iPhone 5 release date: First Apple (AAPL) iPhone reviews -- Great, but...

We're down to the final 24 hours before the most anticipated product launch in years: this Friday's 8 a.m. release of Apple's new iPhone 5.

While millions of the phones remain under lock and key, Apple has given the new phone to select reviewers at leading national publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, Time, CNET, and Engadget.

Initial reviews are full of praise, though with a few criticisms. The biggest complaint: the new, smaller Lightning connector. CNN/Money has gone through the reviews, and listed some of the findings:

Time Magazine: 

Reviewer Harry McCracken says "it's the most polished version yet of what was already easily the most polished phone on the market."

The New York Times:

Reviewer David Pogue complains about the new Lightning connector, saying "it doesn't fit any existing accessories, docks or chargers. If you have a few accessories, you could easily pay $150 for adaptors."

The Wall Street Journal:

Reviewer Walter Mossberg says the new phone is "significantly faster, thinner, and lighter, while gaining a larger 4-inch screen."

CNET: 

Reviewer Scott Stein says is "the iPhone we've always wanted."  However, he criticizes it for the smaller connector, and the fact that Sprint and Verizon customers still can't use voice and data at the same time."

Engadget:

Reviewer Tim Stevens says it "has all the improvements and refinements people have been demanding over the past year."

Despite a few shortcomings, most reviewers are praising the phone, which is expected to be the fastest selling iPhone ever.

For the full CNN/Money summary and report, click here.

As always, don't waste your money.