I was considering the pre-order. I get a slight (like 2% discount) through an employee program. But the cost of the 256GB is just too high once you add Apple Care $200, Case $100, Tax $150.00 = about $1600.00 for a phone. I just ordered a very high end Photoshop Computer custom made from a Gaming Company and delivered that's $1850. To spend $1600 on a phone requires a bit more thought. However I still have the AT&T plan, I can just "trade it in" and do the monthly payments and trade it again next year. But do I want to pay $55-$60 a month every month for a phone on top of my wireless bill.
I think I will skip the "pre-order" and wait to see how the phone does after release. My iPhone 7 is doing fine, and even though I love the features of the new X, the price tag makes me thing twice.
I may have jumped faster if they had a 128GB for $999 instead of only 64GB.