How would that work? They'd have to be able to assure supply of your model come appointment time.
Maybe not appointment, but rather, place an order. When it comes in, get a call and go down and pick it up.
This is what I did at AT&T rather than give my idle time away for free to Apple standing in line.
The problem is that Apple doesn't seem mind making people stand in line for hours only to not walk away with the product. Apple won't mind if their sheep / customers are willing to put up with that sort of treatment as a form of marketing.
What's surprising is even with the unbearable long waits in line and issues with the 2.0 software, Apple still can't supply iPhones fast enough. That says alot about people's desire for a good mobile phone experience.
That can be taken a few ways. Is the status symbol more important than the device that despite the v2.0 software issues* people are still willing to get rid of their other phones or are other phones so poorly designed that even with the v2.0 issues the iPhone is still the best option available.
* Most people are probably not aware of any software issues with the new iPhone, but they aware of how they feel about their current phone.
Maybe not appointment, but rather, place an order. When it comes in, get a call and go down and pick it up.
This is what I did at AT&T rather than give my idle time away for free to Apple standing in line.
The problem is that Apple doesn't seem mind making people stand in line for hours only to not walk away with the product. Apple won't mind if their sheep / customers are willing to put up with that sort of treatment as a form of marketing.
I ordered from AT&T that, too. I figure that some people don't have the forethought to see what options they have before going to an Apple Store. There are reports of people standing in line for hours not realizing they have to sign a contract with AT&T. I figures others just want the experience of the Apple Store or don't want the experience of the AT&T store. To each their own, but i'm not a fan of lines, so paying now and waiting for a call is the best option for me. Are we in the minority here?
Guy's I've got an AT&T iPhone 3G White 16GB from eBay US, I'm in the UK. It's pre-activated, and has an AT&T sim, which obviously the original owner didn't have roaming on it.
I've used Pwnage 2.0 on it, everything works well. My MobileMe push is not "pushing", but MobileMe mail has been f*ed for several days now, as we know. Other push stuff seems to be pushing.
Bear with me. This story is going somewhere. So basically I have an iPhone 3G now which is all good and sexy and I don't have to worry about any contract stuff.
My dilemma is this. Do I wait a few weeks for the iPhone 3G unlock (if it happens) or do I put this back on eBay.
Since the best use of this phone is in the USA with an AT&T prepaid GoPhone sim, which should work fine in it, since it was originally an AT&T-activated iPhone 3G.
As you know eBay is going off the charts with this iPhone 3G business, but I obviously don't want to promise "unlocked" and all that nonsense.
You probably don't want to know the insane (but not unbelievable) amount I paid for this white iPhone 3G in the first place. I just wanted to play with it and see if the unlocked 3G software would come out...
1. I'm considering freeing up the cash invested in this iPhone 3G, considering it, since I may be travelling soon. Doesn't matter if I sell it back on eBay at a loss.
2. I feel like I'm hoarding something that others may enjoy. A slight, niggling guilty feeling.
3. However. The worldwide iPhone 3G launch that is supposed to go on for another what, 50 countries... looks like the iPhone 3G will be a rare thing for a while now.
What is your opinion? Ethically? Otherwise? Appreciate your feedback.
That can be taken a few ways. Is the status symbol more important than the device that despite the v2.0 software issues* people are still willing to get rid of their other phones or are other phones so poorly designed that even with the v2.0 issues the iPhone is still the best option available.
* Most people are probably not aware of any software issues with the new iPhone, but they aware of how they feel about their current phone.
After having a white iPhone 3G 16GB around for a week or so now, I would say it is both *the* status and *the* experience. And I haven't even used the phone or GPS part (no unlock yet) yet!
I'd wait for the unlock. It should be coming soon.
Ah interesting thanks. ...Guess its time to steel-ify my b*lls and wait this thing out. I hope I can make it. ARGH. Perhaps my target is by the end of August to still be able to re-sell if needed at USD 500. Again, I'm not in for the quick buck, it's more an early-adopter cash flow etc. thing... which may take too long to explain here...
