So what are the chances...

[iJohn]

So I found out I may not be able to leave for the Apple Store until @ least 5:30 and its about 45 minutes from my house.

By the time I get there it might be 6:30 - 7:00. Do you think there will still be at least a few left? I only want one

I might just have to lie and take off work.

 

[ColsTiger]

So I found out I may not be able to leave for the Apple Store until @ least 5:30 and its about 45 minutes from my house.

By the time I get there it might be 6:30 - 7:00. Do you think there will still be at least a few left? I only want one

I might just have to lie and take off work.

Probably slim. IF the excitement keeps building for another week, then it's gonna be crazy at the Apple stores.

 

[robhon]

Isn't "iDay" now a national holiday?

 

[Spin This!]

By the time I get there it might be 6:30 - 7:00. Do you think there will still be at least a few left? I only want one

Depends on the store. Might be worth calling at 6:05 or so and see how they're selling.

 

[joe]

Depends on the store. Might be worth calling at 6:05 or so and see how they're selling.

I wonder if anyone's going to answer the phone at 6:05.

 

[Knowsall]

I wonder if anyone's going to answer the phone at 6:05.

No kidding. AT T stores will be busy enough with us KINGS of the iPhone FRONTIER

 

[iJohn]

I guess I'm going to be making up an excuse then haha.

 

[wjp09]

I think you will be able to grab one.

 

[ps49556n]

I believe that stores will have larger supplies that we think because of the statements that ATT stores will remain open until 10 PM. Why would they stay open until 10PM if they only have enough units to last 30 minutes?

 

[iphonenut]

I believe that stores will have larger supplies that we think because of the statements that ATT stores will remain open until 10 PM. Why would they stay open until 10PM if they only have enough units to last 30 minutes?

i was originally going to agree with you...but think abou it...buying a phone is not like buying a t-shirt. you gotta buy it, get your plan, activate it...fill out paper work. the last time i got a phone i was there for 30-40 minutes...and that was without any iPhone hoopla. i think the reason they're open until 10 is to process however many people will get the iPhone.

 

[slipperypete]

I think you will be able to grab one.

I agree. They is a lot of interest and hype, but when the time comes to actually pay $500+, commit to a 2 year contract and a data plan I bet the lines aren't as bad as people think.

 

[maclaptopuser]

i was originally going to agree with you...but think abou it...buying a phone is not like buying a t-shirt. you gotta buy it, get your plan, activate it...fill out paper work. the last time i got a phone i was there for 30-40 minutes...and that was without any iPhone hoopla. i think the reason they're open until 10 is to process however many people will get the iPhone.

Precisely. The process will be somewhat delayed as they must run a credit check, which if it comes back clean no problem as that's really fast. Where the real delays will come into the picture is for people who's credit is borderline or they have something show up on the report that is not their's. Then the conflicts and arguments begin as many consumers do not know how to handle these situations.

Personally, I'm bringing my iPod Video to entertain myself. While I'm not fond of waiting, this will be no big deal as the wait will be well worth it. After all it's a one time event!

 

[ps49556n]

i was originally going to agree with you...but think abou it...buying a phone is not like buying a t-shirt. you gotta buy it, get your plan, activate it...fill out paper work. the last time i got a phone i was there for 30-40 minutes...and that was without any iPhone hoopla. i think the reason they're open until 10 is to process however many people will get the iPhone.

you have a valid point but im betting that att and Apple have devised a plan to get customers in and out in record times, turn and burn. credit checks can be done online in a matter of seconds so I really don't see that a problem. I think the largest bottleneck in the process will be the lack of staff, even considering the additional 2,000 temporary employees they hired.

 

[mav]

I think they may have enough to at least last through all Friday night, and some Apple stores may have enough to last through the weekend.

Afterall, they are extending their store hours to midnight.

 

[maclaptopuser]

Since the only thing we can do is guess, for anyone that seriously wants one, be there early. I read somewhere (sorry I forgot to capture the link) that each store may only get 20 iPhones per location.

Doesn't sound too promising. However I do believe that with enough patience, preparation and an early arrival time, one should have at least a 50/50 chance.

 

[the PHDs]

here is how it works with this thing:
it depends 100% on the store
for everything...camping, availibility, etc..
if it is a small store in a small area and they are carrying iPhone...
well obviously your chances are better then if you were in like NYC or LA

 

[lasquintanas]

You are gonna have to use some personal holiday hours.

 

[gadgetguy]

Isn't "iDay" now a national holiday?

It should be! I hope no one gets "Iburned" on "Iday"!

 

[RHJS]

Depends on where you are located. Me being in the Valley (Southern Cali) all the little kids will be waiting in line early with their mom. (I might too since I need her to activate my phone)

 

[ps49556n]

I just did a few speculation calculations for some fun:

Consider each Apple store gets on AVERAGE 300 iPhone units and there are approximately 175 Apple stores. 300*175=52,500 units total for Apple stores

Say the 1,800 corporate ATT stores get 200 each on average. 200*1,800=360,000


52,500+360,000=412,500 total units.


I don't know whether these numbers are relevant but just for the sake of it, consider these numbers to be true. Personally I believe Apple wants to sell as many possible units on opening day which is why I estimated store averages so high. The total for all 1,800 ATT stores and approx. 175 Apple stores is 412,500 units available day one, probably an overestimate but given the strong demand and interest, is still quite a bit short of what will be needed. This could either be good or bad as Apple may be desperately under supplied or totally accurate with its first day sales projections. Predictions of 20 per store equal a total of only 39,500 units....why would Apple be prepared with only 39,500 units on the launch day of ots most anticipated product launch ever? Just something to think about...