Topics: Mobile

Live Report! 3G iPhone Activation Process Takes Forever

Posted by Eric Zeman, Jul 11, 2008 08:42 AM

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.

« First Pictures From iPhone Store | Main | Apple Overwhelmed By iPhone 2.0 Update »

This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers.

Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media's Terms of Service.

Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business.