Whirlpool

Continues from: /forum-replies.cfm?t=1011302

A guy just did a straw poll. Everyone in front of me (about 20 people) are all for Optus except 1 for Voda.

I asked the Apple Store man (who was taking down our names) how long the Optus wait would be. He said there were 4 Optus staff rostered on this morning so it would be quicker (up to 2 hours).

Doors just opened to the Apple Store!

SachE writes...

A guy just did a straw poll. Everyone in front of me (about 20 people) are all for Optus except 1 for Voda.

Any idea why the Voda person isn't going Optus? I have tried to make the numbers work out so I don't need to join the Optus queue but unless you're an extremely light or extremely heavy data user, the other two don't seem to add up :-(

I asked the Apple Store man (who was taking down our names) how long the Optus wait would be. He said there were 4 Optus staff rostered on this morning so it would be quicker (up to 2 hours).

I'm guessing it would take 20 ~ 30 mins per Optus staff to work through the queue. Do you agree?

That would mean say 8 – 12 people per hour, so if I'm right you'd be out of there in about 2 hours.

Can you wander off and re-join the queue later, since your name is on a list?

Yea I just dont get why people are going Voda, I worked it out and you end up paying the same or more for less. It kinda confuses me a little, but meh.

The Apple guy's said that there's only 2 Optus people here right now with another 2 coming at some stage before lunch :(

He's buying Voda because his company's phones are all on Voda.

Fair enough reason. lol I guess thats one of the few reasons someone will get voda with this phone.

Any body with a deposit on a prepaid phone had a call yet this morning?

pp snake ? writes...

Any body with a deposit on a prepaid phone had a call yet this morning?

no from Strathfield atleast i don't think so.. what time do deliveries normally arrive..

defaultPlayer writes...

no from Strathfield atleast i don't think so.. what time do deliveries normally arrive..

probably a bit later in the day but its possible that they may have turned up last night, a friend of mine works at the optus shop i am waiting on mine from.
He mentioned on the day before the launch they delivered them at 4pm.
But that deliveries normally get there any time before 12pm.

My workplace is an apple reseller and i know we get things like ipods, macbooks and imacs all about 9am (but it all depends on the local courier company).

pp snake ? writes...

My workplace is an apple reseller and i know we get things like ipods, macbooks and imacs all about 9am (but it all depends on the local courier company).

hmm, would you consider Strathfield a reseller.. but i guess 12pm is alright hope lol

well when i went yesterday i was 16th in line and everyone was in line for optus and it took me 2 hours

Optus Greenhills – still no stock :(

defaultPlayer writes...

hmm, would you consider Strathfield a reseller.

Yeah not sure about that one i guess they are an phone carrier reseller rather than an apple reseller, but either way we are an education center so our delivery times are probably much different to those of a phone reseller.

Anyone know if there's any optus based stores in the Newcastle area with stock?

Dudemachine writes...

Anyone know if there's any optus based stores in the Newcastle area with stock?

From what I read in the other thread there's quite a wait with Kotara and Charlsetown Optus stores. You best bet would be ring the Strathfields and DSE's as you might have more luck getting a Vodaphone or a Telstra phone if you're desparate.

has anyone checked the optus world store on george st yet?

Wow, such a huge queue at the Apple store today... it seems like the interest suddenly spiked up the past 2 days again..

I would have thought all those that are desperate would have either gotten one or have their name down on pre-order already?

I'll probably wait another couple of weeks till there's no queue in front of Apple.

I'd say quite a lot of people avoided the first few days because of the high queues, however they realise that the lines will be even longer come the weekend so they're getting in while they still can.

Also, it's the end of the school holidays so all the kids want the phone before they go back to school.

mudbudha writes...

Wow, such a huge queue at the Apple store today

Yeah, 26 outside at 9am when I went past

Dudemachine writes...

Anyone know if there's any optus based stores in the Newcastle area with stock?

