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Live Report! 3G iPhone Activation Process Takes Forever

Live report from the field! I am waiting in line for the 3G iPhone at the local Apple Store. There are about 30 people ahead of me. The line hasn't budged one foot since 8 AM.

I knew it wasn't going to be like last year. When the iPhone first became available on June 29, all you had to do was walk in, slap down $600 and walk out. No so, iPhone 2.0.

Apple Store employees are going down the line and speaking to each person waiting individually. They are making sure everyone has the necessary documentation so the sales process goes smoothly. (They also handed out free water.)

The problem is, the activation process takes about 15 to 20 minutes per customer. Since I am nowhere near the front door of the Apple Store, I have no idea how many people are ringing up customers, but I know there are only two registers inside.

Folks, I will be here all day. But that's okay. The AC is on, I have 70% battery life left on my laptop, and people are jovial and having a good time.

By the way, there are at least 100 people behind me in line.

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