The latest news is that somebody (TA_Mobile) has done a complete dump of the baseband which is now provided to Dev Team, Geohot, etc. Geohot is now saying "it's going to be difficult", but Dev Team is silent on the matter.
There is new stuff, and new baseband security stuff they have to go through, and Geohot is painting a grim picture now.
My gut instinct is Dev Team has a few tricks up their sleeves, now that Jailbreak and Activation is done, it's all about slamming the baseband now. Their Pwnage 2.0 is pretty darn rock-solid, it's probably the best tool out there for both iPhone 2G and 3G. I'd like to take their current silence on the matter as something big is brewing.
The US eBay is seeing 16GB's go for between US$800 to over $1,000. eBay UK is yeah, £400 upwards to reaching over £500... about the equivalent in USD.
The iPhone 3G is such an amazing product, and after being involved with selling and helping people with Macs and iTunes, I'd so love to progress to being involved in this iPhone 3G thing. But it is a big monster now. Retail is tough enough, this iPhone 3G thing has thrown all plans out the window. Apple Retail itself is struggling, and that says a lot. My plans to be involved in iPhone 3G UK retail side of things has hit several roadblocks.
The silly thing is that its not just stock issues, but all the bollocks associated with all the activation this, and contract that. The moment a proper software 3G unlock comes out, the iPhone landscape is going to instantly transform. It'll be back to the old days of get the unit, unlock, done. Global trade of all iPhones. Certainly more beyond Apple's control. Warranty issues will be even more of a nightmare. This iPhone 3G thing, it has and will spawn another whole economy. Trading, unlocking, developing (Apps Store and Jailbroken), software updating, hardware servicing, de-bricking...
Appreciate you all (whoever ) letting me rant on as usual on AI... helps clear my mind sometimes when a lot of sh*t is going on...
If you want a fully-unlocked, legal and, it has to be said, quite pricey solution to the iPhone 3G, come to Belgium. We have a law here against locking phones in order to tie them to a single provider. As a result, Apple has done a deal with Mobistar (one of the three main providers in Belgium) to sell unlocked iPhones in their stores. There is an official iPhone contract starting at 30 Euros a month but you are in no way obliged to take it. What's more taking it will not reduce the price of the phone if you do take it.
Currently the 8GB goes for 525 Euros (821 USD) and the 16GB goes for 615 Euros (962 USD).
Pricey, eh! However, you are then free to switch from one SIM card to the next without having to worry about jailbreaking or a 12 or 24 month contract for which you end up shelling out a fortune but in installments instead of one lump sum.
If you want a fully-unlocked, legal and, it has to be said, quite pricey solution to the iPhone 3G, come to Belgium. We have a law here against locking phones in order to tie them to a single provider. As a result, Apple has done a deal with Mobistar (one of the three main providers in Belgium) to sell unlocked iPhones in their stores. There is an official iPhone contract starting at 30 Euros a month but you are in no way obliged to take it. What's more taking it will not reduce the price of the phone if you do take it.
Currently the 8GB goes for 525 Euros (821 USD) and the 16GB goes for 615 Euros (962 USD).
Pricey, eh! However, you are then free to switch from one SIM card to the next without having to worry about jailbreaking or a 12 or 24 month contract for which you end up shelling out a fortune but in installments instead of one lump sum.
Daniel, thank you very much. I will reply here shortly and PM you if needed. Hope that is alright. I've been investigating the Italy situation.
First question for Belgium. Is there massive out-of-stock issues?
The website says (Google translated from Dutch)
"Unfortunately, our stock is exhausted. Click here to be notified when he is back in stock. To know more about the prices, click here. Mobistar has also elaborated rate to make best use of your iPhone3G, whether you're an individual or manager. So, let yourself be seduced!"
Ordered a black 16G and a white 16G from ATT - the white came in 24 hours (not waiting in line) - no word on the black - but ATT said 10 - 20 days - although people have been receiving more quickly than that.
I ordered a black 16GB on 7/14 from AT&T store and still hasn't shipped yet.
