Still Waiting for iGodot

I decided to spend the evening with my family and not rush to activate my iPhone. I wanted to give each (family and iPhone) my full attention. At 9:20pm I sat down to enjoy the activation iExperience.  

In retrospect, I can see 2 problems with my decision. First, that not all people holding this beautiful device and packaging would want to put off the iExperience for time with their loved ones. Second, the 3rd and most populous wave of new iPhone owners (think CALIFORNIA!!!) would be rushing to activate while I was reading The Hungry Caterpillar.

So, now it is over 9 hours and still no iJoy.  After many conversations with level 1 and 2 customer support it appears that "everything is working properly."  For those who know me well you can probably guess how this conversation proceeded. Tanika and her supervisor, Ms Murbin, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana,  have been fielding questions ALL night. They were on the way home to get some well deserved sleep when my call arrived. 

Here is where my activation stands:

1. I do have an account number

2. I do have a phone number (won't list it here for obvious reasons)

3. I know how to get the SIMS card from the iPhone. When I told Tanika that it came completely out of the iPhone she said, "Wow, we weren't told that it came out! Okay, could you read to me the 20 digit number on the card?"  Even if this miniature card had such a number I would never have been able to read it.

4. Fortunately, the IMEI and ICCID #s are on the beautiful iBox (note to any other iPhone soon to be activated user)

5. Ms Murbin gave me her desk number and said that she'd be happy to revisit my account should I not be up and going when she returned to her desk tonight.

We all said our goodbyes.  When Tanika asked whether there was anything else she could do for me, we both laughed.

Last Entry before getting my iPhone!

10 minutes to go... last entry:

many fun folks! One young lady is drinking vodka. several have picnics... AT&T staff have had a great time with us...

update on my chest and triceps... cramped up after my last set. Won't have to exercise for the next few days....

next entry from my iPhone.

Passing The Time

4:30p

doors closed. hundreds, perhaps thousands in line... well, not here. Actually, only about 15.

fun group of folks... several have taken over the pushups when I was unavailable (bathroom run at B&N).

2 young ladies are here because they want the cool thingy. Don't know about gigabytes or wifi, but know that it is cool.

will send pictures soon..

up to 8.

The Line Has Formed

1:15p

the line has formed. 5, if you don't include Peter's seat. No one has questioned the empty seat in #2 position. My hope that he will show up soon and with the good sense to not sound as if he hasn't been here yet. We'll see.

Eric, #3, is a software engineer. Smart guy. Knows the industry from the tech side. Shared thoughts about iPhone, Foleo and other devices. Can't tell me with whom he works... government contracts.

btw... I'm beginning to feel the pushups. Glad that there are only 5 more hours.

Steve is getting chatty

noon

Steve is getting down right chatty! Asked me how many pushups I had just done. Told him only 30, trying to conserve my energy for the every 15 minute workout till 6pm. He told me that he'll try to pace his outdoor walks for me...especially if the store is playing a song that he really likes.

No one else in line. Maybe this has more to do with my 360 pushups and the hot sun and not interest in the iPhone.

THEY LET ME TOUCH IT!!!

11:07am iDay!!

A knock on the window from inside store. An employee invited me to play with the iPhone. Won't waste words like amazing, beautiful, or wow. I remained cool and instructed the team how to use Google Maps to identify the store from above. Five minutes into my demo management suggested that this was not really permitted, nor part of the iSteve plan, and warmly requested that I return the device and end my presentation.

Still alone, but Steve is getting more friendly. When I saw him leaving for his walk (now every 15 minutes!) I told the staff that I'd have to leave to do my pushups. Steve said, "No, stay here...that thing is more important than your pushups! He actually smiled."

Oh, now you know a personal friend who has played with this device prior to 6pm. Mossberg, Pogue and Chakin.

Pushups

11am

Decided to perform pushups every time Steve did his walk. He wasn't amused or even interested. Oh, he also turned down my offer of bottled water. It would appear that Steve was told not to chat with the masses waiting for the product that he was to guard.

AT&T folks have been coming out to chat. They are all new to Apple products and are blown away that the iPhone is as good as all of the hype! Yes, I told them. It is an Apple product.

More soon.

Oh, yes, still on my own in this line. A very good work environment. For those of you who know Erie Blvd East, I am 100 yards east of B&N...just in sight of the Shoppingtown mall.

Steve

10am:

The security guard exits the store every 30 minutes and walks the perimeter of the parking lot and then returns to his chair inside the store. After his 4th walk I asked the purpose of his inspection. He grumbled, "I have no idea. I was told to do so, so I just do it." He seemed more at eased and pleased when I introduced myself and told him that I'd see him again in 30 minutes. His name is Steve.

Waiting for iPhone

8am:

First in line. Minivan filled with: food, power for computer and NPR radio (primed for Diane Rehm). My computer has access to a free wifi site, but I have to walk about 40 feet from my number one spot to access it. Not a problem. I am alone, save for Steve.