Update: We just found out, thanks to Droid-Life, that exactly 170 DROID Xs were shipped early, and that Verizon is trying to get the owners not to activate their phones until the 15th because of some of the new features that will not yet be active.  We'll bring you more as we get it. 

Over the last few days we've seen that a few lucky souls have received their pre-ordered Motorola DROID X devices a few days early (the device will be officially available next Thursday).  And while many of us are extremely jealous, we're also just plain curious to see how these people managed to get their phones before the rest of us.  Today, according to Droid-Life, the answer may be upon us.  One of their readers received a correspondence from Verizon that basically stated the obvious - that the customers received their devices early due to a system error which has since been fixed.  The email goes on to say that "these devices cannot be activated until the phone is officially released on the 15th."  Interestingly, though, according to Droid-Life, those who did receive their phones early have been using them ever since.  In any case, at least we can lay this one to rest for now.  I'm sorry you didn't get your DROID X early son, just be a little patient, alright.

Via Droid-Life

Dear XXX,

I appreciate your interest in placing an order for the soon-to-be-released Motorola DROID X. My name is Roy and in review of my resources, I have confirmed that orders for the DROID X cannot be processed until July 15, 2010. At the present time, we do not offer the ability to pre-order this device.

I have also confirmed the reports that you have referenced about customers receiving these devices prior to the 15th. This was unfortunately due to a system error, allowing very few customers to receive this device prior to July 15; however, these devices cannot be activated until the phone is officially released on the 15th. I truly apologize for any concerns this may have caused.

Thank you again for your email regarding the release of the Motorola DROID X. I hope you continue to find the “Contact Us” section of verizonwireless.com a helpful option to resolve any issue you may experience the first time you email us. We appreciate your business and thank you for being a valued Verizon Wireless customer.

Sincerely,

Roy

Verizon Wireless

Customer Service