Apple should take names and give a ticket to come back at a certain time to get the phone rather than making people wait in line for hours on end. Or they could take your cell phone number and call you when it is your turn. At least then you could walk around the neighborhood or mall and go to the bathroom and eat something. I went to my local apple store the day before yesterday at 9:45am. They opened at 10am, and the line was already almost 200 people long. 20 customers per hour puts that line at 10 hours! Of course maybe not everyone was by themselves, but most were.
I ordered from AT&T that, too. I figure that some people don't have the forethought to see what options they have before going to an Apple Store. There are reports of people standing in line for hours not realizing they have to sign a contract with AT&T. I figures others just want the experience of the Apple Store or don't want the experience of the AT&T store. To each their own, but i'm not a fan of lines, so paying now and waiting for a call is the best option for me. Are we in the minority here?
Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I knew an order could be placed until I was asked if I wanted to place it.
I saw the line at the Apple store, and decided to go to AT&T because I wasn't sure I had coverage at my address because of the odd error the AT&T site gives me when I put in my ZIP code. Once they confirmed that they do serve my address, they asked if I wanted to place an order.
I was delayed because of the "corporate account" issue, but it was an ATT screwup. My account is NOT a corporate account and never has been, but ATT had something flagged on my account that made it look to Apple as if it was. At least that is the way that ATT explained it. The apple rep (Bobby in 14th Street story NYC) was fantastic trying to help me - - he was amazingly patient and kept ME calm after my 4 hour wait), ATT told both of us it was their screwup etc. and one ATT rep told me it was a common issue, but I was still not permitted to purchase the phone because it would take ATT "4 to 72 hours" to enter the correction. Luckily for all involved, they fixed it within a few hours and I was able to get my phone that night. Apple was fine through all this, but ATT was a bunch of rude, incompetent slobs (well, except for one great rep in Manhattan Kansas). I really hope they open this up to other US carriers at some point because Apple and ATT are a total mismatch, and I would leave ATT in a second.
PS 3G is ok, but reception in Manhattan NYC is really spotty and goes in and out while I sit in he same spot so ... not sure its all worth the hassle except I like a few of the apps.
I'm pretty amazed at the lines even after almost weeks of availabilty. I figured anyone who wants an iPhone bad enough to stand in line for several hours would have had an original model. And if you have an original model, the only major improvements not available to you are GPS and 3G. With the original, WiFi triangulation offers somewhat of a workaround to GPS. So it really comes down to 3G. So you're going to wait in line five hours and spend $200-300 (plus upgrade fee and higher monthly charges) so web pages can load a few seconds quicker. Yeah that makes sense...
My guess - with iPhones selling on eBay (usually to the international market) for up to $1000 and sometimes more, many of those waiting on line are planning to cancel their contract, unlock it, and sell it to the super rich in China, Russia, and other countries not in line to get iPhones soon.
AT&T should have set a higher termination fee ($500) for the first three months for iPhones. That would have greatly discouraged resellers.
I'm looking forward to owning an iPhone but I just can't jusitfy standing in line for more that an hour or so. I know countless others feel the same way.
There's a whole lot of interest over at the AT&T forums. As of now, there are 7144 posts in a thread about AT&T Direct Fulfillment. Most of them either don't want to wait in line at an Apple Store, don't have an Apple Store handy, or have FAN discounts that Apple can't process. I'm in the third category. I ordered a 16GB black on 7/14 and it's still back ordered.
I spent four frigging hours today buying a phone for my wife. That is one thing I won't ever do again!
It felt like Apple kept us outside longer just for marketing value.
If you want to buy one, check online the night before, and get to the store an hour before it opens. They give out "tickets" to everybody in line comensurate to the stock levels. You have until 6pm to pick up your phone, so you can leave and come back. If people don't pick up their phone, it isn't sold to someone else. They are artificially inflating the demands and creating lines.
As a customer, I'm pissed off with the situation. It is a bullshit marketing move.
The whole process is a complete joke. It took five minutes for the clerk to go to the back and get my phone. Five minutes! All of the hang-ups are easily avoided... if that is what they wanted to do. The in-store activation is just stupid-- it goes against everything they innovated last year. The server problems... like they didn't know better?!
