Daily Archives: September 21, 2012
Unboxing New Zealand’s First iPhone 5s
Little kids going nuts with their presents up here. Seriously. Here, have some pictures.
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Read MoreThe iPhone 5 arrives a week early in New Zealand
That’s right. I’ve made it back safely to New Zealand. And, as you all know (well, you better know…), I had some precious cargo.
But right now, I’m not concerned with fanboying over the new iPhone. Okay, so maybe I am a little, but more on that later. What I really want to discuss is the actual logistics of the entire event.
I felt that it all went quite smoothly. People lined up, they were served. Exactly how it should be. Except, you know, the lines weren’t even on their property, and they had to go far beyond the call of duty for us. I’m sure they were paid handsomely for their efforts, but that’s not the point.
Apple staff began to make their appearance at around 5:30 AM. They were great. Really. They kept the atmosphere lively, and put up with the strain of the same repetitive questions that they received with every footstep. I swear, I was getting more frustrated than them, and I wasn’t even being asked anything. In fact, I was quite lonely. Well, up until 6ish, when I linked onto an Emerates Pilot Captain from UAE. He was friendly enough.
The Apple staff handed out queue cards, which were, essentially, our tokens for our iPhone 5s. We chose what colour and how much memory, then we took this to the desk, then we got our phones. Of course, this took about four hours each time attempted.
I really can’t stress how many people were there. They would have easily sold 2000 iPhone 5s while I was there. But, like I said before, the Apple Store’s staff made it quite smooth and as pain-free as they could (besides the standing pains, and whatever else you might have picked up in the line).
I’d also like to apologise for the lack-of-promised video. I had to choose between replying to Tweets and updating the blog, or taking a video and leaving you all in the dark. I’m seriously considering investing in an external battery case.
Also, sorry for randomly stopping with the Twitter. After you’ve just stood in a never-ending queue, with little-to-no sleep, you start to lose motivation.
One more thing that I’m sorry for – for being so repetitive. I feel like I’ve told you the same things over and over again.
But yeah, I feel like I’m about to get thrashed on this topic, so I’m bracing myself for all your questions.
Read MoreiPhone 5 Launch, Live in Sydney
What up, my Kiwis?
I’m feeling rather alone, out here, but it’s totally okay, because at 10AM New Zealand time, the Apple Store here will be opening, and selling the first iPhone 5s. Ever.
Right now, it’s pretty cold. Although, apparently, it’s 15 degrees. Definitely doesn’t feel like it.
If you were following my journey posts, then you’ll know where I’m up to now. If not, lemme help catch you up to speed:
I arrived in Sydney at 8:10PM, local time. After catching all the trains and stocking up on supplies, I made it to the Apple Store at about 9. Then I followed the queue all the way around the block, and took my position as 101. Then, I sat there. For hours. And hours.
Most recently, there have been teams of people setting up barriers, dividing the footpath in two – one side for the queue, and one side for thoroughfare. Now, I have two and a half hours left to wait.
I’m finally in range of Wi-Fi, although I think a lot of people are using the same one, so it might cut out a bit. This means I can finally be live on Twitter, until I tell you all that I’m going to crash somewhere. Follow @iphonewzealand, and ask me whatever questions that you have. I’ll be here as much as this Wi-Fi lets me.
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