So the iPhone 3GS was released in Australia on Friday 26th June 2009. Was it a repeat of the chaotic scenes of freezing sleep-outs we saw in 2008? Not this time around. Some flagship stores opened their doors at midnight, where we saw many shorter queues but the same similar "OMG!" buzz from the 2008 launch. As anticipated, queues were very short compared to the initial 3G release, even at the Apple Stores. We had many readers e-mail in with reports that purchases were very swift and organised at Apple Stores, while there were slight delays with Optus/Vodafone - similar repeats from 08. Telstra? Forget about it. Releasing their plans half a day before it was released, it made sense that their flagship T-life stores were quiet on Friday (but that's okay, Telstra has made it clear that they are not after the iPhone market).
This year, Optus and Vodafone took on the AT&T approach of offering the iPhone online. Several customers had difficulties with the Optus website, servers obviously melting under the pressure. Some said that 12 month plans weren't available, while others couldn't even reach the homepage. Eventually, orders were received and now customers will may have to wait until Friday to receive their 3GS.
Also for the first time, Apple sold the iPhone not only outright, but also unlocked in Australia. As a Three customer, I was waiting for the release of Three plans in early July. As with many carriers, signing onto a contract means an unlocking fee is waived. That would be great news for me as I was going overseas in a few months and an unlocked iPhone would be perfect. However, 24 hours before the release of the iPhone, news of Apple selling the iPhone outright and unlocked certainly got my attention.
On Friday, I had no plans to wake up at 5AM and line up. As there is no Apple Store in Canberra, and no option to buy pre-paid + unlocked, there weren't many options available anyway. As I was flying to Melbourne on the same day, this meant little time to go look to see what was available.
Today (Monday), I decided to head down to Doncaster (Victoria) to purchase my new phone. The night before, I went to see if they had stock through their online website. Unfortunately, the Apple website did not show the availability lists (despite showing full stock on Friday evening). So early this morning, I rung Doncaster to check availability. After 10 minutes listening to soothing music and repetition of "You are 6 calls waiting ahead of you", I hung up and decided to go to Doncaster, with the possibility that I could come back empty handed.
After my tram/bus scenic tour of suburban Melbourne, I eventually arrived at Doncaster and walked into the mall. I eventually found the Apple Store, glowing in its whiteness and walked inside. On the left, Apple Camp was on, with a dozen little kids in bright green t-shirts playing with iMacs. On the right, hundreds of accessories and iPod display stations. Ahead, Genius Bar. Within the space of 10 minutes, my request for a 32GB iPhone was fulfilled without any hassles by a friendly Allan, all from his handheld iWizz. (It's the name of the gadget which handles orders/payments/contact information/receipt - that's what I've named it anyway). Allan then walked to a Mac station and from underneath the table, my receipt and bag appeared. No queues and no problemos.
Was your experience as hassle-free? Did you get what you wanted? Were there any delays? Let us know below! (Oh, anyone who wants a 32GB black iPhone 3GS from Doncaster, they've sold out for today)
Be first to comment this article
Only registered users can write comments. Please login or register.
