06.29.07
Apple Store versus AT&T Store for iDay
In a recent Developer’s Conference Keynote address, Steve Jobs kind of chuckled and encouraged people to buy their iPhones on launch day at AT&T Stores. When I first got swept up in the mania, I never even considered going to an Apple Store. I was buying an AT&T cell phone, I would certainly go to an AT&T Store. Yet it seems now like the Apple Stores are all getting massive inventories. I have heard reports of many Apple Stores getting at least 500 iPhones for sale, and in some cases reports of twice that many. On the other hand I have heard reports of AT&T stores getting anywhere from 5-150 phones.
The problem is if you scout it out, in many cases, AT&T stores have as many people camping out at them as Apple Stores do. So right now it looks like your best bet to get a phone on Friday is at an Apple Store. When I see 8 or 9 people at multiple AT&T locations, and see the same numbers at big Apple Stores, I definitely think the Apple Store is the way to go. Hope I did not give my secret away.
