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OC’s iNerds start lining up for 3G iPhones

July 10th, 2008, 5:21 pm by

A few people desperate to get their hands on Apple’s next iPhone have lined up around the county.

Only one person has lined up so far at an Apple store for the shiny 3G-toting-phone and that’s at my destination, the Irvine Spectrum store. An Irvine Spectrum spokesperson said that one person got in line by 11 a.m. today.

3gunboxingTips on lining up in OC

If you plan on making your iPhone quest an all-nighter I’d suggest the Irvine Spectrum store where it’s been OKd for people to stay overnight. The Fashion Island store will not allow a line until 5 a.m. and the South Coast Plaza store will let people stay outside the mall overnight – but a wait inside the mall cannot start until 6 a.m. The only update I have for the Brea and Mission Viejo stores is that there are no lines yet and no word  on whether sleeping overnight is OK.

But, a few people have started out on the iPhone wait at AT&T stores, according to an e-mail from an AT&T spokesperson. It said lines have started at the Seal Beach, Santa Barbara and Lake Forest locations. Still, the e-mail does not state how many people are waiting yet — and that still leaves quite a few line-less stores around the county and the Southland.

AT&T did, though, attach a link to some photos of the new boxes arriving at retail stores. (The image at left is one of those AT&T-provided photos). Still, I would like to see a photo of the white iPhone boxes – yep, the white iPhones even come in matching white iBoxes.

As for me, I’m playing it by iEar as to when I head out to the Spectrum store. It’s a tough decision. I lined up last year because the first iPhone was an event to me and this year’s model is just another iPhone. Still, if I line up too late chances are against me getting the 16GB white model.

I’ll be documenting the rest of the night via Twitter. You can find my Tweets on the Register Money page by clicking HERE. Stay tuned!

Related:

Posted in: iPhone • • • • • • | 2 Comments »

iPhone not 3G for some of O.C.

July 10th, 2008, 1:05 pm by

**UPDATE on EDGE service below**

If you poo-poohed the original iPhone because it lacked 3G cellular Internet service, now’s your chance. The new iPhone goes on sale tomorrow at 8 a.m. Read iGirl’s tips on what it takes to buy the new phone.

3G is lovely, though not as fast as your broadband connection at home. AT&T, in fact, reminded media this morning that it has invested $20 billion to create “the nation’s fastest 3G network.”

But before you wait in line all night like our intrepid iGirl, AT&T’s service is not available everywhere. It’s in 300 major U.S. metropolitan areas, which AT&T plans to expand to 350 by year’s end.

Take a look at where you can and can’t get AT&T’s 3G service in Orange County. In Laguna Beach, for example, 3G coverage is spotty and in many areas, non-existant (the dark blue splotches are 3G areas while the lighter blue are not and offer the slower EDGE service). But your iPhone will still work, according to AT&T. It just switches to the slower EDGE Internet service.

AT&T’s 3G coverage in Laguna Beach

But Laguna Beach has it better than residents to the east of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano (the white areas). Those folks don’t get AT&T cellular service of any kind!

AT&T’s 3G coverage in South County

Check out AT&T’s 3G coverage in your neighborhood HERE.

What if you’re really out of luck and don’t have 3G coverage at home, work or anywhere you roam? I’m checking with AT&T to see if you can purchase just the EDGE Internet service for $10 less per month. I will update as soon as I find out.

THE UPDATE: Nope, new iPhones require new 3G service contracts from AT&T. If you do live in the boonies and can’t get AT&T’s 3G service, the company tells me you could always buy an old iPhone, which does rely on EDGE service.

More iPhone 2.0 coverage:

Posted in: Cell phones • iPhone • • • • • • • | 3 Comments »

10 reasons why camping out for iPhone is better this year

July 10th, 2008, 9:45 am by

3giphoneigirl**Dude! If you’re reading this now, you’ve missed half the new stuff I’ve posted. Check out what’s happening right now in line at the Apple store in Irvine by going to ocregister.com/money **

From Thursday night:

Now back to the post…

New year, new iPhone. Same nerd and same plan to wait all night outside the Apple store at the Irvine Spectrum to be one of the first to get my Mac-fanatic hands on the 3G iPhone.

Yep, its iGirl and right now I’m waiting for MobileMe, the 2.0 iPhone operating software, the iPhone App store and the 3G iPhone. While I wait, here’s my top 10 list of reasons why my wait this year will be better than last year. Feel free to add your own ideas in comments.