As xNick said, I rang Charlestown and Kotara (and Glendale) Optus stores, no stock for pre-paid for 2 weeks. I put my name down at all 3.

anyone at apple store got an update on the optus line? 16gb black in stock still?

I rang a few optus world shop in the city, they don't have the iphone today, said will be in within 2-3 weeks.

didn't get through to the George st store, anyone have tried?

Strathfield Greenhills – no stock, haven't got anything since Friday and they have no idea when they're getting any more in.

anyone know if the Tlife shop on George still have 16G black for prepaid? I don't think I can wait any longer

strathfield auburn?

defaultPlayer writes...

strathfield auburn?

Give em a call?

Optus George Street- No Iphones In Stock Currently, not sure when they will get some.

Strathfield Auburn- No PrePaid Iphones in stock, Not sure about contract. Dont know when they will be getting some.

I will call Optus Burwood now.

I ordered a white iPhone 16GB on the 15th (Tuesday) from the Macquarie Shopping Centre Optus store (NSW). I selected the Cap Plan. They could not give me an indication when they would receive it except to say it would be a week or so.

The guy sitting across from me was wanting to order a 16GB iPhone pre-paid but they told him his order would take 5-6 weeks to fulfill.

There's about 30 people queued outside Sydney Apple store right now.

Optus Burwood- No Stock, Not sure when stock will arrive but I will be one of the first to be called as i deposited at the store.

I don't think Optus is getting any stock today, as there George st. store has got nothing.

it's very clear what apple is doing, they are not releasing the iphone for the carriers atm, and keep all the customers at their own store to sign up contracts, that way they can make the most of out it. good strategy for marketers, but a pain for the customers

Yeah i rang george street few minutes ago, no stock as of yet.

barcafc writes...

Strathfield Auburn- No PrePaid Iphones in stock, Not sure about contract. Dont know when they will be getting some.

eh so nothing was delivered today?

- or nothign delivered YET.

Maybe later today but none so far in early morning.

I guess I should report back.

After a bit under a 2 hour wait in the line at the apple store yesterday I got my 16gb black iPhone. The line moved pretty quick and it was well organised. I was told it would be a 3 hour wait but it was much faster then that. I feel sorry for the guy 2 in front of me. He finally got the ok to proceed upstairs, only to return 5 minutes later empty handed. Turned out he was after a pre-paid phone. Apple should really have a sign up saying no pre-paid or something. Not everyone is well read and prepared like us here! If I had known he wanted pre-paid I would've told him what was going on.

So I get upstairs and boy is it frantic up there! Heaps of terminals going. So the signup was painless. I knew exactly what I wanted. The guy who served me was real nice (and a good salesman). He pulled out his own iPhone for me to play with. He was just happy for me to check out all on his iPhone.

So in all, worth the wait!

barcafc writes...

Maybe later today but none so far in early morning.

sweet still hope lol..

Looks like apple store is the only place you can get an iPhone guaranteed. If you can make it to the city, not a bad place to buy. I gave up on all places and bought from there on Wed. Great helpful staff and well organized to serve the customers.

EDIT: Post-paid only on all carriers

I think TeleChoice is only selling iphones on a plan, is this true?

Just rang Telechoice Burwood, no prepaid iphones in stock.

i tried to buy one from telechoice on launch. initially the guy said i could buy prepaid... but said that he'd only take cash. after i found an atm and went back he said he couldnt sell me a prepaid anymore. i dont think they have any prepaid stock. only OW stores.

anyway im going to try the apple store today. heading out soon... will keep those who want one updated when im inside apple.

anyone there to give me a last minute update before i head out?

Hi, Silly question for the day, anyone know how long the queue is at the Apple store right now?

There were 20-30 people about 1-2 hours ago. not sure about now.

Anyone know the update of Tlife shop on George St? What stock they have for prepaid?

fredluan writes...

anyone know if the Tlife shop on George still have 16G black

No 16G black...only white available. The guy said they may arrive this afternoon. 8G available.

