Not because we’re so eager but because, like you, the super hype over all of this is beginning to get to us. It’s time to try it for ourselves and see where the iPhone really fits in to today’s wireless device universe. Is it for the iFaithful only? Does it make sense for non-Macheads? Is it a Swiss Army phone or an iPod with voice capabilities? (AT&T calls my current device “a PDA with voice capabilities.”)
Rafat is 18th in line at the AT&T store on Lincoln and Wilshire in Santa Monica. I’ve been surveying the possibilities in St. Louis — the Apple store at the St. Louis Galleria had 35 or so quietly spread out in line at noon. The mall wouldn’t let the line start until 7 this morning so no slumber party. The AT&T store downstairs has line control set up but it turns out won’t actually be selling phones you can use right away. Instead it’s taking direct delivery orders with no delivery estimate. In fact, based on the conversation at that store, it turns out going to AT&T for immediate gratification today may even more of a crapshoot then I would have imagined; only certain stores actually have phones. Across the street, my usual AT&T location — where I’ve been a regular since the last AT&T and is supposed to have the real thing on hand — had two people in line outside at 12:30 but it’s a rainy day here, which may be keeping people away. Not sure where I’ll end up or if I’ll come to my senses and let Rafat have all the fun. We’ll keep you posted.
Staci @ 2:45 p.m. cdt: For anyone who’s been under a rock, Apple just sent out a promo to let users know the iPhone is here. Once again, NYTimes.com is featured prominently in the ad. Great product placement. Apple stores are closed now on the east coast and here in the Midwest; they reopen at 6 p.m. One gimmick: Apple promises you can check on iPhone availability at its stores online after 9 p.m.
Staci @ 4:10 p.m. cdt: I’m #6 in line at the AT&T store at Brentwood Promenade. I got here around 3 p.m.; the line is now up to 15. A pretty diverse crowd; #4’s mom is with him but he has earned all the money for the iPhone himself. A few minutes ago some AT&T staffers came through the line handing out several pieces of iPhone material — an explanation about the buying process, AT&T specific details; and a rate plan brochure. Some tidbits:
—
Line tickets will be handed out at 5:50 p.m. Tickets only guarantee that you will get an iPhone — not which model you will get. Non-ticket holders are urged to stay put in case a ticket holder can’t fulfill his or her duties, sort of like Miss Universe. Once the stock on hand is gone people will be able to do direct delivery orders — one per person. Delivery depends on when phones come into the warehouse.
— Current AT&T subs will need a new agreement or can extend renew a current agreement. They can also add a $20-40 iPhone plan to their current voice plan.
— The usual AT&T return policy does not apply. Returns for full refund must be made with 14 days — 10 percent restocking fees if opened.
— The plans go beyond the three publicized earlier this week.
Rafat @ 3:15 PM PDT: A very weak Wi-Fi signal from somewhere allows me to post this. The phone’s already started selling on East coast, but still three hours to go on the West coast. Some iPhones are already on eBay, for around $1200 or so, with Saturday express delivery promised. The line here is small: a total of about 30 people, all chatting with each other. A guy bought 6 pizza boxes for the whole line. A rep from Coffe Bean (a block away) stopped by and gave away $5 gift cards for free. Someone else stopped by and gave away energy drinks. Someone’s even trying to sell Dodger tickets, with little success. The Santa Monica police came by and warned us to be careful after we buy the iPhone…and look out for snatchers.
Staci @ 5:30 cdt: The line here is up to 40 or so. After a dismal day the sun is out — much to my photo-sensitive dismay. My linemates held my place while I dashed across the parking lot to Target for some #70 sunscreen — and some cold water for them. I’ve also been loaned a huge blue umbrella that I’m huddled under while I type. The line tix should be coming in about 20 minutes.
Staci @ 5:55 cdt: Just found out there are 60 phones. Turned out I’m #8 actually — people head we’re holding multiple places in line. They’ll take us in eight at a time because that’s how many reps they have. Meanwhile, living in NYC has its price — Jason Hirschhorn says he’s about #200 sent a picture of 200 or so in line at 8th and Broadway. (He got us in Soho; no line.) They’ll let us play with a phone while we wait.
Staci @ 7:01 p.m. cdt: They actually were processing four at a time so I did have time to try out the phone — and make a call. Took me a while to figure out the area code was 770 — Cingular HQ, not St. Louis. Limited accessories available — I picked up a clear Belkin case for $24.95 and a Power Jolt set for $29.99. I opted for the 4G model, as I think was going to be the case for my immediate linemates. The total: $596.86 including a $42 tax. I was warned that my current Bluetooth headset and speakerphone might not be compatible so may have to head back. I added a line to our 700-minute family plan for $10 a month and the $20 data plan. By 6:45 p.m. I was back in the car, sealed AT&T bag at my side, calling Rafat to gloat over the time difference. By 7 p.m., I was home, ready to activate.
Rafat @ 7:01 p.m. pdt: Two for two. Too tired to test. AT&T’s systems suck. Sunburnt, bleary eyed, and splitting headache. This better be good.
Later: I couldn’t resist: Two pics below of my initial efforts:


{"source":"https:\/\/gigaom.com\/2007\/06\/29\/419-iphone-watch-soon-ok-not-soon-enough\/wijax\/49e8740702c6da9341d50357217fb629","varname":"wijax_20ca910807500964fab324010dac8624","title_element":"header","title_class":"widget-title","title_before":"%3Cheader%20class%3D%22widget-title%22%3E","title_after":"%3C%2Fheader%3E"}