleCare Protection:
iPhone 4 includes Apple's complimentary phone technical support for 90 days after your purchase date and a one year limited warranty.  Once the 90 days expires, calls to Apple technical support are $29 per incident. With the AppleCare Protection Plan, complimentary technical phone support and the limited warranty is extended to two years for a one time fee $69. You will have repair coverage for hardware and battery failures including immediate replacement service at any Apple store or calling Apple. You have up to one year from purchase to add this coverage.
With Extended Warranty or TEC, if you experience a manufacturer's defect after the one year warranty expires, you can exchange your iphone for a replacement device at no charge. Coverage continues and there is no expiration as long as the Extended Warranty feature is active on your line. You have up to 30 days from your purchase to add any of these protection features whether purchased from Apple, authorized dealer, or Verizon Wireless.
For more details about the Extended Warranty and TEC, click here: http://support.vzw.com/clc/faqs/Features%20and%20Optional%20Services/faq_equipment_insurance.html?grp=1&faq=3
Thank you everyone for your help.  Extended Warranty ($1.99) and WPP ($9.18) can be purchased separately OR bundled with Total Equipment Coverage at one discounted price, $10.99.  NJ_Analyst, as for your question about the difference in Extended Warranty and AppleCare Protection:
iPhone 4 includes Apple's complimentary phone technical support for 90 days after your purchase date and a one year limited warranty.  Once the 90 days expires, calls to Apple technical support are $29 per incident. With the AppleCare Protection Plan, complimentary technical phone support and the limited warranty is extended to two years for a one-time fee $69. You will have repair coverage for hardware and battery failures including immediate replacement service at any Apple store or calling Apple. You have up to one year from purchase date to add this coverage.
With Extended Warranty or TEC, if you experience a manufacturer's defect after the one year warranty expires, you can exchange your iphone for a replacement device at no charge. Coverage continues and there is no expiration as long as the Extended Warranty feature is active on your line. You have up to 30 days from your purchase to add any of these protection features whether purchased from Apple, authorized dealer, or Verizon Wireless.
For more details about the Extended Warranty and TEC, click here:
Equipment Protection Features
Hope this helps to clarify,
GinaH_VZW Support