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Archive for the 'iGirl' Tag

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iGirl just bought a new iPhone 3GS

June 8th, 2009, 2:17 pm by

I admit it. I just did it. I just pre-ordered the 32GB white iPhone 3GS. It is a lot of money, but it SHOOTS VIDEO! It’ll ship to my house. Woohoo for iGirl not standing, sleeping and eating in line for hours!

Yep, it’s me, the crazy iPhone-girl here with another new iPhone story. Apple announced today a line of new laptops, iPhone OS 3.0 available June 17, and oh yeah, a new iPhone.

My love affair began with the iPhone two years ago, when I waited 26 hours for the first iPhone and I wrote about the geeky affair for all of the O.C. Last year, I waited a short 11 hours for the second iPhone.

Now some of you out there may be wondering why, just why, I’d shell out a couple hundred more bucks ($499 to be exact) for the 32GB white iPhone 3GS. Yes, the double memory and faster processor will be quite nice. But the real reason I’m upgrading? It’s the camera. I just couldn’t help myself.

3299713406_54a256ba25I’ve always had fun playing as an amateur photographer. I have about seven lomography (toy) cameras, and I love shooting quick videos of my puppies and kitties with a Flip Ultra. And in this year, I decided to start a photo-a-day project on Flickr in which I take and post a photo every day — all taken with my iPhone 3G. I’ve even skipped toting a film camera on my recent outings and vacations, and taking along just the iPhone as a camera.

Imagine just how many more photos and videos I’ll be shooting now! And, the best part is I can geo-tag my content and post it straight away to the Web — from almost anywhere!

I’m not saying the iPhone 3GS is for everyone. I’d suggest that each of you take the time to research what phone is right for you before buying.

But, iPhone 3GS, here I come. Oh, and please post any ideas for my new iPhone’s name in the comments below. (If you remember, my first Gadgetress post described my tendency to name electronics after Superman characters — it’s a geeky reporter thing.)

UPDATE: While ordering my iPhone online, the Apple Web site said June 19 as delivery, a confirmation e-mail said it would be delivered on June 24. After talking with Apple customer service by phone (after waiting on hold for about half an hour) the company said the June 19 delivery online was a mistake. Apple’s now given me free next-day delivery so I’ll get my iPhone as early as June 20, and as late as June 22.

Photo above left was taken by iGirl with her iPhone 3G. Photo taken Feb. 21 of a tree in my back yard using the Toy Camera app on my iPhone.

Posted in: Apple mania • iPhone • • | 44 Comments »

iGirl’s iPhone verdict: No regrets but…

July 12th, 2008, 4:49 pm by

After camping out Thursday night in front of the Apple store in Irvine for 10 hours, Sonya “iGirl” Smith finally got her white, 16-GB iPhone, nicknamed “Perry White.” She’s been playing with Perry for more than 24 hours and the verdict is in: igirl3giphone

What’s new?

That’s the first thing most people ask me about my 3G iPhone. And, well, there’s not a whole lot that is new about the second-gen iPhone.

The new features are 3G, GPS, metal buttons and 16 GBs. Sure the metal buttons look cool. And the 16 GBs allow me to add more music. But neither is a reason to buy the new phone.

The 3G Internet and data access is noticeably faster than the EDGE network, but 3G is still not available everywhere in Orange County. And, that leaves GPS — which is very cool, but not necessary.

My favorite new feature — the software applications — is available not just for the new iPhone, but last year’s model, along with the iPod Touch. The iPhone app store offers more than 500 applications and I’m now hooked on the Associated Press, Scrabble, Pandora  and Twitterific apps.

Now that I’ve had a full night’s rest, my MobileMe account is up and running and my iPhone is working (it said no service for a short time today, remedied by an AT&T worker who took out and put back in my SIM card) — I’m happy with the new white-backed phone.

