Right now no one is sure how many iPhones each store will have, or if there will be the same supply issues that have plagued every console release in the past 5 years. Consoles are usually released near the Christmas season, so perhaps Apple is onto something.
AT&T stores are limiting the iPhone to 1 per customer, to prevent someone from buying a lot and scalping them. Everyone I spoke with planned on keeping their coveted prize. There are some hungry college students that can be hired to stand in line for you for an extra $200 or so. Just look on your local Craig’s List.
The lines should move quickly at either company’s outlets; the authorization procedure that usually seems to take forever can be done at home, through your iTunes account. But having dealt with staffers at both outlets, I’d put my money on Apple’s staff to get you in and out more smoothly.
You can buy your iPhone online. It’s unclear whether buyers on the West Coast will have to wait until 6:00pm Pacific time, or if they can place their orders at 2:00pm (6pm EST).
Beginning Saturday morning, iPhone customers can learn how to get the most out of the iPhone with free, in-depth workshops offered throughout the day at all Apple retail stores. Every Apple retail store will offer support for iPhone at the Genius Bar and personal training through Apple’s new One to One program
Of the 164 Apple Stores in the U.S., and 1800 AT&T Wireless outlets, you probably have a better chance of finding a shorter line at the AT&T Store. This apparently seems to be the dirty little secret to getting an iPhone.
