Verizon Wireless has imposed an all-staff vacation blackout from Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 30 according to sources at TechCrunch.

This lines up perfectly with a previous rumor published by iMore indicating that the iPhone 5 timeline would be as follows:

Announcement/media event - Wednesday, September 12

Shipping date/retail availability - Friday, September 21

It stands to reason that Verizon would want as many retail staffers on hand as possible for the launch of arguably the most eagerly anticipated gadget of all time. So the picture is becoming clearer.

According to iMore the iPhone 5 will be available for pre-order on the same day as the announcement -- September 12 -- so set an alarm on your iClock, if you're so inclined.

What's your strategy? Pre-order or wait in line?