Verdict: For people who do not already have an iPhone, the 3G version is a great device, although the $70-plus monthly phone bill is hefty. I have no regrets, but of course, I camped out for 10 hours to buy the phone. But for people who already own the original, you should reconsider upgrading because of the extra monthly charges plus the $200 to $300 cost of the phone.

From earlier: iGirl’s iPhone 2.0 adventures

Posted in: iPhone • • • • • • | 6 Comments »

Up to 5-hour wait for 3G iPhones in OC

July 11th, 2008, 2:40 pm by

**UPDATE, as of 3:03 p.m.  Most of AT&T’s 2,000 stores nationwide ARE SOLD OUT. See below if you still want to order an iPhone.**

3gunboxingIf you’re heading to an AT&T store to get an iPhone, you may be out of luck. But Apple stores in Orange County appear to have plenty — if you’re willing to wait in line.

Geoff Mordock, with AT&T, just told me that he’s heard almost every AT&T store has sold out of their stock. He wouldn’t say how much they had to begin with.

“The lines were longer than last year,” he said. “We want to make sure people know that more inventory is coming.”

Much of the wait is due to activating the iPhone by AT&T. It took iGirl 30 minutes to get her iPhone activated this morning — and that was after waiting 10 hours till the store opened and another hour to get inside!I’m waiting on an update from Mordock as to iPhone inventory left at AT&T stores in Orange County.

Meanwhile, here’s what’s left at the Apple stores:

Irvine: Irvine Spectrum, 85 Fortune Dr. #311 Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 255-1500
As of 2:15 p.m., a rep said that all iPhones are still in stock. Current wait time in line: 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Costa Mesa: South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St. Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 424-6331
As of 2:22 p.m., a rep said, “We have them in stock and there is a line.” He wouldn’t say how many are left.

Mission Viejo: The Shops at Mission Viejo Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 365-0727
As of 2:24 p.m., a rep said, “We do have a lot at the moment, but there is a 4-hour wait in line.” The 4-hour estimate is based on the time it takes to activate the phones and the number of people in line. He won’t guarantee that there will still be iPhones left if you get there tonight.

Brea: Brea Mall, Space #1024A Brea, CA 92821 714-255-5610
No answer. Must be pretty busy over there. Anyone else know?

Newport Beach: Fashion Island, 367 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 729-4433
At 2:30 p.m., a rep said, “We have a lot left.” But then he added that the line is 5 hours long and he can’t guarantee there will be iPhones left tonight.

UPDATE, as of 3:03 p.m.: Mordock said that most of AT&T’s 2,000 stores nationwide ARE SOLD OUT.

But stores should get replenished within a few days. One option AT&T is pushing is its “Direct fill” process, where customers would essentially put down a credit card, order an iPhone and a phone will be reserved in their name. You must go to an AT&T store to place the order, which is expected to take 7 to 10 days to arrive.

Earlier on Gadgetress:

Posted in: Apple mania • Cell phones • iPhone • • • • • • | 12 Comments »

28 minutes to get iPhone activated

July 11th, 2008, 9:59 am by

iGirl and her new iPhone, “Perry”Holy iCow! Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith camped out in front of the Apple store in Irvine for more than 10 hours last night, only to wait another hour and 28 mintues more to finally get her shiny, new, white, 16-GB iPhone 2.0. Well, she is iGirl. She’s been updating her status all night at ocregister.com/money. Here is her wrap up of the experience (called in via her new iPhone):

It took about an hour and a half, but I have it. And it’s beautiful!

They delay was caused by the need to activate AT&T accounts. Last year, you just handed Apple the cash and got the phone, which you activated later at home. But because it’s taking a half-hour to activate one user, the Apple store this morning is giving customers the option to activate new iPhones at home. But obviously, I didn’t want to do that. The line is definitely slow but all the employees are working one-on-one with customers to make sure they are set up.

