Apple’s proud brainchild, the iPhone, was released in the United States in June 2007. The unit has created a worldwide buzz because of its sleek and smart features, fun and multimedia offers, and especially its steep price range. Buying an iPhone requires you to dole out $499 to $599, and keeps you tied to an 18 month AT&T plan.

Aside from purchasing every song downloaded from iTunes, you may also have to pay extra if you want custom ring tones for your iPhone. Apple is working on an application that can let you change your mp3 and AAC files to ring tones. Their plan is to make this possible through the updated versions of iTunes. There is no release date yet, but some reports say that a customized ring tone may cost the same as a song download.

If you’re not into that, you just have to settle for the usual default ring tones available with your unit. On the other hand, customized ring tones not only give you an edge, but offer you convenience, too. You can organize the contacts on your phone book and categorize them under various ring tone ID’s.

Many smart and generous people have thought of ways to overcome the ring tone obstacle, and they have shared their secrets online. One is the iToner software from Ambrosia, which at $15 for the software, you can take songs from your PC and turn them into iPhone ring tones. It’s as simple as clicking and dragging files, and with the PC sync feature if the iPhone, it has never been easier. You only pay once for the software, and you can customize ring tones all you want.

There is a freeware available from the community site Modify My iPhone. You can download the iFuntastic program, which lets you customize ring tones for your mobile. You can take mp3 and AAC songs from your PC and transform them to ring tones. MacWorld publishes several tips and secrets on how to successfully do this.

However, there is a word of caution, these customizations may take a toll on your iPhone. If you’re not watchful, there might be irreversible damage to your unit, so be sure to follow instructions carefully.