I'm still going to be one of the cool kids 
Sold my family's trio of 4S's so I made enough to switch carriers and upgrade to the iPhone 5!
Until next Thursday evening, let’s get a show of hands for members thinking of joining in, swap past stories and share strategies for being the first in line.
Going to be camping @ local Verizon store to initiate service and score my precious....
Had a blast last year at Sprint. Started the line so I was first in the door.
Even had access to an outdoor power source so I was plugged in all night. Might want to consider that while you are scouting possible locations.
I recommend scouting local corporate stores (I would not trust any of the small independent retailers, just too much risk of getting zilched, IMO) and talking to the employees. See what the line was like last year.
Keep in mind, demand was likely smaller for the 4S than it will be this round for the 5, due to the erroneous perception the general public had that it was an incremental sub-generational advance.
Seems to me there are two distinct strategies, each accounting for your personality type and goal:
If you want to have a better chance of starting the line, try to find one that's tucked away somewhere.
The down side is if you show up late PM, there is the chance you’ll be alone for much of the night, but will have a higher probability you will get exactly what you are after!
Perhaps a strip mall VS a large Mega mall.
On the flip side, if your into big crowds and camaraderie, go to the Mega mall. You will have fun in the party like atmosphere (if that's what you are into), probably get to watch films being screened and might even wind up on the news. Here you run the risk of sellout, long wait time and reduced inventory.
Another con related to Mega mall camping is the on-site security issue. Be sure and check how security views these events. I've heard many stories of folks showing up late PM / early AM only to be told they are trespassing, directed to leave and come back a few hours before store doors open, only to find someone has started a line shortly after.
Some stores do a lottery for line placement. I'm sure it can get nutty but adds to the excitement.
Ask the employees who were around for last launch, or even better, check with actual mall security to see what the official policy is.
I strongly suggest you do your research before showing up with your gear. It will make for a much more enjoyable experience and provide you with the best chances for securing your iPhone(s) of choice.
T-Minus 6 days and counting.....

Sold my family's trio of 4S's so I made enough to switch carriers and upgrade to the iPhone 5!
Until next Thursday evening, let’s get a show of hands for members thinking of joining in, swap past stories and share strategies for being the first in line.
Going to be camping @ local Verizon store to initiate service and score my precious....
Had a blast last year at Sprint. Started the line so I was first in the door.
Even had access to an outdoor power source so I was plugged in all night. Might want to consider that while you are scouting possible locations.
I recommend scouting local corporate stores (I would not trust any of the small independent retailers, just too much risk of getting zilched, IMO) and talking to the employees. See what the line was like last year.
Keep in mind, demand was likely smaller for the 4S than it will be this round for the 5, due to the erroneous perception the general public had that it was an incremental sub-generational advance.
Seems to me there are two distinct strategies, each accounting for your personality type and goal:
If you want to have a better chance of starting the line, try to find one that's tucked away somewhere.
The down side is if you show up late PM, there is the chance you’ll be alone for much of the night, but will have a higher probability you will get exactly what you are after!
Perhaps a strip mall VS a large Mega mall.
On the flip side, if your into big crowds and camaraderie, go to the Mega mall. You will have fun in the party like atmosphere (if that's what you are into), probably get to watch films being screened and might even wind up on the news. Here you run the risk of sellout, long wait time and reduced inventory.
Another con related to Mega mall camping is the on-site security issue. Be sure and check how security views these events. I've heard many stories of folks showing up late PM / early AM only to be told they are trespassing, directed to leave and come back a few hours before store doors open, only to find someone has started a line shortly after.
Some stores do a lottery for line placement. I'm sure it can get nutty but adds to the excitement.
Ask the employees who were around for last launch, or even better, check with actual mall security to see what the official policy is.
I strongly suggest you do your research before showing up with your gear. It will make for a much more enjoyable experience and provide you with the best chances for securing your iPhone(s) of choice.
T-Minus 6 days and counting.....
