Long lines Friday? Better at Apple or AT&T?

**pilotnh** · 10-11-2011, 09:39 AM

I didn't preorder my iPhone 4S because I will be travelling on Friday. I am hoping to somehow get one then. Do you think the lines will be better at Apple or an AT&T store? It seems everyone is opening around 8 am. I remember when iPhone went from 3G to 3GS there basically were no lines. This seems different. The sales are much higher BUT it is distributed over 3 different carriers. Any speculation here?

**E_Brown** · 10-11-2011, 09:43 AM

I would guess the lines would be longer at Apple, but I usually they have more stock too.

**Fausty82** · 10-11-2011, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by E_Brown

I would guess the lines would be longer at Apple, but I usually they have more stock too.

And a more festive, party-like atmosphere.

**Jeremy** · 10-11-2011, 10:16 AM

I used to go to the Apple store to line up early but I ever since they introduced the pre-order, you can't beat it. UPS/Fed Ex show up super early where I live so I can get up, browse these forums over some breakfast waiting for my phone to be delivered while others are up way too early waiting in line for hours.

Now that all of that is out of the way, Apple is the way to go in my opinion.

**jon01** · 10-11-2011, 10:22 AM

definitely the apple store. everyone is so happy there

**ame** · 10-11-2011, 10:25 AM

our ATT store told me that they would have a ridiculous number in store, more than the preorder allotment even.

**goldflinger** · 10-11-2011, 10:41 AM

I don't have the patience to wait in line. At least at home waiting for the ups guy, I can keep myself occupied!

**jumpman2033** · 10-11-2011, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by ame

our ATT store told me that they would have a ridiculous number in store, more than the preorder allotment even.

This is what i was told also at my local AT&T. I will be up there about an hour early. Haven't decided if I want to go White or stay Black. All of my iPhones have been black, but wouldn't mind getting a white to reduce the visibility of smudges and scratches.

**ChaosShadow** · 10-11-2011, 11:30 AM

One of my coworkers said in the past he's had good luck getting it at the ATT store instead of the Apple Store. But, Pre-ordering is definitely the way to go

**KCook3** · 10-11-2011, 11:31 AM

Most likely apple but we have a ATT store on Campus while the Apple store is at the mall.

KC

**Farmdreads** · 10-11-2011, 11:31 AM

I waited in line for hours at the Apple store for the 4, but had to go to work. I went to an AT&T store and the lines weren't nearly as long. There are more AT&T stores to share the load.

**Garz** · 10-11-2011, 11:33 AM

Apple store will have much longer lines but much more inventory. And a better launch day buying experience.

**KCook3** · 10-11-2011, 12:02 PM

During a launch a year ago our local apple store was so full if you wanted to enter the store you had to stand in a corral in the mall. when someone left they would call the corral and let the next person walk over to enter the store.

KC

**CalifJewls** · 10-11-2011, 01:29 PM

I don't need the food, drinks, longer line or party like atmosphere so I am going to my local Verizon Store 1/2 hour before they open..the Verizon Store told me they will have plenty of phones and the lines won't take long, in fact there were times when there were no lines at all on the iPhone 4 release day..

**djrakowski** · 10-11-2011, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by CalifJewls

I don't need the food, drinks, longer line or party like atmosphere so I am going to my local Verizon Store 1/2 hour before they open..the Verizon Store told me they will have plenty of phones and the lines won't take long, in fact there were times when there were no lines at all on the iPhone 4 release day..

I think I'll do the same. I just hope 1/2 hour before opening is enough to get in and out relatively quickly.

**Fausty82** · 10-11-2011, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by Garz

Apple store will have much longer lines but much more inventory. And a better launch day buying experience.

But pre-order delivers it to your door and you get to hang out here with all of the TiPb folks...

**pilotnh** · 10-11-2011, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by rakowskidp

I think I'll do the same. I just hope 1/2 hour before opening is enough to get in and out relatively quickly.

My thoughts exactly. I'm hoping to get to the AT&T store about 7:30 and get out right after they open at 8. I hope I'm not living a fantasy with that.

**Fausty82** · 10-11-2011, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by pilotnh

My thoughts exactly. I'm hoping to get to the AT&T store about 7:30 and get out right after they open at 8. I hope I'm not living a fantasy with that.

I'm doubtful of the in n out that quickly. Long lines... long wait... take a chair, bring a beverage and enjoy the party.

**djrakowski** · 10-11-2011, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by pilotnh

My thoughts exactly. I'm hoping to get to the AT&T store about 7:30 and get out right after they open at 8. I hope I'm not living a fantasy with that.

I made the mistake of waiting 'til Saturday morning to make my pre-order, but when I saw that the estimated delivery date had moved to 10/21, I cancelled and decided to try my luck at the store. Let's hope we're not disappointed!

**jumpman2033** · 10-11-2011, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by rakowskidp

I made the mistake of waiting 'til Saturday morning to make my pre-order, but when I saw that the estimated delivery date had moved to 10/21, I cancelled and decided to try my luck at the store. Let's hope we're not disappointed!

That's exactly what happened with me. I'm crossing my fingers that there aren't too many people when i get there. I'm from a pretty small town.

**djrakowski** · 10-11-2011, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by jumpman2033

That's exactly what happened with me. I'm crossing my fingers that there aren't too many people when i get there. I'm from a pretty small town.

I hope there's a short line at my local VZW store. Verizon users who bought iPhones in February are less likely to upgrade to the 4S, and I suspect most folks who've wanted an iPhone have already gotten one. Maybe I'm dreaming, but I hope I'm right!

**pilotnh** · 10-11-2011, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by rakowskidp

I hope there's a short line at my local VZW store. Verizon users who bought iPhones in February are less likely to upgrade to the 4S, and I suspect most folks who've wanted an iPhone have already gotten one. Maybe I'm dreaming, but I hope I'm right!

Yup. That's how I would reason it. Sprint may be crazy with their customers who've wanted this forever. AT&T should fall somewhere inbetween since their customers have been waiting 15 months.