10. I can browse through the more than 500 soon-to-be-available iPhone apps while waiting in line.

9. I’m a big nerd and everybody knows it. Last year, I was just a reporter who covered Irvine news laying my nerdy side out on the blog for everyone. By now, everyone knows I’m a tech geek and that’s ok.

8. I will be pain free. Last year, I put off having my wisdom teeth taken out to save up for the $600 iPhone on a reporter budget (I finally had them removed a few months later).

7. No embarrassing videos. Because the 3G iPhone release is less of a media event compared to last year, and because my buddy Matt Degen is now full-time behind a copy desk, he will not be videotaping my nerdy side like he did last year.

Apple stores open at 8 a.m. on July 11 for new iPhone6. Less waiting! The phone goes on sale in the morning at 8 a.m. instead of last year’s 6 p.m.

5. No funky tan lines. Having to wait all day in the sweltering heat last year, I ended up with bad tan lines and sun burns.

4. I get to mesh my love of Superman, journalism and electronics once again. My first iPhone is named Jimmy (for Jimmy Olson, the photographer sidekick to Lois Lane and Clark Kent). I have a new name for my 3G iPhone: Perry White, the editor of the Daily Planet newspaper. Register reporter and Superman fan, Eugene Fields, helped me come up with the new name. (Thanks for the help, Eugene.)

3. I can appreciate my current iPhone — and its longer battery life — a few hours more.

2. No sleeping outside on the ground this year. Last year, I waited 26 hours and even slept on the ground to get an iPhone. This year I plan to go out at some point during the night and a simple chair will be all I will need. No way will I wait longer for the 3G iPhone than I did for the first iPhone.

1. I’ll have my current iPhone to keep me company. Last year, I sat in line without Internet, videos, e-mail, music or other fun apps as I only had a pink Motorola Razr. And if by some horrific chance the Apple store should run out of 16GB iPhones before I can buy one, I’ll still have my old iPhone plus the new 2.0 operating system and new iPhone apps to play with all day — writing reviews for all of you!

I head to the store tonight. Feel free to join me in line. Or just stick with me all day and night as I blog about anticipation for the iPhone 2.0.

Related iPhone 2.0 news:

Posted in: iPhone • • • • • | 18 Comments »

iPhone countdown: All you need to know

July 9th, 2008, 11:22 am by

Apple’s new iPhone 2.0Friday is launch day for the next-generation Apple iPhone. If you’re planning to buy one, here’s what you need to know:

What’s new?

  • GPS that pinpoints the phone’s exact location. This lets users find more precise directions and geo-tags photos (automatically showing where photos were taken on a map)
  • A 3G connection for faster loading of web pages, sending photos and downloading e-mails. (The image below is Apple’s estimated difference in speed between the old iPhone running EDGE and the new iPhone using a 3G connection.)

iPhone uses 3G wireless speeds

  • New iPhone comes in black and white
  • Improved audio: Some people complained the phone’s speakers were not loud enough. The spot for plugging in headphones is flush (the old phone’s plug-in was different than iPods and such — requiring an adapter to use most headphones).
  • Two versions of the iPhone will be sold: an 8GB version in black for $199 and a 16GB version in white or black for $299. The phone looks much like the current iPhone, but the buttons are all metal. It’s also a little bit thinner and the back is all black or white plastic rather than brushed metal.
  • A new two year AT&T rate plan is required when buying the new iPhone, sold separately.

What about purchasing the new iPhone?

  • The iPhones will go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday at Apple and AT&T stores. Here’s a link to find your closest stores. Apple won’t say how many iPhones will be at each store. Last year, Apple stores generally had more iPhones in stock than AT&T stores. But, some AT&T stores had plenty leftover because they were overlooked by iPhone buyers heading straight to O.C.’s five Apple stores. One tip: The 16GB iPhones will probably sell out first, just as the 8GB iPhones sold out before the 4GB versions last year.
  • iPhone buyers must activate the iPhones at time of purchase. Buyers must bring a credit card, Social Security number, valid government-issued photo ID and current wireless account number and password or PIN (if new to AT&T). Apple says current iPhone owners buying the new phone should remember to sync it one last time before getting the new 3G iPhone.
  • AT&T says pricing on the new phone will be $30 a month for 3G data plans plus voice plans starting at $39.99 a month. Unlimited 3G data plans for business users will be $45 a month, plus a voice plan.
  • There are no discounts for current owners. But if you purchased an iPhone on or after May 27, you’ll be able to exchange it for the new iPhone “without incurring an additional handset charge,” says AT&T. For owners of iPhone prior to May 27, you’ll have to fork over the $199 or more for the new phone and extend your contract for 2 more years.