Subsidized phones are such a rip-off. Shame Apple didn't pull off a bigger win with the first generation.
There's a whole lot of interest over at the AT&T forums. As of now, there are 7144 posts in a thread about AT&T Direct Fulfillment. Most of them either don't want to wait in line at an Apple Store, don't have an Apple Store handy, or have FAN discounts that Apple can't process. I'm in the third category. I ordered a 16GB black on 7/14 and it's still back ordered.
Could you please post a link or information on how to upgrade online. I have a corporate ATT Wireless account and have a "Premier" corporate account. When I choose "Upgrade" device, Apple iPhone is not present as an option. Tried calling by phone and was told that I had to go into the store.
Would appreciate any guidance on online 'upgrades'..
Comments
How would that work? They'd have to be able to assure supply of your model come appointment time.
Maybe not appointment, but rather, place an order. When it comes in, get a call and go down and pick it up.
This is what I did at AT&T rather than give my idle time away for free to Apple standing in line.
The problem is that Apple doesn't seem mind making people stand in line for hours only to not walk away with the product. Apple won't mind if their sheep / customers are willing to put up with that sort of treatment as a form of marketing.
What's surprising is even with the unbearable long waits in line and issues with the 2.0 software, Apple still can't supply iPhones fast enough. That says alot about people's desire for a good mobile phone experience.
That can be taken a few ways. Is the status symbol more important than the device that despite the v2.0 software issues* people are still willing to get rid of their other phones or are other phones so poorly designed that even with the v2.0 issues the iPhone is still the best option available.
* Most people are probably not aware of any software issues with the new iPhone, but they aware of how they feel about their current phone.
Maybe not appointment, but rather, place an order. When it comes in, get a call and go down and pick it up.
This is what I did at AT&T rather than give my idle time away for free to Apple standing in line.
The problem is that Apple doesn't seem mind making people stand in line for hours only to not walk away with the product. Apple won't mind if their sheep / customers are willing to put up with that sort of treatment as a form of marketing.
I ordered from AT&T that, too. I figure that some people don't have the forethought to see what options they have before going to an Apple Store. There are reports of people standing in line for hours not realizing they have to sign a contract with AT&T. I figures others just want the experience of the Apple Store or don't want the experience of the AT&T store. To each their own, but i'm not a fan of lines, so paying now and waiting for a call is the best option for me. Are we in the minority here?
I've used Pwnage 2.0 on it, everything works well. My MobileMe push is not "pushing", but MobileMe mail has been f*ed for several days now, as we know. Other push stuff seems to be pushing.
Bear with me. This story is going somewhere. So basically I have an iPhone 3G now which is all good and sexy and I don't have to worry about any contract stuff.
My dilemma is this. Do I wait a few weeks for the iPhone 3G unlock (if it happens) or do I put this back on eBay.
Since the best use of this phone is in the USA with an AT&T prepaid GoPhone sim, which should work fine in it, since it was originally an AT&T-activated iPhone 3G.
As you know eBay is going off the charts with this iPhone 3G business, but I obviously don't want to promise "unlocked" and all that nonsense.
You probably don't want to know the insane (but not unbelievable) amount I paid for this white iPhone 3G in the first place. I just wanted to play with it and see if the unlocked 3G software would come out...
1. I'm considering freeing up the cash invested in this iPhone 3G, considering it, since I may be travelling soon. Doesn't matter if I sell it back on eBay at a loss.
2. I feel like I'm hoarding something that others may enjoy. A slight, niggling guilty feeling.
3. However. The worldwide iPhone 3G launch that is supposed to go on for another what, 50 countries... looks like the iPhone 3G will be a rare thing for a while now.
What is your opinion? Ethically? Otherwise? Appreciate your feedback.
My dilemma is this. Do I wait a few weeks for the iPhone 3G unlock (if it happens) or do I put this back on eBay.
I'd wait for the unlock. It should be coming soon.
