Live from iPhone 3G Launch, San Diego
News Commentary. What people will do to get the new iPhone. |
I've been talking to people waiting to buy an iPhone 3G. Doors open in about 40 minutes.
Jake was No. 2 in line outside the Apple Store at Fashion Valley Mall. He got that spot by telling the previous No. 2 that he was ineligible for an upgrade. That guy bought an iPhone 2G two weeks ago. Last time I checked, he should be eligible if buying the phone before today. I told Jake, who laughed it off as an honest mistake, which it probably was. But it makes a good story.
Nick accompanied his sister Marcela. He's not buying an iPhone, she is. Nick will get her old phone. "I love him," Marcela said. "If he's going to get something for free, he's going to appreciate it"—by waiting with her in line. Marcela was No. 5.
No. 7 in line, John, arrived around 12:30 a.m. PDT, but the mall wouldn't let him in. "I spent the rest of the time at Denny's drinking coffee." John sat in a folding chair, and he had a cane. "It's kind of exciting, even for someone who is retired," he mused. The iPhone 3G will replace John's cell phone and green iPod mini. He has three Macs at home.
Don had the No. 1 spot, even though he arrived at 4:45 a.m.. He'll be getting his first iPhone. "I knew this was coming. I waited for 3G."
Accompanying Nick were David, Desmond and Josh. David is switching from Verizon. Josh has T-Mobile, but will keep the contract at minimum minutes until it expires in December. "I'm gonna dance and pay as little as possible," he said.
Desmond has an AT&T store next to his house, but he drove 30 miles to buy from the Apple Store. "It's the experience," he said.
Jake bought his iPhone 2G on launch day, June 29, 2007. During the launch, people entered the store through a human tunnel of clapping Apple Store employees. Jake described the tunnel of love "as awkward."
Jake isn't looking forward to the new in-store activation experience. He doesn't like the idea of Apple Store employees being first to use his phone. "I don't want them to pull it out of the box," he said. "I want to break the cherry. Opening the box is part of experience."
Comments (2)
It's pretty sad that waiting in line for a stupid phone is the most exciting thing these people have done in their lives.
Can you imagine telling that story to your grandkids? "Wow, grampa was really laime."
Posted by E-Dub | July 14, 2008 9:45 AM
I just can't see it. Wait in line to pay a bunch of money for something with so many short commings; go through the pain of connecting to a service provider; find limitations in use; and finally, the silly device fails to work when needed most. Where do I get mine?
Posted by William Forkner | July 14, 2008 2:07 PM