What a long few days!
I am a 1st gen owner and downloaded the unofficial software release on Thursday. I didn't do damn thing at work... I brought my MBP to work and worked on my iPhone to get it up and running. The first time I synced/downloaded the firmware update, everything worked great. So then I thought to myself, "hey, why not try to sell your phone online to get the new one?" So I did! $180.

I took that money and went to the Apple Store during lunch and the line was ridiculously long. I came back after work and waited in line for about an hour and a half.. got the phone and went to my second job. I woke up this morning and activated it with no problems.

I wanted to start fresh so I didn't restore my old phone.
So far, I love the feel of it. I am completely impressed with the speed of the 3g, I don't really notice the difference in signal strength though, which is kind of discouraging.. :-( AT&T says where I am located is covered in 3G.
MAPS - WOW! It pinpointed me without any problem. It was so ridiculous!
APPS - Wow again. Some of these apps are so wonderful and some of them are just stupid, i.e. flashlight, yes/no, light saber... but we can get over them.
OVERALL - I am happy with my purchase. I am thankful I have not had the yellow screen or dead pixels or even problems with activation.
Let's go Appllllleeee!!