Some AT&T stores sell out of iPhone 3G S in less than an hour
While the verdict is still out on how well stocked U.S.-based Apple retail stores will be for this morning's iPhone 3G S launch, some of AT&T's shops are reported to have already run out of their initial allotment of the new handsets.
For example, AppleInsider reader Sherif arrived at the AT&T retail store on the corner of Suffolk Street and Delancey Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side at roughly 7:30 am Friday morning.
Roughly 20 minutes later he was informed by staffers that he'd snagged the shop's last iPhone 3G S available for walk-in customers who hadn't pre-orderd: a white 32GB model, which was precisely the model he was after. The particular store reportedly received about 60 units, but said new stock would not arrive for another 5 days.
It's no secret that Apple favors padding its company-owned shops over those belonging to its exclusive US wireless carrier on iPhone launch days. Both the iPhone 3G and original iPhone launches saw AT&T stores run dry of the handsets long before Apple retail stores.
AT&T also announced last weekend that it had exhausted its initial supply of iPhone 3G Ss that were available for pre-order through its website. Customers placing their orders after last Friday were informed that their devices wouldn't arrive this Friday, but would instead see delivery delays spanning anywhere from one to two weeks.
For its part, Apple's online store continued to take pre-orders for the new handset throughout the week, promising Friday deliver for those customers who'd confirmed their order by Wednesday.
Those iPhone 3G S buyers determined to purchase their new phone from an AT&T retail store may be best advised at this point to call ahead and check up on availability.
For example, AppleInsider reader Sherif arrived at the AT&T retail store on the corner of Suffolk Street and Delancey Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side at roughly 7:30 am Friday morning.
Roughly 20 minutes later he was informed by staffers that he'd snagged the shop's last iPhone 3G S available for walk-in customers who hadn't pre-orderd: a white 32GB model, which was precisely the model he was after. The particular store reportedly received about 60 units, but said new stock would not arrive for another 5 days.
It's no secret that Apple favors padding its company-owned shops over those belonging to its exclusive US wireless carrier on iPhone launch days. Both the iPhone 3G and original iPhone launches saw AT&T stores run dry of the handsets long before Apple retail stores.
AT&T also announced last weekend that it had exhausted its initial supply of iPhone 3G Ss that were available for pre-order through its website. Customers placing their orders after last Friday were informed that their devices wouldn't arrive this Friday, but would instead see delivery delays spanning anywhere from one to two weeks.
For its part, Apple's online store continued to take pre-orders for the new handset throughout the week, promising Friday deliver for those customers who'd confirmed their order by Wednesday.
Those iPhone 3G S buyers determined to purchase their new phone from an AT&T retail store may be best advised at this point to call ahead and check up on availability.
Comments
Some on other forums say nobody was at their local stores while others like this say it was sold out shortly
Needless to say, but I was first in line this year too!!!
And the tethering works awesome thru bluetooth!!
Roughly 20 minutes later he was informed by staffers that he'd snagged the shop's last iPhone 3G S available for walk-in customers who hadn't pre-orderd: a white 3GB model, which was precisely the model he was after.
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
ah yes, the elusive 3GB model. i so wanted one of those but, alas, i'm stuck with a black 32GB model. perhaps next year ...
I am surprised that there are even lines.
ah yes, the elusive 3GB model. i so wanted one of those but, alas, i'm stuck with a black 32GB model. perhaps next year ...
LOL!
Is it the rain? The though economic climate?
The staff at the corporate apple store said they will have plenty of iPhone for everyone, they accepted my "personnal shopping assistance" for an iPhone 3G S at 10:30...
I pre-ordered on June 13 after they said pre-stock expired, was given the 7 to 14 day delivery date (to the store) but I thought I'd check in anyway. I don't understand why they wouldn't fill a pre-order before a walk-in sale... It's like I'm getting punished for passing the credit check, paying for the phone already, and ordering in advance.
Oh well. I guess I'll keep on waiting. The charge came back out of my account today after disappearing for a couple days, so maybe my phone is on it's way. Checking status on the AT&T site reveals a nice orange IN PROGRESS.
I guess I will be on EDGE (pun intended) for a little longer.
I was at a concert last night and one of the concession stands ran out of water.
Were they taking order for the next shipment? :P Did you had to give a deposit? Do a credit check?
Anyhoo, mine should arrive in a few hours according to fedex.
saw this at engadget:
Why is it day in the first pic and night in the second?
Why is it day in the first pic and night in the second?
November vs June in the northern hemisphere.
Call me lazy but why not just have the thing pre-ordered and shipped to you? Unless of course you like using a vacation day from work to sit outside and wait for something you could have picked up elsewhere...
Some people like to socialize and experience the energy of an excited crowd.