People rang up and they said telstra dont sell prepaid unless your on a telstra plan already.

Also, give them a call.

go to telstra.com.au and follow links to store locator/t-life

fredluan writes...

Anyone know the update of Tlife shop on George St? What stock they have for prepaid?

I was in there yesterday. They have 8gb and white 16gb. You can purchase outright for ~ $1000.

Not sure about pre-paid but I imagine so.

No queue :)

Arrived at Apple store at 8am. it is now 11:22 and I'm just through the door.

Plenty of stock (all models) but there are now technical difficulties. Sigh.

I'm around 13th in the queue. The notion is wearing off very fast...but i'm not giving up now.

Unless you really, really, really NEED an iPhone, I would avoid the Apple store today.

Yeah plenty of stock at apple store.

defaultPlayer writes...

strathfield auburn?

I just called aubutn and they daid they dont have Iphone on stock. Hopefuly Tlife @ CBD will have 16G black tomorrow.

And Optus George st. in a desolating calm. No iPhones in sight.

I hope Tlife can have the 16g black today...

I have talked to Optus World Canberra Centre – they have received stock of all models this morning and are methodically allocating them to rainchecked customers. Refused to say how many they got – but did indicate that the process was time consuming (wtf?). Told me to wait for a call...

Optus on corner of Miller Street in North Sydney advises they may have my 16gb white one the Monday coming, and if not it'll be the same week.

They said the black 16gb will be in late next week, if not the week after.

In a way im kinda regretting the white one, but good thing front on theyre identicle.

Anyone know if the cases are interchangable? E.g. Ebay?

Vinsanity15 writes...

I just called aubutn and they daid they dont have Iphone on stock

did they say stock today?

fredluan writes...

it's very clear what apple is doing, they are not releasing the iphone for the carriers atm, and keep all the customers at their own store to sign up contracts, that way they can make the most of out it. good strategy for marketers, but a pain for the customers

I think they're understocked. As such they are sensible to keep it at the Apple store.

But if they have stock they should be getting it out – especially in every OTHER city!

I would also hope that they reward Optus cheaper plans by favouring their stores – take a look at the % of signups they're getting for each carrier at the Apple store, and give the same % of phones to each Telco. I doubt they're doing that though.

T-Life Sydney: Still in stock

barcafc writes...

T-Life Sydney: Still in stock

the black 16G?

White is.

Not sure about black.

give them a call, 1300 MYTLIFE

fredluan writes...

it's very clear what apple is doing, they are not releasing the iphone for the carriers atm, and keep all the customers at their own store to sign up contracts, that way they can make the most of out it.

I fully quote that, that could be also the reason because DSE had to stop selling outright ones, they clearly don't like the idea of people with prepaid cards. Should be a global marketing strategy.

I just went back to the Apple Store to queue up again (I had to exit the queue earlier to go to work!).

Apple Store's just announced that they're not accepting any more people to queue. The wait they say is 4 hours.

Its 12:42 now. store closes at 8pm.

MAC1 Wollongong have a few 8GB iPhones in stock and are waiting for a new shipment of 16GB to come.

Just called, Tlife do have the Black 16G in stock for prepaid

SachE writes...

Apple Store's just announced that they're not accepting any more people to queue. The wait they say is 4 hours.

I cant believe a week on the Apple store still havent got their act together – why on earth are they still processing people SO slowly.

There are heaps of people to process for and it takes alot of time to update contracts etc.

i ordered a black 16gb on friday morning (launch day) from macquarie as well

i was on, or near the top of rainchecks and i was told they'd have stock in a week's time

i'm unhappy that it has taken so long, and we still don't know when they'll be coming in

have you tried calling them?

so if you buy a iphone 3g outright from telestra....how do they activate it ? do i need to but a telestra sim card jsut to activate it ?

