Although it was already a quarter past six by the time we got down to the SoHo Apple store yesterday (a full fifteen minutes after the JesusPhone's official ascension), the scenic absurdity hadn't abated a bit: giddy iPhone bag toting early adopters streaming down Prince St.; a fleet of at least ten cops guarding Station A's gates to iPhonic heaven; eager, fat-walleted souls lined up around the block; and a gaggle of gawkers positioned in front of the store doors whose only apparent function to smile and admire those brave enough to drop loot on the latest advance in technology you had no idea you needed 'til iGod deemed it so.
So the idea was just to snap some shots for you guys and maybe interview some of those that had been waiting in line for four days (not that you haven't heard from those folks enough) -- only, the guys we spoke to at the front of the queue had been waiting a total of fifteen minutes (something we're sure the rained upon campout kids love hearing). Not much insight from the European duo we chatted with (decided to buy after seeing pics/specs, worried about a second generation being a lot better, hoped to iHack the device so the roaming won't be so bad on summer trips across the Atlantic). But their short wait inspired us to duck in and fondle the touch screen with our own greasy paws.
Super boost to the ol' self-esteem upon entrance after a ten minute wait in line: a standing ovation from the entire Apple staff! Knew we made the trip for something. From the rafters and lining the doors, a squad of around 15 Mac staffers cheered the arrival of each patron, disarming for a sec, easily forgotten by the complete iPhonization of the entire store; each wall-embedded screen displayed the gadget rotating and glistening, each poster had the i-word emblazoned upon it, and the large rear-store teleprompter had a giant head and torso saying something inaudible with a serene face, gesturing occasionally, and then flashing a pic of you know what. Very Dharma initiative.
Oh yeah, so we played with one. And though we're no Walt Mossberg, the thing is slick, intuitive to use (and to type on, believe it or not), takes good pics, makes good calls ... and is hella fun. Stereogum.com took a little while to load (what else is new), but YouTube was blazing fast (artist to watch Eugene McGuinness was the top choice! Either Apple has great taste or they read stereogum this week.) -- but we may have been playing on house wifi. Didn't buy one though. Yet.
HAPPY CAMPERS
OVERNIGHT LEFTOVERS
"WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!"
iPOLICE
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF REFESHMENT
