Do you recommend Apple store or AT&T store to purchase new iPhone? - Page 2 - iPhone 3G

jarofclay73 · 07-03-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justahsquirrel

i dont know guys, how hard is it to set up a phone. All the apple reps, have to do is activate the phone. you go home, if you have a problem, im sure u can contact att and get it fixed.
So its for sure now that apple will start to sell at 8am? or 9am depending on when the mall opens.?

other than that, there is no difference between stores except for the flashiness of the apple store and stock amount....
Im just going cause i have that $100.00 store credit that I will try to use to get the phone. they should take it....

I'm just not sure how well versed Apple employees will be on the infinitely more complicated AT&T rate plans this time around, since activation will happen in-store. Unless you don't choose your rate plan at activation (which sounds really weird), then I think AT&T employees will, in general, be more helpful in that respect.

On the other hand, questions about hardware and software are more up the alley of Apple store employees. But, AT&T employees are no slouches when it comes to phone features either.

Saverino · 07-03-2008, 10:47 AM

Well, since the closest Apple store is maybe 10 miles away, and theres a not too popular AT&T store down the street-ish, I decided to go there, so that there will hopefully not be too big of a line and if theres any problems with the plans or something, theres someone from AT&T there.

|3are · 07-03-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justahsquirrel

i dont know guys, how hard is it to set up a phone. All the apple reps, have to do is activate the phone.

Haven't you seen some of the weird situations people have been posting questions about? "What if I am going to get the iPhone, and I want to be on the same family plan as my wife, but she doesn't have an iPhone, but we both want data plans, but she has an individual plan she wants to switch, and I..." I would think that Apple employees would lose their heads in this situation -- I know I would.

AT&T needs to set up new customers, input all their old account information, run a credit check, have full knowledge of all the possible voice and text plans in case of hundreds of questions like the one above, etc. It'll be a little more complicated than last year, which was just getting in, buying your iPhone, and going home.

TagsxA · 07-03-2008, 02:46 PM

I'll be getting mine at the Apple store since I had my family get me apple store gift cards for my B-Day/Father's Day gifts. I'll be getting the 16GB model this time around. I currently own the 8GB model.

I was also a bit concerned about the activation, but I work in the telecomm department of a large retailer and our cell phones are all activated and set up in-house by a team of only 2 people. We're talking Cell Phones, Pagers, Air Cards and Blackberries. If two person can handle activating/supporting over 4,000 pieces of equipment, I'm sure the Apple store will be just fine handling the activations.

By the way, this is my first post... Wooo-hooo!

juzcallmeg0d · 07-03-2008, 02:51 PM

ill be heading to the closest AT&T for my iPhone.

the closest apple store is in chicago, which isnt worth the driveinto the city on a friday lol

Jmusiq · 07-03-2008, 03:05 PM

ill be getting mine at an ATT store. there's like 5 stores around my area lol so i don't think there will be that big of a line.

TagsxA · 07-03-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmusiq

ill be getting mine at an ATT store. there's like 5 stores around my area lol so i don't think there will be that big of a line.

Not every AT&T store sells iPhones, though, so you may want to call each store and verify that prior to July 11th. That is, of course, if you haven't already.

hellspawn2 · 07-03-2008, 03:25 PM

I called the apple store in Columbus about 1hour ago and they dont even know when they plan on opening. So im going to the nearest at&t.

damstr · 07-03-2008, 03:54 PM

I'm not sure where I'm going now. More then likely an AT&T store since everyone in my area will try the Apple store.

I dont think getting one on the 11th will be hard at all since ebayers won't be getting this thing. Or at least as many as the V1.

wildonrio · 07-03-2008, 04:03 PM

I think what it comes down to is, if you are more worried about them running out of stock, then go to the Apple Store. If you are more worried about delays from people not knowing how to sign people up, then go to the AT&T store.

Personally I can wait all day as long as I am guaranteed a phone. I just had a bad experience at AT&T last year when they ran out in under an hour.