mine just shipped
I too have been following this thread and figured it was my responsibility to at least give up some data to those who are waiting for theirs.
I ordered a 16 GB black at 1:30 pacific in Oregon on 7/11. It had flipped a couple times to having the phone off of back order on Monday. And then was off of back order last night and into this morning. I just found out that it was shipped out this morning for delivery tomorrow afternoon. That means the system was updated within about an hour of it being shipped out. That is if the FedEx tracking system automatically adjusts to my time zone.
Now, a couple other thoughts for AT&T besides this not being the greatest way to kick off a new relationship. I recognize that there isn't a method that is truly fair to everyone in the nation on a release like this, but as a left coaster, it's a bit frustrating that simply b/c we are behind via time zones meaning our stores opened later, we get our phones later. It would have been nice to have an opening that was the same across the country or at least make an adjustment on priority with time zones in mind. Yes, I am whining.
Another thought is that this is yet another example of corporations not understanding that transparency is critical to building a loyal following. AT&T has chosen throughout this entire process to keep quiet. Isn't it understandable to say "Wow, we are overwhelmed at the numbers and give us a day to sort out the best process to serve everyone." Isn't something as simple as that so much better than leaving their employees on the hook to make up stories based on rumor, conjecture or even worse, commission?
Of course I wouldn't say that Apple has been completely transparent. Is it true or not that they limited what AT&T got? Or what AT&T could sell on the first day? I am guessing the corporation that actually sells the phone gets a slight uptick in their margin. Hence it's in each companies best interest to sell more through their own enterprise. But at least Apple put up stock intentory levels. And the people who work at Apple stores were very welcoming. But then again, it's easier since members of the Apple religion generally are happier people compared to, well, when was the last time Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon or AT&T customers were known as loving their service provider?
Anyway, I am going to continue to track this thread b/c it continues to fascinate me as it is about the best indicator around of how AT&T is shipping out phones. And yes, there is something both right (power to the people!) and wrong about that.
That's my way of saying thanks to everyone here as you've made my wait (which will continue of course) much more enjoyable.
gbb
