By Jennifer Hooker, IEN Staff
July 11, 2008—About a month ago, the sophomore version of the phone that changed the wireless industry was announced, and today, the iPhone3G has made it’s debut on store shelves. (Check out the iPhone3G’s Guided Tour)
Version 2.0
The minimal upgrades to the iPhone include 3G high-speed connectivity, GPS, and the App Store (which is downloadable for free to existing iPhone owners). Overall, many members of the blogging community were underwhelmed by features that should have been included on the original phone, and still craved extra memory.
On the Line
Despite, a lukewarm reception to the announcement, the upgraded iPhone is still a must-have for many loyal tech enthusiasts.
The Associated Press reports that lines of over 800 people dying to get their hands on the new iPhone winded around the block in Japan.
Back in the states, the desperation isn’t quite up to the levels of the original iPhone release, as only a handful of New Yorkers were camped outside the flagship Apple Store on Fifth Ave at 4:15 Thursday afternoon.
Paul Zarate was at the tail-end of a tiny line that stretched less than half a block. He had been sitting in his blue lawn chair from 1:30 that afternoon. Though Zarate already has an iPhone, he decided to upgrade. “I need the 3G network and the GPS,” he said.
The dedicated fans ahead of him passed the time in similar fashion, with some making sidewalk chalk drawings or cardboard signs for the passersby. However, we were surprised by the lack of excitement less than 24 hours before iPhone3G release. We found more people in the Apple store than waiting on line outside.
Battle Plans
If you haven’t already claimed a spot in line, all hope isn’t lost. If history tells us anything, the iPhone shouldn’t sell out on the first day. It took weeks before Apple stores experienced shortages.
Tech blog Gizmodo and Yahoo Tech, offer up some guides on the fastest, most painless ways to secure an iPhone3G, but the general concensus is to be patient and come prepared with proper ID and a decision on a voice and data plan to speed up activation. They also note that those interested in a business account must go to an AT&T store to purchase a phone.
For those of you who already snagged your own iPhone3G, let us know your verdict!