That can be taken a few ways. Is the status symbol more important than the device that despite the v2.0 software issues* people are still willing to get rid of their other phones or are other phones so poorly designed that even with the v2.0 issues the iPhone is still the best option available.
* Most people are probably not aware of any software issues with the new iPhone, but they aware of how they feel about their current phone.
After having a white iPhone 3G 16GB around for a week or so now, I would say it is both *the* status and *the* experience. And I haven't even used the phone or GPS part (no unlock yet) yet!
I'd wait for the unlock. It should be coming soon.
Ah interesting thanks.
The latest news is that somebody (TA_Mobile) has done a complete dump of the baseband which is now provided to Dev Team, Geohot, etc. Geohot is now saying "it's going to be difficult", but Dev Team is silent on the matter.
There is new stuff, and new baseband security stuff they have to go through, and Geohot is painting a grim picture now.
My gut instinct is Dev Team has a few tricks up their sleeves, now that Jailbreak and Activation is done, it's all about slamming the baseband now. Their Pwnage 2.0 is pretty darn rock-solid, it's probably the best tool out there for both iPhone 2G and 3G. I'd like to take their current silence on the matter as something big is brewing.
The US eBay is seeing 16GB's go for between US$800 to over $1,000. eBay UK is yeah, £400 upwards to reaching over £500... about the equivalent in USD.
The iPhone 3G is such an amazing product, and after being involved with selling and helping people with Macs and iTunes, I'd so love to progress to being involved in this iPhone 3G thing. But it is a big monster now. Retail is tough enough, this iPhone 3G thing has thrown all plans out the window. Apple Retail itself is struggling, and that says a lot. My plans to be involved in iPhone 3G UK retail side of things has hit several roadblocks.
The silly thing is that its not just stock issues, but all the bollocks associated with all the activation this, and contract that. The moment a proper software 3G unlock comes out, the iPhone landscape is going to instantly transform. It'll be back to the old days of get the unit, unlock, done. Global trade of all iPhones. Certainly more beyond Apple's control. Warranty issues will be even more of a nightmare. This iPhone 3G thing, it has and will spawn another whole economy. Trading, unlocking, developing (Apps Store and Jailbroken), software updating, hardware servicing, de-bricking...
Appreciate you all (whoever
Currently the 8GB goes for 525 Euros (821 USD) and the 16GB goes for 615 Euros (962 USD).
Pricey, eh! However, you are then free to switch from one SIM card to the next without having to worry about jailbreaking or a 12 or 24 month contract for which you end up shelling out a fortune but in installments instead of one lump sum.
If you want a fully-unlocked, legal and, it has to be said, quite pricey solution to the iPhone 3G, come to Belgium. We have a law here against locking phones in order to tie them to a single provider. As a result, Apple has done a deal with Mobistar (one of the three main providers in Belgium) to sell unlocked iPhones in their stores. There is an official iPhone contract starting at 30 Euros a month but you are in no way obliged to take it. What's more taking it will not reduce the price of the phone if you do take it.
Currently the 8GB goes for 525 Euros (821 USD) and the 16GB goes for 615 Euros (962 USD).
Pricey, eh! However, you are then free to switch from one SIM card to the next without having to worry about jailbreaking or a 12 or 24 month contract for which you end up shelling out a fortune but in installments instead of one lump sum.
Daniel, thank you very much. I will reply here shortly and PM you if needed. Hope that is alright. I've been investigating the Italy situation.
First question for Belgium. Is there massive out-of-stock issues?
The website says (Google translated from Dutch)
"Unfortunately, our stock is exhausted. Click here to be notified when he is back in stock. To know more about the prices, click here. Mobistar has also elaborated rate to make best use of your iPhone3G, whether you're an individual or manager. So, let yourself be seduced!"
Ordered a black 16G and a white 16G from ATT - the white came in 24 hours (not waiting in line) - no word on the black - but ATT said 10 - 20 days - although people have been receiving more quickly than that.
I ordered a black 16GB on 7/14 from AT&T store and still hasn't shipped yet.
