According to the folks at Joystiq, Bethesda will be releasing the special edition (for 360, PS3, and PC) for $70.00, which beside the game, includes:

Vault Boy Bobblehead (uhoh, where have I seen him before? hmm)
“The Art of Fallout 3” 100-page hardcover book with concept art/comments from the team
“Making of Fallout 3” DVD
and all packaged in a custom metal…lunchbox?!

There is also a release date of October 7, 2008 listed on Gamestop and Amazon (unconfirmed by Bethesda)

I’ve never played either of the first two, so is 3 something folks new to the franchise can jump right into, or should I find some copies on eBay?