Big buzz, crowds expected for release of iPhone 3G
Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008
ROGERS - Rain chased plenty of shoppers away from the Pinnacle Hills Promenade on Thursday, but AT & T expects it will take a monsoon - and then some - to keep a long line from spiraling through the outdoor mall this morning. Expect the same a few miles away at 4404 W. Walnut St.
Today belongs to Apple and its anticipated iPhone 3 G - the new-andimproved version of the device that turned the electronics world upside down in 2007.
Rain or shine, the lines at the two company-owned AT & T outlets in Benton County likely began forming well before sunrise. At 8 a. m., the doors will be unlocked to those who have been salivating over the iPhone 3 G since Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the device last month.
"I've heard people started lining up outside the Apple Store in New York on July 4," said Ted Wagnon, AT & T's Arkansas spokesman. "I'm not aware of any of those folks here, but they're going to be out in force bright and early before those doors are unlocked. The new features. The faster speed. We expect the lines and the response to be overwhelming."
Employees of the two Be nton County AT & T stores authorized to sell the iPhone 3 G have been instructed by Apple to remain hush-hush. Any impatient iPhone junkie milling around those two stores at sunset Thursday was provided a fix, however, as employees hung posters, hooked up interactive displays and more to celebrate the updated phone.
"The release was incredible last year, but there were a few determined to wait a year," Wagnon said. "Well, here it is. It's back and better than ever. The iPhone 3 G is on the fastest wireless network in the country. And several new features were specifically designed for businesses, so that opens up a whole new market right there."
According to Apple's Web site, the iPhone will operate on the 3 G wireless network, described as twice as fast as the 2 G Edge network the original version utilizes. Additional features at users' fingertips include GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange and the new App Store. Like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one - a phone, a widescreen iPod, and an Internet device with rich HTML e-mail and a desktop-class browser.
The iPhone 3 G will be available in 8 GB and 16 GB models and will start at $ 69. 99. Customers are encouraged to go online at www. att. com / iphone to get more information on iPhone 3 G and accessories. In addition, customers can take a look at AT & T's selection of voice and data plans so they're prepared to make their decision when activating their new phone.
"Anyone who stands in line will be able to buy or at least order one to be shipped to them," Wagnon said. "The stores have been stocked well, but there's only so much supply to go around. Once they run out, customers will automatically have the option of ordering the iPhone 3 G and signing up for a plan on-site."
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