Aidan Malley
Although it's not the first release and ample supply is expected, a queue has reportedly begun outside of Apple's Fifth Avenue retail store to buy iPhone 3G a full week before its release.
The lineup is acknowledged by both store security and Apple employees, some of whom have already left the store temporarily to talk with those in line. Chairs and other apparel make it clear the early visitors are there for the seven-day wait.
The names of those first in line are unknown, though unlike the queue at the same store last year, the front isn't headed up by well-known line waiter Greg Packer, who regularly queues up early to be the first in line for many high-profile events.
Also unlike last year, however, there exists more of a clear incentive to be first in line at the New York City flagship outlet. With customers required to activate iPhone in-store rather than simply walk out with their purchases, the time spent processing each customer is estimated to take at least 10 minutes — a process that will slow the line down considerably versus the original launch, in which many customers could buy their handsets and leave in just a fraction of the time.
A snapshot of the early lineup. Image credit: Gear Diary
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131 Comments
Lining up for the first iPhone was historic, and since supply was not certain, probably was a smart thing to do if you wanted to make sure you got one on the first day.
Given the new set-up, the stock available, and the sheer number of outlets that will sell it, ... lining up for iPhone 3G is just stupid.
It's a virtual certainty that you will be able to walk into any Apple or AT&T store on the afternoon of the first day or release and pick one up with no hassle, and no line-up. Why sleep in a camp chair for 7 days just for a free TShirt?
do these people have jobs? 1 full week for a phone you could buy a day or two later,
just silly,
I dont understand whats with all the queue business. Why not just go after work and get it?
Over here they made a big fuss of closing the stores for a supposed queue but I think the only queue was at the Apple store in London. Otherwise it was just bored people wanting to play with it lol I guess its fun to be part of the first batch of peeps to get their hands on it.
So, do we call these people "iHeads"?
I agree, it's silly, but it's harmless fun, if ppl get a kick out of it let them do it, it's not hurting anyone, they'll probably meet a lot of ppl, is sitting infront of a computer reading forums meant to be more enlightened?