Apple’s retail stores have been called “the best place to buy a cell phone” by no less an organ than June’s Consumer Reports — despite the company only selling one model of the device!

Consumer Report's report cites a survey across 11,000 readers conducted last year by the mag’s National Research Center. Apple’s stores got ‘especially high’ marks for activation and check out.

Overall the company took an 84 percent satisfaction rating.

Others in the list (in order) include:

• US Cellular (80)
• Costco (79)
• Best Buy (79)
• Walmart (77)
• Verizon (76)
• AT&T Wireless (76)
• T-Mobile (76)
• Sprint/Nextel (74)
• Alltel (74)

Verizon’s online retail operations came in at 80 percent, top of the pack and ahead of ATT online, with 75 percent.

via Consumer Reports says Apple retail’s the best place to buy a phone! | 9 to 5 Mac.