Apple should take names and give a ticket to come back at a certain time to get the phone rather than making people wait in line for hours on end. Or they could take your cell phone number and call you when it is your turn. At least then you could walk around the neighborhood or mall and go to the bathroom and eat something. I went to my local apple store the day before yesterday at 9:45am. They opened at 10am, and the line was already almost 200 people long. 20 customers per hour puts that line at 10 hours! Of course maybe not everyone was by themselves, but most were.
it says here that the Belgium iPhone 3G is simlocked to a "Belgian sim card"
(see the updates to)
http://antwerp.wordpress.com/2008/07...sim-lock-free/
So you can use any Belgian sim card but what about say a UK sim card in a Belgian iPhone 3G? Anyone? Help is much appreciated.
I ordered from AT&T that, too. I figure that some people don't have the forethought to see what options they have before going to an Apple Store. There are reports of people standing in line for hours not realizing they have to sign a contract with AT&T. I figures others just want the experience of the Apple Store or don't want the experience of the AT&T store. To each their own, but i'm not a fan of lines, so paying now and waiting for a call is the best option for me. Are we in the minority here?
Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I knew an order could be placed until I was asked if I wanted to place it.
I saw the line at the Apple store, and decided to go to AT&T because I wasn't sure I had coverage at my address because of the odd error the AT&T site gives me when I put in my ZIP code. Once they confirmed that they do serve my address, they asked if I wanted to place an order.
PS 3G is ok, but reception in Manhattan NYC is really spotty and goes in and out while I sit in he same spot so ... not sure its all worth the hassle except I like a few of the apps.
My guess - with iPhones selling on eBay (usually to the international market) for up to $1000 and sometimes more, many of those waiting on line are planning to cancel their contract, unlock it, and sell it to the super rich in China, Russia, and other countries not in line to get iPhones soon.
AT&T should have set a higher termination fee ($500) for the first three months for iPhones. That would have greatly discouraged resellers.
I'm looking forward to owning an iPhone but I just can't jusitfy standing in line for more that an hour or so. I know countless others feel the same way.
AT&T should have set a higher termination fee ($500) for the first three months for iPhones. That would have greatly discouraged resellers.
Not allowed by law.
With the original, WiFi triangulation offers somewhat of a workaround to GPS.
I've not heard of it using WiFi for triangulation.
AT&T should have set a higher termination fee ($500) for the first three months for iPhones. That would have greatly discouraged resellers.
And you don't think that's a bit over the top?
Not allowed by law.
I haven't heard of this.
I haven't heard of this.
Oops, looks like I jumped the gun, but the FCC has proposed it to Congress so it shouldn't be long before there is a ceiling.
It felt like Apple kept us outside longer just for marketing value.
If you want to buy one, check online the night before, and get to the store an hour before it opens. They give out "tickets" to everybody in line comensurate to the stock levels. You have until 6pm to pick up your phone, so you can leave and come back. If people don't pick up their phone, it isn't sold to someone else. They are artificially inflating the demands and creating lines.
As a customer, I'm pissed off with the situation. It is a bullshit marketing move.
The whole process is a complete joke. It took five minutes for the clerk to go to the back and get my phone. Five minutes! All of the hang-ups are easily avoided... if that is what they wanted to do. The in-store activation is just stupid-- it goes against everything they innovated last year. The server problems... like they didn't know better?!
Subsidized phones are such a rip-off. Shame Apple didn't pull off a bigger win with the first generation.
There's a whole lot of interest over at the AT&T forums. As of now, there are 7144 posts in a thread about AT&T Direct Fulfillment. Most of them either don't want to wait in line at an Apple Store, don't have an Apple Store handy, or have FAN discounts that Apple can't process. I'm in the third category. I ordered a 16GB black on 7/14 and it's still back ordered.
Could you please post a link or information on how to upgrade online. I have a corporate ATT Wireless account and have a "Premier" corporate account. When I choose "Upgrade" device, Apple iPhone is not present as an option. Tried calling by phone and was told that I had to go into the store.
Would appreciate any guidance on online 'upgrades'..