Related:

Posted in: iPhone • • • • | 2 Comments »

New iPhone leaves iGirl wanting more

June 10th, 2008, 7:10 am by

iPhone 3G promo

Whew! Monday was a big day for this blog’s resident Mac addict. Now that she’s had an evening to digest the new iPhone, Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith offers her expert analysis on the new phone.

The 3G iPhone announced by Apple’s Steve Jobs Monday takes the mobile device a much needed step further in offering GPS and 3G, but some phone features seem ignored in the upcoming device.

The lack of an improved camera, the lack of color options beyond black and white and the lack of memory beyond 16GB in the 3G iPhone make it look like Apple is intentionally holding out so folks keep upgrading and upgrading their phones each year and possibly twice a year. Sure, continuous upgrades to products make companies big money and keep investors happy, but I’d like to know that there won’t be a red iPhone with a 5-megapixel camera released in two months.

Alas, my geekiness won’t let me pass up the new iPhone. I plan to wait in line again at the Irvine Spectrum Apple store (hopefully not needing to stay overnight) to buy yet another shiny, perfectly-wrapped Apple mobile phone. Steve got me at GPS — I just really believe some great new apps will result from GPS – and I can’t wait to try them all (see No. 4 on list below).

mobilemeStill, MobileMe (I already use .Mac, that MobileMe replaces) is the best announcement from Monday. I have spent many a nights hunched over my computer trying to sync all my data between work as a journalist, teaching dance, my personal life and position at a national journalism organization.

Yes, MobileMe costs money — but so far Google’s Calendar (at least for me) has been the only option for “syncing” data between Mac and PC (you can’t edit all the information and have it automatically update flawlessly, though it’s improved). While the 3G iPhone will get the most limelight, I believe that MobileMe if well constructed may be the biggest game-changer out of the Monday Apple announcements.

Now, on to my list of features I wanted in the 2nd-gen iPhone.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: iPhone • • • | 19 Comments »

iGirl’s iPhone 2.0 wrap-up: Cheaper, faster, better!

June 9th, 2008, 12:43 pm by

**Update: What to do if you already own an iPhone **
**Update: AT&T’s monthly fees for new iPhone 3G plans**

***Update: 6:18 p.m.; The Apple iPhone is not available for pre-order, meaning more customers waiting in long lines for the mobile phones. An AT&T spokeswoman said today that details will come out closer to the July 11 release, such as what time the phones will go on sale.***
iGirl’s iPhone 2.0 wrap-up: Cheaper, faster, better!

Apple’s new iPhone 2.0As just about everyone predicted the announcement of a 3G iPhone today, Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs did just that today.

Nerds, like myself, might be interested in the play-by-play liveblogging we had this morning. But, for the rest of the world, here’s a simple snapshot of what Jobs announced:

A new iPhone:

  • The second-ever generation iPhone goes on sale July 11 in 22 countries.
  • The phone looks much like the current iPhone, but the buttons are all metal, its a little bit thinner and the back is all black or white plastic rather than brushed metal.
  • The phone’s new features: GPS (that pinpoints the phone’s exact location) and 3G (a new way of connecting to cellular networks that offers faster speeds for loading web pages, sending photos and downloading e-mails).

iPhone uses 3G wireless speeds

  • New iPhone comes in black and whiteTwo versions of the iPhone will be sold: an 8GB version in black for $199 and a 16GB version in white or black for $299.
  • Buying the new iPhone requires a new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.
  • The phone also has improved audio (some people complained the phone’s speakers were not loud enough) and the spot for plugging in headphones is flush (the old phone’s plug-in was different than iPods and such — requiring an adapter to use most headphones).
  • ADDED 2:10 p.m. — AT&T says pricing on the new phone will be $30 a month for 3G data plans plus voice plans starting at $39.99 a month. Unlimited 3G data plans for business users will be $45 a month, plus a voice plan.
  • ADDED 4:58 p.m. – No discounts for current owners. But if you purchased an iPhone on or after May 27, you’ll be able to exchange it for the new iPhone “without incurring an additional handset charge,” says AT&T. For owners of iPhone prior to May 27, you’ll have to fork over the $199 or more for the new phone and extend your contract for 2 more years.