It cost me about $400 (the iPhone was $299) because I also spent $69 for Apple Care insurance, a case and a screen protector. Plus, there was an $18 upgrade fee from AT&T. I got a cool case, a Belkin silicon sleeve, that is black but the back of it lets the white of my iPhone show through.

iPhone 2.0 now on sale

The experience has a different feel than last year because it’s such a process to set it up. Last year, you were running out of here screaming and the crowd was cheering. The first 5 people were cheering and excited when they left. But last year, people were screaming their heads off, like they just won the Super Bowl. This year, most of the people I’ve seen already have an iPhone. Or else, it’s been around for so long, it’s not like, ‘Omigosh, this beautiful thing.’

If you’re planning to get one today, I’d recommend that you check online to see that you have everything needed to get set up. Also, check out nearby AT&T stores, which may have the model you want if the Apple store doesn’t. Hopefully, like last year, Apple will post which stores still have iPhone left. The employees here won’t tell me how many are available. Everything is hidden in the back, unlike last year when they stocked cabinets and drawers in the store with iPhones. There’s no way of telling how many they have.

Mr. Perry White [iGirl's name for her new gadget] is doing well. I can’t wait to get home and play with MobileMe and download applications and get rolling because the applications is going to be the best part of having this.

I’m really glad I got here when I did. But I don’t know if I’ll wait for another one. But we’ll see when the next iPhone comes out.

I was about number 15 in line and there were at least 200 people in line. I have no clue if this is going to sell out. I think the 16 GB white ones will go first, but I don’t know. They’re suggesting that you call the Apple stores the night before you come in to see if they have what you want.

It was very much worth it — camping out and waiting, that is. The reason why is that it was unnerving enough to have to wait outside for all the iPhones to get activated for the first group of people [iGirl was in the second group of people let into the store]. People who showed up at 4 a.m. will have to wait in a long line because it’s taking so long to get people activated and plugged in.

I’m really glad I got here when I did. But I don’t know if I’ll wait for another one. But we’ll see when the next iPhone comes out.

Coming later today: iGirl examines the iPhone and offers her analysis.

Posted in: Apple mania • Cell phones • iPhone • • • • • • | 1 Comment »

It’s iPhone time!

July 11th, 2008, 8:07 am by

iGirl’s coverage of iPhone 2.0Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith is at it again. She arrived at the Irvine Spectrum’s Apple store around 9ish p.m. Thursday night to camp out until 8 a.m. Friday morning NOW when the new 3G iPhone goes on sale. She’s offering updates via Twitter. Catch her live posts all night at ocregister.com/money or twitter.com/sonyanews. Here are her recent tweets:

8:03 a.m. A few people will be let in at a time. The first batch is the first 10 people.

8:02 a.m I’ll be in the second group let in the store.

8:00 a.m. Everyone is cheering.

7:59 a.m. Employees are opening the doors.

7:58 a.m. The black paper had been rolled back and the store is filled with clapping and cheering Apple employees.

7:57 a.m. 3 minutes. Much better than last year when everyone was shoving and worried about getting cut in front of.

Read the rest at ocregister.com/money

Posted in: Apple mania • Cell phones • iPhone • • • • • • • | 1 Comment »

Closing in on the 3G iPhone, meet the iLine

July 11th, 2008, 6:10 am by

ilineAfter a full night’s dreaming of a 3G iPhone, certainly not sleeping, the iCrowd is ever so close to the 3G iPhone.

Be sure to read my tweet updates here that I provided continuously (except when I was sleeping for a bit).

The iLine has now grown to about 100 people. With less than two hours to go, at the similar time last year the crowd was probably at 200 people.

Everyone last night chose one of two options: try to sleep in any way possible on the ground or play games, talk or watch movies to try to stay awake. Me? I stayed awake for a while by playing games on my Nintendo DS, by reading and by talking with others. But, then for a few hours I curled up on the ground and fell asleep for about three hours even sleeping through the loud sounds of workers power-washing the Spectrum’s floors.