I was first in line this morning at the Apple Store. Plenty of stock around but the lines are truly crazy. I got there at 5:30am and was served and out the door by 9am. I suggest getting there super early if you want to make sure you get one. Couple of hours wait in the morning is nothing compared to the six hour wait you'd have in the afternoons.

i am planning on going there either sat or sun (this weekend) really early, what do you think my chances of getting an iphone from apple itself are?
How busy was busy... sorry i just dont wanna go there and waste my time :( but im so keen for one!!!

I just got back to work from the Apple Store (in Sydney).

I got there at 7.10am, there were about 20 people in front of me. At 8am the doors opened and the half the line moved indoors, although it seemed no one got served until about 9am.

Everyone was there to sign up through Optus, and we were told there were 2 people upstairs doing the signups. By 9.30 the queue had almost halved due to people having to go to work, but it still seemed that no one was being served.

At 10.00 coffees were handed out and we were told they had 8 more people arriving from Optus to do the signups. By 11 the line still hadn't moved. It seemed to be about 45 minutes between them sending 1 person up at a time.

4.5 hours later, myself and 2 other guys were a the front of the line and were called upstairs.
20 minutes later I was out the door with the phone.

If you're going for an Optus plan and want your phone now, go to the Apple store, but bring a good book and a folding chair – it'll be a long wait.

defaultPlayer writes...

did they say stock today?

No... But i might go there tomorrow morning to double check.

They activate it (make it unlocked)

They provide the telstra sim to activate etc

do you recon i would have any luck if i got there today around 5.00 – 5.30??? with Optus??

i tried calling Tlife sydney and no one is picking up.

At Apple Store?

You might have some luck

You can try your luck but I'm pretty sure the lines get closed off around 3pm.

Yea i rang Apple, however the lady did say to me they can close the lines off anywere between 1.00 and 5.00 depending on how busy they are. I just though because of this world youth week thing, possibly the city may be quiet.
This is doing my head in i just want one... think i should try or its not even worth the train ride?

Yeah its worth it.

You should get there at about 4.30PM, MAX 5.30-6.00PM

Also after the close the optus line, do they re-open it or it stays closed untill next day?

guys where can I get optus 8GB prepaid in the CBD or parramatta?

have you been around there at that time?
someone ealier above said they closed optus line – calling them now to confirm this!

Depends on how many people are in-store and how busy the store is.

ShArP ?-

CBD- SOLD OUT

Parramatta- Maybe, call Optus at westfield

has anyone been in the apple shop within the past hour or so??
whats the lines like – mainly for optus

Hey auscast .. was I talking with you in the queue this morning? I got there around the same time .. and then left at 9.25am!

Gee so if I had waited there .. I would've been out at 2.30pm ......... that's a very long wait. Glad to see you got one in the end .. :)

ALL of parra is sold out, i have been searching everywere

Just been to the apple store to get a dock.
Optus queue is big, it snakes and then is out in the street with at least 20-30 people on the street. They do seem to have a lot of staff processing peoples accounts upstairs.

Vodafone 4 people.

And if you think the city is quiet because of WYD you're having a laugh!

speedoponic writes...

so if you buy a iphone 3g outright from telestra....how do they activate it ? do i need to but a telestra sim card jsut to activate it ?

You need to buy a Telstra SIM unless you already have a NextG one (or have access to one). It costs another $25

mzstripped88 writes...

ALL of parra is sold out, i have been searching everywere

I wonder if smaller suburbs like marrylands, fairfield etc might have it?

Well depends if your buying outright on telstra and staying with telstra or changing to another network.

i didnt mean quiet as in dead, i just though people may be avoiding the city cause of how packed it would be.

hrm, to go or not to go ....

i will head to the city now if the optus queue is open, but it's hard to know not being in the city... any tips?

