Update: Getting an iPhone: New tip, and my own experience today

By { B a r c a ,, @Flickr

 

I went by my local apple store at Tyson’s Corner in Virginia today during lunch time. To my surprise, the line was only 10 deep! So I ventured forth to try to figure out what was up.

iPhone lines getting shorter : Also handing out golden tickets

 

By Mykl Roventine @Flickr

TUAW is reporting that Apple stores have been handing out golden tickets. Essentially they give you a ticket while you wait in line, that guarantees that you can get an iPhone. You can leave, and come by the store later during the day and get your iPhone at your convenience.

 

That’s great and all, especially say you stood in line for 2 hours, and suddenly need to leave for a meeting. It’s nice to know you’re still guaranteed an iPhone.

The lines will also likely end up being shorter, since people will be getting the phone throughout the day.

Based on anecdotal evidence, it also seems like lines are now <2 hours, though iPhone have still been sold out. In any case, keep checking those iPhone availabilities, and good luck getting the phone!

Getting an iPhone: Apple stores opening at 8am!

Those of you looking for an iPhone, note that Apple stores will now be opening at 8am! When should you get to an Apple store? A good time to get to an Apple would now be from somewhere around 7am – 8am, if you want to preempt the morning rush. Trust me, it may be worth it, since lines after 8am can be 3+ hours long!

 

By permanently scatterbrained @Flickr

 

 

This applies to US apple stores on all days except Sunday. Some stores will also be offering rainchecks – I assume this means that they reserve an iPhone for you, should they run out while you’re still in line.

However, before you trot down in the morning, you might want to check for availabilities, and follow these 10 instructions – link and instructions all in here!

Via Appleinsider

Update: iPhone availability checker

There have been some developments in the area of Chris Barnes’ iPhone availability checker. You can get it here, and the list is updated every 15 minutes. But before you hop over, you might want to read the explanation after the break:

iPhone firmware 2.1 in the works, adding GPS features

Found this on Gizmodo, which in turn got it from GearLive:

The iPhone 2.1 firmware has moved into beta, which means that its release is just over the horizon. Seems like it will likely bring stability upgrades (I certainly hope so… twinkle has been crashing on me left and right), but most importantly, new GPS features.

New GPS features will be the ability to track the direction you’re moving, and at what speed. This would enable the iPhone to be used as a GPS system, once the software is out.

Sounds great – I just wish I wouldn’t have to pay for such a GPS app. Sigh… one can always wish, and hope though.

Hopefully the app will also resolve the intermittent GPS issue (to be posted soon)