A new Web site for syncing personal information:

  • Apple’s new Web site (called www.me.com — it’s not live yet) replaces the current site called dot Mac at www.mac.com.
  • The Web site stores a person’s: contacts, calendars, e-mail and photos. Users change or add information to the Web site and that information is then automatically synced via wireless to the person’s Apple or PC computers, iPhone or iPod Touch and programs (Microsoft Outlook for PC users and iCal, Apple Mail and Address Book for Apple users).
  • iPhone’s MobileMeMobileMe will open in July (likely on July 11) and costs $99 a year. There is a 60-day free trial. The service includes available 20GBs of available space. People who use .Mac right now can upgrade to MobileMe whenever they want.

Third-party applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch:

  • Starting in early July iPhone and iPod Touch users will be able to download applications for the devices made by third-party developers (not made by Apple).
  • Check eBay on the new iPhoneDevelopers set their own prices for the applications; some will be available for free.
  • Some applications were demonstrated during today’s Apple presentation. Those include: Super Monkey Ball – a game by SEGA, an eBay application called “Auctions,” Modality that offers information and images for medical students, a Major League Baseball application that shows game and player information and a racing game called “Cromag Ralley” in which the iPhone or iPod Touch is used as the steering wheel.

An updated operating system for the iPhone and iPod Touch:

  • The next operating system for the iPhone and iPod Touch will be version 2.0.
  • The system will be a free upgrade for iPhone users and will cost $9.99 for iPod Touch owners.
  • The system will be available in early July.
  • The system’s new features include: ways to delete or move groups of information — not just one item at a time, ways to save images from an e-mail, a scientific calculator, Asian language support and parental controls.

Earlier:

Posted in: iPhone • • • • | 15 Comments »

Let the live Apple iPhone 2.0 coverage begin!

June 9th, 2008, 10:11 am by

igirliphone

Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith is live blogging about today’s possible iPhone release. Check it out (latest updates at top — refresh often!):

Thanks for playing everyone! We’ll be posting more throughout the day.

New 3G iPhone!

11:57: From Apple’s site:

Phone, iPod, and Internet in one fast 3G device.

Introducing iPhone 3G. With fast 3G wireless technology, GPS, support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more amazing features in your hands. And just like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one —a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device.

11:54: Apple store has reopened.

11:52: Engadget: “Take advantage of everything you can learn here and go make some great products. Thank you very much, I’ll see you this week!” The lights are up!

11:51: Engadget: Tag line of new iPhone commercial: “Finally, the first phone to beat the iPhone.”

11:48: July 11 – I can’t wait that long!

11:48: iPhone 2.0 will go on sale starting with 22 of the biggest countries on July 11, all at the same time

11:47: $299 for the 16GB — a white version of this size will be available too.

11:45: 3G iPhone will sell for $199 for 8GB

11:40 (breakdown in Twitter)

11:38: Engadget: New iPhone battery life: standby time is 300 hours.

11:37: ArsTechnica: In that last demo of EDGE versus 3G: page took 21 seconds on 3G, 59 seconds on EDGE.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: iPhone • • • • | 4 Comments »

Twitter’s alive with the sound of iPhone

June 9th, 2008, 9:54 am by

igirliphoneThe South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) is the annual time for Twitter to shine.

The microblogging site that lets users write notes as often as they like about whatever they are doing lends itself to connecting people at huge festivals like SXSW. And, it also lends itself to Apple fans and foes waiting on any new iPhone news today.

The site has had plenty of down time recently, leaving many people to guess how long the site will last today before too many tweets break the site during Steve Jobs’ keynote speech. During today’s keynote, I’ll be tweeting updates about Steve’s speech and you can also check this page for all iPhone, WWDC and Steve Jobs tweets from anyone in the world. Until the clock strikes 10, read some funny iPhone tweets spotted this morning:

  • iPhone mania seems unavoidable. – Molly Cronin
  • Twitter, where did you go? Did the Apple fan boys kill you again? – madmaxx
  • My iPhone has a first name, it’s APPLE. My Jobs has a first name, it’s STEVE. (to tune of ‘My Oscar Mayer Weiner’) WWDC Keyword whoring FTW – Sean O
  • My name is James, and I want a new iphone. “Hi James.” – LenderBoy
  • ok since apple employees are wearing green i predicte the next iphone and macbooks will be solar powered. – michelle
  • @brianshaler Steve Jobs is the son of that Job guy in the Bible that God picked on. God’s making up for it by letting Steve work miracles. - Jeff Moriarty
  • forget Steve and the iPhone, I want a TWITTER REPLACEMENT. this site sucks! – mikehill33

Posted in: iPhone • • • • | Comments Off

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