This year’s wait is certainly less intense than last year. At this point last year the whole crowd was nervous and giddy and standing up to hold our places in line. Today? Not so much. We’re all still waking up, or sleeping, while 8 o’clock strokes near.

Photo taken by Sonya of the end of the line just before 6 a.m.

Posted in: iPhone • | 3 Comments »

Meet the iCrowd at the Irvine Spectrum Apple store

July 10th, 2008, 11:04 pm by

iGirl’s coverage of iPhone 2.0Here I am, No. 15. I’ve been in line at the Irvine Spectrum Apple store since just after 9 p.m.

Be sure to follow my minute-by-minute updates (well, that’ll depend on how bored I am)  on the Register’s Money page – I’ll be updating constantly about my iPhone wait on that page.

Now, let me introduce you to some of my line friends:

No. 1:

He’s been here since 1 p.m. and I remember him from last year. Cole Chleboun, a 22-year-old from Rancho Santa Margarita, works for a shipping supply warehouse company. And, just like last year, he’s waiting in line for his boss. And, just like last year, he’s getting full days of pay for his time plus perhaps a little extra money for his effort. “Hey, it’s good money” he said.

Cole Chleboun, 22, of Rancho Santa Margarita(That’s Cole in the photo on the right. See this image and more in tonight’s photo slide show by Register photographer Kevin Sullivan.)

Craigslist afficianado:

David Giordano from Mission Viejo is in line at about, oh spot No. 9. He’s here to buy a 16GB iPhone and he was smart about raising money for buying a new phone. His dad mentioned a news report that the first-generation iPhones were selling pretty well on Craigslist. Three days after Giordano listed his 16GB he sold it to someone from Santa Ana for $600 cash. The reason people are paying such good money for the old phones? The 3G iPhones require buyers activate them immediately in store and the phones are not being sold online. That means people with other cell carriers can buy those first-gen unattached iPhones, hack the phones and then use them with their cell carriers.

Line waiter extraordinaire:

That would be No. 11 in line (who is sitting in the same spot I did last year). Chris Cammack from Irvine is waiting to buy an 8GB iPhone. Last time I met him was not in iPhone line, but when I covered tech and wrote about people waiting for Black Friday deals. At that time, he was No. 1 in line at the Westminster Best Buy.

Soon-to-be-ex-Nokia-brick-owner:

Rounding out the iCrowd introductions for the night is Breanne Nagy. She’s from Anaheim Hills and can’t wait to get a new phone. A week and a half ago she bought a Palm Centro phone/PDA and she said it just will not hold a charge. So, she’s borrowing her dad’s old Nokia phone (as she describes it, “the one with Snake on it.”). Once she buys an iPhone tomorrow she’ll return the Centro and go home to play with her new Apple phone.

Posted in: iPhone • • • • • • | Comments Off

The iPhone 2.0 tweeting has begun!

July 10th, 2008, 9:43 pm by

iGirl’s coverage of iPhone 2.0Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith is at it again. She arrived at the Irvine Spectrum’s Apple store around 9ish p.m. to camp out until 8 a.m. Friday morning when the new 3G iPhone goes on sale. She’s offering updates via Twitter. Catch her live posts all night at ocregister.com/money or twitter.com/sonyanews. Here are her recent tweets:

9:30 p.m. Apple store closed at 9 pm. Employees are now gathering supplies, cleaning windows and displays and bringing out black sheets to cover t …

9:05 p.m. Just got here to the spectrum apple store and I’m about 20th in line.

8:30 p.m. Just found out an update on the Irvine Spectrum Apple store which has a line of about 20 people. I’m on my way now to get in line.

5:38 p.m. to @jakemarsh Is there a line? I’m trying to decide when I should line up tonight for the iPhone. Any ideas, Twitterverse? 10 pm or 4 am?

Earlier:

Posted in: Cell phones • iPhone • • • • • • | Comments Off

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