Need Tips for Scoring an iPhone 4S tomorrow

[QueHuong]

So I'm planning to line up at 6:30 - 7:00 am at an Apple Store in the mall tomorrow. It opens at 8, and I need to get in and get out to go to work

So any tips on how to maximize my chances of getting one?

 

[Pliablemoose]

Two words, "Porkchop necklace"

Trust me

 

[eelw]

Umm, what time do you start? If at 9, good luck. You won't be out of that line until 11-12 at the earliest.

 

[saratoga172]

Umm, what time do you start? If at 9, good luck. You won't be out of that line until 11-12 at the earliest.

Had some friends line up for the launch of the 4. They got in line at 11 the night before and didn't get into the store until at least an hour after open. Have fun

 

[Pliablemoose]

Apple Retail Store

If you live near an Apple Store, that's probably your best bet for taking home an iPhone tomorrow. They always have the most phones available on launch day—and why wouldn't they?—because Apple wants to keep your butt coming to their stores. Thing is, everyone else knows that too, and lining up outside the Apple Store for an iPhone has its own weird, cult-like appeal, so expect to fight the unwashed masses here.

Also, Apple's recycle program will take a decent dent out of the cost of your phone, if you don't want to deal with reselling your old phone yourself. A very good condition iPhone 4 will get you $200, which is pretty good.

From Gizmodo...

 

[Aikouka]

So I'm planning to line up at 6:30 - 7:00 am at an Apple Store in the mall tomorrow. It opens at 8, and I need to get in and get out to go to work

So any tips on how to maximize my chances of getting one?

Like others said, you may need to line up earlier than that if you're expecting to get in and out quickly. The iPad 2 launched at 5 PM and I wasn't planning on getting into line until maybe 4 PM. A friend of mine saw a tweet from someone standing in line already at 2 PM, so I ended up going then.

The worst part about it was the fact that it launched at 5 PM, but I still didn't get out until 6 PM. The line just took forever because Apple offers helping you set it up and such.

 

[QueHuong]

Umm, what time do you start? If at 9, good luck. You won't be out of that line until 11-12 at the earliest.

I start at 7:30

Alright, I'm readjusting my expectations accordingly. But since this is a mall, it's not like you can line up at the Apple Store's entrance, so I was thinking most people would come a little earlier when the mall opens (I don't know when). For those who've lined up at the mall, can I bet on this?

And there are numerous small AT&T independent stores (ie, not in the mall), can I expect to be one of the first in line if I arrive 1 hr before opening?

 

[amdhunter]

Gonna try my luck at Best Buy after work today. Or Apple on Sunday.

 

[QueHuong]

I got the iPhone 4...I only had to wait in line for 30-40 mins with approx. 70 ppl in front of me. For those buying one, be sure you have 2 forms of ID verifications, such as a driver's license + credit card or utility bill. Also, you have to be the acct owner or be an authorized user. I thought I was an authorized user, but it's something you need the acct holder to explicitly name you as one. That was my only hassle.

 

[dlock13]

I got the iPhone 4...I only had to wait in line for 30-40 mins with approx. 70 ppl in front of me. For those buying one, be sure you have 2 forms of ID verifications, such as a driver's license + credit card or utility bill. Also, you have to be the acct owner or be an authorized user. I thought I was an authorized user, but it's something you need the acct holder to explicitly name you as one. That was my only hassle.

Wait.. you waited in line just to buy the iPhone 4? >_>

 

[SunnyD]

I got the iPhone 4...I only had to wait in line for 30-40 mins with approx. 70 ppl in front of me. For those buying one, be sure you have 2 forms of ID verifications, such as a driver's license + credit card or utility bill. Also, you have to be the acct owner or be an authorized user. I thought I was an authorized user, but it's something you need the acct holder to explicitly name you as one. That was my only hassle.

What the fuck??? It's a fucking phone, not a mortgage.

 

[Aikouka]

What the fuck??? It's a fucking phone, not a mortgage.

I'm not sure why you're surprised by this.... I'm pretty certain you'll find that all carriers perform credit checks when you buy a rather expensive smart phone from them. They performed one on me when I upgraded to the 4S, but I did not need two forms of ID (just my license). Essentially, your carrier is loaning you the $450-or-so subsidy and they want to make sure that you're going to continue to pay your bill.

I recall when an ex of mine went to buy an iPhone 3GS (back in 2009 after they came out), and they would only subsidize her if she paid an extra deposit that would be refunded after a period of time.

EDIT:

Although, I am confused as to how an electric bill or credit card constitutes a form of valid identification. In my experience, utility bills are only used to define a place of residence (i.e. here's my bill that shows I live in Alabama).

 

[QueHuong]

Wait.. you waited in line just to buy the iPhone 4? >_>

oops, I mean 4S