Some interesting points by MG Siegler.  I’m currently “in the market” to switch from Verizon over to the iPhone based on my satisfaction with the iPod Touch.  I’ts sad that I’ll leave Verizon.  They have been the only company that’s ever really provided my “Great” mobile service.  And not to mention the FIOS Internet and TV service.

Uploaded on June 8, 2009 by ArabCrunch

But here’s why it’s really a very questionable upgrade: Because Apple is at some point going to move the iPhone beyond the AT&T network. That move could happen as soon as next year. If you buy this iPhone 3G S now, you’ll be locked in for two more years (or have to pay the large cancellation fee). Now, AT&T is trying to negotiate with Apple to extend its exclusive deal through 2011, in which case the move to the iPhone 3G S would make some sense. But that has not happened yet, and AT&T is playing in risky waters. If I learned tomorrow that AT&T and Apple were ending their exclusive deal in 2010, there is no way I would upgrade. I’d suck it up and wait for a year. via Why The iPhone 3G S May Be A Sucker’s Bet Right Now.

I arrived at the AT&T store today to find they had no plans to form a waiting list on June 19th.  Another customer said to me “Looks like you’ll have to camp out dude.” I said that if waiting in lines or camping are required, I’ll just wait.

They told me about a direct order program but really didn’t know what the plan was and a few employees chimed in to say, “you’ll just need to wait in line.”

So I called another store to see if they were also in the dark.  While waiting to transfer to a representative, I heard, “also on the web at att.com/wireless.  Just funny to me since I’m old enough to know that the concept of ‘wire less’ was very cool.  I remember when there were remote controls to TV’s that were teathered.  Would anyone in this generation understand that wireless really means “no wires needed.”  That’s not very high tech to me -just funny.

So after learning that their computers can’t take direct orders yet because they don’t have the contractual specials in place I was advised to keep checking back.  Again, my concept of service is such that if I am the buyer, you call me when you have an answer.

I like a comment posted on the above TechCrunch article by “Dave”

I’ll be first in line. Ready to preserve my 4GB 1st gen iphone for future generations to marvel at… IMO all cell phone companies are a rip off, just deal with it. – Dave

I guess I’ll just deal with it and try to avoid service points when possible. Perhaps I’ll find a way to order online.