iPhone Launch Thoughts....

If you are any kind of a Apple Computer fan or even a casual tech junkie you know that the iPhone goes on sale Friday, June 29th. During the 2007 WWDC this past Monday Steve Jobs stated that sales would begin at 6:00pm. Why 6:00pm?!?!

First, will the store prep for the sale the night before? This would allow the iPhone to be on display and ready for sale throughout the day but not allow the cash registers to start raking in the cash until 6:00pm. The other option would be to close down the Apple Stores around the US around 3:00pm. This would allow for a quick setup right before the bell rings. I do know that this isn't anything new for Apple. They did the same thing when Tiger was release in 2005. This just seems like an event that would justify an earlier time.

Second, I have been reading that the iPhone sale will begin at 6:00pm LOCAL TIME. This will mean that anyone living on the east coast will be able to buy the iPhone 3 hours before us west coasters? Shit, it will be 6 hours before anyone in Hawaii!!

Third, what kind of lines are they expecting at the store? Will they be limiting the number of people in the store? I would suggest signing up for a Genius Bar appointment at 6:00pm on the 29th as a possible way to bypass the long lines. There is a chance appointments won't be accepted on the 29th. Since you can only make appointments 3 days in advance I will have to check back on that one.

Forth, I was talking to an Apple employee today and suggested he take the 29th off since all the stores are going to be a crowded zoo. His comment was "I wish I could but it's a blackout day." Funny, I didn't know working at Apple restricted flying. ;)

Finally, Pure Mobile's is stating that they will have an unlocked iPhone (coming soon). I know Apple has an exclusive contract with AT&T so how will this be possible? Even if it is can you imagine what it will cost, premium dollars I expect. I have to assume the AT&T features like Visual Voicemail won't work. If anyone is daring enough to take this plunge please let me know the outcome. Yes, all you AT&T / Cingular users can laugh all you want. It's deserved for all our laughing at your dropped calls. Sadly, I would still switch over for the iPhone. Damb you Apple!