iPhone Story
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Written By Kate Zimmermann | July 5, 2007 | Share This
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On Friday June 29th, Apple’s iPhone went on sale. “iCultists”, as dubbed by the New York Times, lined up for days outside of Apple stores around the United States to purchase arguably “the most hyped gadget in tech history.”
Upon it’s release, I invited a guest blogger to give us her first-hand account of her experience buying an iPhone - First time blogger, long-time “iCultist”, and the only person I know who actually bought an iPhone - my seventeen year old sister Betsy:
“On January 9th, I watched the Macworld keynote address in its entirety - twice. I absorbed every piece of information (sparing as it was) about Apple’s “iPhone” that could be found on the website, in blogs, or in the keynote video. I immediately grasped how important it would be for me to have this product, and starting that day, I bragged to as many people as I could that I was getting an iPhone. Five months and t-minus 2 days.
I waited and waited, frustrated as the release date was pushed back. June 11th. June 29th. 6 pm on June 29th. Apple remained elusive about the purchasing process; should I go to an Apple store or an AT&T store? Come 6 pm on June 29th, I set out to the AT&T store for the coveted iPhone. I figured waiting in line early would be a waste of time, since I would undoubtedly have to wait whenever I got there. I arrived around 6:30 pm, and stood in line for an hour to even get inside the store. As I approached the doors, however, an AT&T employee announced to our disgruntled crowd that they had sold out of iPhones and that our best bet was to order one online.
This would not be an acceptable alternative. I ran to my car and sped to the nearest Apple store, almost panicking that a) I would get a speeding ticket, and b) they would be sold out, too. Upon arrival, I was herded into the store through a maze of velvet ropes that snaked by masses of people gathering at iPhone displays. Within three minutes it was in my hands and paid for. I was so excited that I dropped my bag as I ran out of the store. A man sitting on a nearby bench said “Congratulations!” as I passed. On my way to my car, every single person I passed made a comment about the iPhone bag. I beamed all the way home.
Opening the box and taking the thing out was just as, if not more, satisfying than I had hoped. The display was clearer than I’d expected, and it was the perfect weight in my hand. Already, countless people have asked me about it; all I can say is, “It’s beautiful.”
Literally, though, that’s all I can say. I have yet to see any of it’s functions.
Activating the iPhone has been a serious pain. I received a message from Apple saying it needed more time to activate and I would receive an email when it was done. I have been waiting for four hours, and still nothing. Judging from apple.com discussions, I’m not the only one with this problem. Others have been waiting much longer than me, and customer support representatives are giving a variety of responses, ranging from wait times of a few hours to a few days. The overload of people activating all at once has set back the system. Who knows how long it will take.
So, as of 2:01 am on June 30th, my iPhone remains a painful mystery. I have somehow managed to add music and play it through my headphones, but still cannot get past the activation screen. Given the anticipation, it almost seems natural that I’d be teased with a purchased, but inactive, product. Nevertheless, I remain a loyal Apple customer, and though it may not do more than ask for an activation code, my iPhone is too perfect to be mad about.”
Topics: Apple |