No Clue, not many places are selling it though, thats the only thing.. and everywhere that does is all sold out.

just called Apple, Optus line is closed for now Vodafone line is dead!!!

Oh ok there you go, optus line currently closed.

i thinking of going early Sunday morning – Any advise haha??

Bugger, thanks for the quick reply, i've been trying to contact Optus Small Business on 1300 364 287 but it keeps disconnecting me

Does the queue open again for the evening session?

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

more chance of going saturday.

The Optus Line may open when people leave the store.

let me tell you, i ordered my iphone through optus call centre and i was told that i would have it tuesday tuesday came no iphone, it was meant to come today and i got a call saying that there is no stock it will be delivered next friday, sick of waiting will go to apple on Sunday, would love to go tomorrow but i dont finish work untill 2 i work in granville – what you recon my chancwes are for tomorrow?

Yeah you would have chance for Saturday Afternoon.

bigmoose writes...

Does the queue open again for the evening session?

the lady told me it might re-open but no promises..
i guess it just takes so long because they set the iphones up too

barcafc writes...

Yeah you would have chance for Saturday Afternoon.

why do you suggest Saturday – Just wondering sorry! i just dont wanna go there and be dissapointed..

Longer opening hours.

8AM-8PM

i might go tomorrow then, just a bit worried about getting in there at like 3 – 4ish, dont want to be told sorry no more orders being taken :-(

Well ring them tonight to confirm on the stock levels and whatever you need to ask.

so what actually happens just line up and go through the credit check ect?
and also does anyone know if the apple store stock is good, i cant imagine them running out??

coulnt get a straight answer from optus small business ... going to Apple Store now, will see how it goes, can always hit up a meeting while im in the city anyway

Credit Check, Process your plan/contract etc.

Plenty of stock.

let me know how it goes.
Yea i will ring them tomorrow, only thing is alot can change in the hour it will take me to get there...

Just found out apparently you can check Apples stock online after 9.00pm

Plenty of stock.

You can ring them just before you leave.

Thats only USA i think.

barcafc writes...

MAC1 Wollongong have a few 8GB iPhones in stock and are waiting for a new shipment of 16GB to come

They are selling them on VODAFONE plans only.

not sure at all, will be sure to check tonight though!

nwillin writes...

And if you think the city is quiet because of WYD you're having a laugh!
The thing is, when everyone thinks that way, everyone is going to give it a try today, which is what's happening!

mudbudha writes...

The thing is, when everyone thinks that way, everyone is going to give it a try today, which is what's happening!

True point, i just wish their was a way i could go tomorrow and def. get one, without having to make a trip down there for nothing... and walk away dissapointed..

Just give them a call tonight and just before you leave tommorow and ask if they have stock for the model you want.

Do you want 8 or 16 GB? Black or white for 16GB?

George Street Webcam: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficreports/innersydcameras/georgest.html

Doesnt look too busy.

barcafc writes...

Do you want 8 or 16 GB? Black or white for 16GB?

Colour dosent matter, i want a 16BG, but i would settle for a 8GB, if that whats was left, yea i might try tomorrow although i have a bad feeling :-(

Thanks heaps for that webcam.. awsome!!!

Also was going to go tonight, but opptus line closed and lady told me shes not sure when its re-opening.

Optus just sent a message to my mobile that there will be no stock for 2-3 weeks. I rainchecked a 16 black one on Friday.

Good old Optus. I ordered from Canberra Centre Optus World. I called to confirm and they advised no 16 gig stock were delievered today

Optus just sent a message to my mobile that there will be no stock for 2-3 weeks. I rainchecked a 16 black one on Friday

when did you order yours over the phone or instore, they told me mine wont be delivered till Friday next week, im not waiting anymore, could have had one by now, will go down to Apple.

