I don't usually pre-order because its such a crap shoot and in the past availability for same day pickup or even walk-in's usually clears up within a week or two of launch.
I started watching istocknow a few days ago, and on Saturday one of the Apple stores in my town (San Antonio) popped up with VZW SG64 in stock. After seeing that the phone was in stock, I created a VZW account online, BYOD with an old VZW sim I had, and cancelled the plan the next day after picking up the phone. (In store, I told them it was too crowded and that I wanted to activate it myself at home. Lady said no problem) I cancelled within three days (24hrs actually), and according to Verizon I should only be on the hook for about 24 hrs of prorated service and should have activation fee waived. Had to pay the 30 upgrade fee at time of purchase though, but I see that as a tip to VZW for borrowing an acct for a few hours. Those costs aren't a burden for me, just the cost of my impatience. 😛 But if money is tight, this plan may not work for you.
Anyway, I ordered online around 8:30 am and picked up at 10:30. The lady at the apple store said they got about 20 in that morning, and said they sold out AFTER opening, so I assume some walk ins got some as well. I activated the phone with the VZW sim and then popped the Cricket sim immediately after set up, and it works like a charm.
I started watching istocknow a few days ago, and on Saturday one of the Apple stores in my town (San Antonio) popped up with VZW SG64 in stock. After seeing that the phone was in stock, I created a VZW account online, BYOD with an old VZW sim I had, and cancelled the plan the next day after picking up the phone. (In store, I told them it was too crowded and that I wanted to activate it myself at home. Lady said no problem) I cancelled within three days (24hrs actually), and according to Verizon I should only be on the hook for about 24 hrs of prorated service and should have activation fee waived. Had to pay the 30 upgrade fee at time of purchase though, but I see that as a tip to VZW for borrowing an acct for a few hours. Those costs aren't a burden for me, just the cost of my impatience. 😛 But if money is tight, this plan may not work for you.
Anyway, I ordered online around 8:30 am and picked up at 10:30. The lady at the apple store said they got about 20 in that morning, and said they sold out AFTER opening, so I assume some walk ins got some as well. I activated the phone with the VZW sim and then popped the Cricket sim immediately after set up, and it works like a charm.