I have to disagree with NKT. An IQ phone is a phone sent to a rep to try for a while.
IQ is a program that most senior reps in stores are asked to participate in at VZW. It is meant to raise a rep's "IQ" about a device.
Reps can go to the IQ website and order a device that they would like to try. Generally speaking, new/hot devices are on what they call "allocation." In other words, these devices may be needed for sale. so no VZW employee may purchase the device personally, or get the device thru the IQ program, sometimes for a matter of weeks until they see how many are being sold. If plenty are in stock, then employees may purchase the device and the device becomes available for one to order via the IQ program.
IQ phones are not what are used by reps as their work cell phone (the # listed on the business card). Typically, an employee is given a choice of any device, once per year, to use as a work cell. An IQ device, on the other hand, comes with its own number. Say I am in Florida, my IQ phone may come with a Oklahoma mtn.
That said, I never participated in the IQ program, because if I couldnt put the device on my work line, and actually get real use out of it, then why would i want it? To play with in the evenings? I don't think so. I always got my hands-on experience with new devices by playing with our demo units when the store was not busy.
An IQ devices model # comes with IQ before the actual model #. Just as an insurance device with Alltel, for instance, came with a TS before the model #, e.g., TSAX8600BLU was the model # for an Asurion refurbished LG 8600 blue.
Opps, I mean Apples, I will NEVER own anything manufactued by them. They have way to high falure rate.