I ordered instore and was promised Friday(today) this week. I could have picked up a 8 Gig one but I have a Gen 1 Iphone and wanted a 16 Gig.

at least they called/texted you, i rang just to double check it was still coming, and they said oh no sorry cant find your consignment number, arrgghh!!!
Yea i could have had an 8GB one from strathfield but i really want a 15GB one personally i thought i will just wait the week, but still no luck. Im thinking maby im not meant to have this phone, im not normally like this about phones but im so keen

I got to the apple store at 6.20am today, by then there was 7 other customers in the line! We all got talking, was very interesting and a pleasure to meet some friendly people. First group inside, 99% Optus customers, 2 for vodafone and 1 for telstra!

As I was a pre-existing Optus customer, it was all done in 10 minutes. 16Gb Black! They didnt have any silicon covers though...........

At one stage just before opeing at 8.00am there was 55 people in the line!

I havent had a chance to play with it yet.

All the best in finding one. Best bet is to go to the apple store if you want one now.

guys, at apple store. line was super slow... but seems like they have gotten in more people after lunch. 28 people in the queue but suspect some people are just "supporting" people in the queue.

went to optus george st... no phones for walk in buyers as of 2pm.

mzstripped88 writes...

Im thinking maby im not meant to have this phone, im not normally like this about phones but im so keen

There's no fate or God involvement here... just a good phone that isn't being made as fast as people want to buy it.

I suspect that if you went to the store today you could hang around the line for a while and you'd get in. Apple has to be careful of not being able to close on time... so they calculate the time to get people through and add some margin to be safe. Once they see the line moving slightly ahead of the estimate they'll notice they can add someone to the line.

That said... if I was as enthusiastic as you and had the time I'd just go in as early as you can tomorrow morning.

The Apple Store in Canberra does not expect stock until 26th July. I spoke to the Optus world and they said I could not cancel.

Funny that they do not read the terms and conditions.

That said... if I was as enthusiastic as you and had the time I'd just go in as early as you can tomorrow morning

Yea, would love to go in early, but i dont finish work untill 2, what you think my chances are if i arrived about 3??

The Apple Store in Canberra does not expect stock until 26th July. I spoke to the Optus world and they said I could not cancel.

I dont think thats true, my friend works at the call centre and he said i can definatley cancel my order!! – Make sure you double check!

Just as I came to post I got an sms from Optus saying there would be a 2-3 week wait. I agree – its nice of Optus to let me know – but its a painful wait given that we've already waited so long for the launch in the first place.

I hope Apple can release more stock sooner.

My guess (coming from the corporate comms background) would be that 2-3 weeks would be a worst case senario – ie I reckon they are covering themselves – under promise / over deliver. Maybe that's just wishful thinking.

..more than likely wishfull thinking. sorry :-( i still thought there was a possiblity my order might come today, but i have now realised its not happening!

what is the latest time someone has signed up for a contract at the apple shop?

Why can't Apple move the vodafone and telstra counters to a fold up table in the basement and add more optus people ? Or even put them on the footpath so I can cancel my end of contract account with Telstra on my way upstairs to see Optus.

Muz100 writes...

Why can't Apple move the vodafone and telstra counters to a fold up table in the basement and add more optus people ? Or even put them on the footpath so I can cancel my end of contract account with Telstra on my way upstairs to see Optus.

Exactly, you would think a week in they would realise it's pointless even having a line for VF or Telstra. No idea

you would just think concidering Optus is most busy, they would do something about it, instead of sending ppl away, in saying that i can just imagine how busy they are.
Im sitting here wondering if i should go this evening or after work so be there about 3 tomorrow??

Orta-recens writes...

have you tried calling them?

Not much point. I am just going to patiently wait. In the meantime I have put my new 3G SIM in my old Nokia 6101 so at least I can still use my phone.

can anyone inform me as to how much stock Apple store has of 16gb black, and whether they'll have any tomorrow or sun morning?

thanks in advance

the wait is just Ludicrous though, and to top it off your not guaranteed a spot, they could tell you bye bye at any time!!

There are heaps of stock.