Basically, I am in a situation where I either need to get the iPhone 3G by August first, or I will then no longer be able to leave my current carrier (Verizon) without paying an early termination fee. At this point I don't really care about white or black (I perfer white, though). I just happen to live closest to the Stoneridge Mall Apple Store in Pleasanton CA, which apparently is the only US Store that still has 16GB Black iPhones. What should I do? I will first call the Apple Store, but how else should I go about getting one so that I won't have to pay the dreaded ETF from Verizon. My true deadline is closer to the 9th or August, but I will be leaving on the 2nd until the 14th so I can't do much about it after the first.
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16GB iPhone 3G by August 1st... can it be done?
- Thread starter Zwhaler
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Or you could leave Verizon early. Unless you need it for business, you can go a day without a phone.
I like this idea, especially given that I really want to keep my number. So will they port my number and save it in their system until I get an iPhone? Or do I need the phone on hand for them to get me a number. I am more than willing to go without a phone for a few days if it means I can keep my number in the long run.
Even without a phone, I am sure they can port the number into the system and onto a sim card.
As well, if they port the number now, you could buy a Pay As You Go phone temporarily $15-20 (which do come with SIM cards), use that SIM card for your phone # until your iPhone arrives. This way you wouldn't be without a phone.
The trick is to find a very experienced, knowledgeable AT&T rep at a local store (somebody who's been around for a long time) as they want to be known as your individual buddy that you will come to for every question (they work on commission). These "go-getters" will bend the rules and do magical tricks in many ways to keep you happy.
By the way, if you're worried about buying a $20 phone temporarily for a few days, trust me: it's a good idea anyway. If your iPhone breaks, if your battery is low and you NEED your phone, you will be glad you have a backup that you can just pop your SIM card into.
At&t Df
I believe you stated you prefer white, and if this is the case AT&T's DF process would be an option to consider. However, if you would rather not go to AT&T this would not work. I ordered my 16GB White on 7/18 in Savannah, GA and picked it up 7/21. It would have been earlier had I not ordered it on a Friday (weekend shipping, etc.).
I believe you stated you prefer white, and if this is the case AT&T's DF process would be an option to consider. However, if you would rather not go to AT&T this would not work. I ordered my 16GB White on 7/18 in Savannah, GA and picked it up 7/21. It would have been earlier had I not ordered it on a Friday (weekend shipping, etc.).
Both times I went to the Burlingame store, they had white ones in stock. I bought a black one, though, and it took about an hour of waiting in line for it. The Walnut Creek store also had white ones when I called last week. The key seems to be finding out when they get their shipment and loiter at the store just before that time. When I got to the Burlingame store last Thursday, they hadn't gotten their shipment. Minutes later, though, they announced the shipment's arrival and the line formed instantly. Though I was about 12-15 people back in the line, there were plenty of phones for as much of the line as I needed there to be. 
Hey everybody, I just wanted to say that I did in fact make it to the Stoneridge Mall (luckily its the closest store to me) and picked up the White 16GB that I wanted. I had to wait in line for 2 and half hours, but so far it was worth every minute! It's my first iPhone, so you guy can imagine how cool I find it to be. Also, after buying it I called 611 and asked them to port my number, which they did with ease. So far I'm impressed with their customer service. Thanks for all the advice.