The latest version of the iPhone, the 3G S, launches this Friday. It's no surprise that just like last year, shortages of the iPhone have been predicted.
If advance orders are any indication, the demand for the iPhone 3GS may outstrip the at-launch supply.
Both AT&T, the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the United States, and Best Buy have sold out of inventories for Apple's latest smartphone.
Apple was still taking orders on its Web site Tuesday, but the June 19 delivery date is not a guarantee. Likewise, AT&T posted a message on its Web site that indicates advance orders will shop seven to 14 days after the order is placed -- on a first-come, first-served basis.
...
"It's no surprise that the 3GS, which is going to be one of the hottest technology products of the year, is seeing strong demand despite the current economic situation," said Michael Gartenberg, a vice president at Interpret. "That bodes well for Apple and reaffirms the position that consumers care about the overall value of a product, not necessarily the overall price of the product." [Source: Yahoo News]
According to Gartenberg, advice for those wanting to purchase the 3G S on Friday is simple, "Get up early, get to the store nearest you as quickly as you can."
The early bird gets the tech
Last year I rolled up to the local AT&T store 30 minutes before it opened (Hey, I'm not a morning person), only to find a line of 50 or so people in front of me, with a few having camped out the night before. I still got an iPhone that day, but it was close. After waiting in line for over two hours (and this was in July...in Texas!), an AT&T rep had the daunting task of informing everyone in line behind me that they ran out of iPhones.
However, I wonder how things will be this year, since many have been able to pre-order their iPhones via Apple, AT&T or Best Buy. If you didn't pre-order, you can still try to purchase one in store Friday. Be prepared to wait in line though. In addition to the stores mentioned above, Wal-Mart will also have the iPhone 3G S.
Tips for purchasing
If you have not pre-ordered, here are some tips that may help you purchase an iPhone this week [Source: PC World]:
• Apple Store
You can still place pre-orders online and receive a phone on Friday, according to representatives at numerous Apple Store locations across America. Placing an order now, not surprisingly, will give you the best shot at walking out with one this week. Retail locations will open at 8:00 Friday morning.
• AT&T
If you placed your order with AT&T before June 12, you should be in good shape to get your iPhone 3G S on Friday. Orders placed anytime after the 13th, however, won't ship for about a week, a company spokesperson tells me. The same applies whether you place the order in-person at a store or via AT&T's Web site.
Retail locations open at 7 a.m. Friday for anyone with a reservation. No reservation? You can still show up early and try your luck. Customers without pre-orders will be let into the store starting at 9 a.m. They will, however, receive lower priority than those with orders already on file.
iPhone 3.0 Firmware
If you already own an iPhone and are not concerned about upgrading to a 3G S, the iPhone 3.0 firmware will be released tomorrow, June 17. This software update features cut, copy and paste, search (email, contacts, songs, apps, etc.), MMS (once AT&T makes it available), voice memos, a Find My iPhone feature (for Mobile Me customers), and various other updates.
You can read all about iPhone 3.0 firmware here: Apple.com - iPhone 3.0 OS Update
Are you going to purchase the new iPhone?
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15 Comments
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Comments
OK, guys (and gals) - gotta chime in here to play Devil's advocate. I am with Archie on this; we have become such a disposable society, we think nothing of tossing things that still have use just because we WANT something new. Where does it end? I was hoping this recession would bring (some) people to their senses and make us as a nation realize how high on the hog we have been living. But no. Am I getting a new iphone? NO. My old cell phone works just fine and I will use it until it no longer works. The only reason I have the phone I have now is that my previous dinosaur phone was phased out in the switch from analog to digital, and my hand was FORCED to get a new phone. Still have my landline, and I am one of those rare people who truly use their phones for emergencies, and have NEVER texted. Those who desire to, I have nothing against. That is their decision and their time and their money. I just think there are more important things, too.
I realize this is a tech column, and I'm not exactly preaching to the choir here. Just had to throw in my two cents. I am truly trying to keep up with technology, and with the times. I'm by no means an old fogey, but I think there should be a little common sense in play when the gadget-of-the-moment comes along, only to be replaced by another in just the blink of an eye.
June 18, 2009 at 8:13 p.m.AT&T receives the money from iJoe, pays a sales tax to the respective city/county, pays its employees, and pays their Federal taxes on their profit…. It keeps the money in circulation.
Oh yeah, the employees of AT&T pay their rent, food, and taxes with that bonus and paycheck.
It could be a win/win fort all.
June 18, 2009 at 4:58 p.m.It's not childish at all.
Would you rather I spend my money on drugs?
June 18, 2009 at 4:40 p.m.nothing wrong with getting what you want if you can afford it! I just comment on the apparent childishness of new gimmicks!
June 18, 2009 at 3:46 p.m.Archie, what is wrong with people getting something if they can afford it? Nothing.
June 18, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.It's interesting you mention that archie....last year when I blogged about the last iPhone released, the 3G, someone made a comment similar to yours.
It's true, some people have much more important things to worry about than new phones, but for those who aren't struggling and can afford it, I don't see anything wrong with them purchasing new gadgets and whatnot. Personally, I'm going to wait and stick with my current phone, see what the next model brings.
June 18, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.the economy is in bad shape and you people are worried about a new phone! most people in this area are worried about work and the price of gas!
June 18, 2009 at 9:39 a.m.I have a friend that works for AT&T so she may hook me up with an upgrade haha :D
June 18, 2009 at 9:12 a.m.No MMS is an AT&T problem. They are working on it though.
I don't think I am eligible for an upgrade so I will be sticking with my 3G for a while LOL It's still great :)
I love landscape texting, emailing, and copy/paste
June 18, 2009 at 9:11 a.m.So many great phones out there.
SRClark - I have heard some talk about others having the same issue with their 3G S shipping as you.
I installed 3.0 on my 3G today. I like the copy and paste function, landscape mode, but I'm still waiting on MMS and tethering. How about it AT&T?
June 17, 2009 at 6:43 p.m.Windows 7 might make you retract that statement.
June 17, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.My 3GS was supposed to be delivered today, but it is now sitting in Kentucky since Apple is making UPS hold delivery until the 19th.
Re: HTC Touch Pro - you couldn't pay me to own a WinMobile phone. Really, at this point, you couldn't pay me to buy another Windows-based device ever again.
June 17, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.I'm looking forward to Android on AT&T.
June 17, 2009 at 12:50 p.m.HTC Touch Pro
June 16, 2009 at 6:41 p.m.Nice Phone, but I only have two words!!
HTC LANCASTER!!
June 16, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.