The iPhone 3G is here! I've only just gotten back from the iPhone launch at the Lafayette Indiana AT&T store. I showed up at around midnight to find only 7 people in front of me. By six the line had grown to around 20 or so, and by the time the store opened, there were around fifty total.
So how was the experience? Well, it took around 10 minutes from the time I walked in to the time I walked out. I had a phone that I returned under their 30 day return policy, which wasn't a problem. Apparently it was easier to do than everyone else's as I was the first to walk out of the store with the brand new phone.
If you happen to get up to the register and your cashier can't get the SIM card out, you might kindly tell them that the SIM ejector is in the small black box inside of the iPhone box. The AT&T reps weren't aware of its existence. They were all scrounging around for paper clips when that part came up.
Unfortunately if you're reading this, either you already managed to get one, or you're not getting one today. You might get lucky if you're on the West Coast, but I'd advise getting to your local store. Last year there were phones to spare after the initial line at opening, however, that was not the case even in this relatively small town. When I left they already had all the 16GB phones sold (they go down the line and ask which one you're getting) but they seemed to still have at least a few 8GB, but I doubt they lasted long.
We'll have plenty of juicy news and details about the new phone before you know it. My first impressions are that it looks good (I have the 16GB black), feels great and the first few calls I made were crystal clear. The internet is alright, but then again I'm stuck on EDGE speeds until the new towers go up in September.
I've had a chance to play with a few of the new Apps such as AIM, PayPal and BoxOffice, all of which are a great addition to the phone. Don't worry though, we'll have our full in-depth review soon, which will give you a closer look at the new iPhone 3G.
I was “people # 2″ in line with you, it took us over an hour to get out of there with our 3 16gig phones (2 white 1 black).
There were porting issues with numbers from a Nextel account, but Amir took care of it as he always does.
I also bought a bluetooth headset, which I later found out was for the original iphone, and the dock does not work. All of the functionality is still in the mobile cable, but it was weird that they were selling them along with the 3g phones.
Again a quick call to Amir, he let me know that they had not gotten any 3g bluetooth docks yet, but when they did get them in I could just bring mine in and swap it for a new one. Too bad I’ll be in Texas, Fiancee will have to do it and mail it to me.
Man, sorry to hear that it took so long. At least it was a porting issue with Nextel, and not something on AT&T’s side.
That’s really strange about the docks, hopefully anyone else reading will be warned to check their dock before purchasing!
Tried and failed to get one here in the UK. My local store only had 3 16GB models when the store (O2) opened this morning at 08:00. I was tenth in the queue. I could of had an 8GB one, but I’ve ordered a 16GB for Monday. In the meantime I’ve downloaded all the FREE apps from itunes to try. Looks like the whole of the UK ran out of 16GB models by 10:00 and 8GB ones by 13:00 !!!
meh. I sweltered in the Texas sun for 2 hours to find out they were out of 16GB models, but I could order one to pick up in a few days. That would be OK if I didn’t have to leave town tomorrow.
Guess I’ll survive waiting a week. ;)