Apple iPhone 3G

A small group of us from my office have been counting down the days to the launch of the second generation Apple iPhone 3G. The eve of the launch had arrived and we decided that we would meet in the lobby of our office at 7:00 a.m. and head over to the Apple store as a group. We arrived on the scene at about 7:20. A line had already formed in the front of the store and it was obvious, based on the gear that they had, that they had been there for awhile and had more-than-likely spent the night. We walked over to what we thought was the end of the line but low-and-behold it was only a break in the line to allow mall patrons to pass through. We followed the remaining line down the side of the building, around the back side of the building and, after a small hike, passed about 350 line waiters and arrived at the end. Our end-of-the-line status lasted only a second. People were coming out of the woodwork from every direction and quickly piled up behind us.

The store opened promptly at 8:00 and the first people moved in. The line moved forward in chunks as groups of people cycled in and out of the store. Apple employees made their way through the line offering coffee and bottled water. Other employees came through with 3G pamplets outlining the different service plans and prices. The line was making great progress since the store opened. At this point it was about 8:40 and we were certain that, at the current rate, we would have our hands on an iPhone within the next hour. From about 8:45 to 9:30, the line didn't budge. In 45 minutes, we advanced three feet. Bummer! As we were discussing whether or not we should stay, a guy came through and was counting the number of people waiting in line. Danette was number 193 and I was 194. With zero movement in 45 minutes and with 194 people in front of us, we decided to call it quits and make our way back to the parking garage. What a downer!

As we walked toward the parking garage, we passed the front of the store. Two apple employees were guarding the doors and applauding as people passed through with their shiny Apple bags holding their precious new 3G iPhones. Lucky bastards!

We'll try again later today for sure.