If you want to get work done during the next couple of days, don’t get an iPhone. It’ll suck you in like a sailor to a siren’s song. I’m now separated from My Precious long enough to get back to work and write some thoughts about my experience on iPhone launch day.
I’m not going to gush about the iPhone’s alluring features or rant on its glaring omissions. There’s already a billion reviews out all over internet, and another billion to come out today. Rather, I’m going focus on what truly distinguishes iPhone from its competitors: the experience. And this experience doesn’t begin when you open the box, it begins before you even buy it.
So here’s how it went at the Apple Store in San Francisco at Stonestown Mall:
The line
Ryan, Thomas, and I get to the store at noon, with fresh In-N-Out burgers and fries. My two brothers were already in line towards the front. (we went to the back and did not cut in line).
To keep the lines from getting cranky, Apple assigned cheery line managers to entertain the crowd. They handed out free bottled water, Starbucks, and even cookies. Every couple of hours, store employees ran trivia contests to win prizes. I didn’t get any right. :-(
6pm!
At 6pm, a team of security guards and Apple employees escorted us into the store, making sure no one got ambushed or trampled. As we waited right before the entrance, store employees came by with iPhones to let us touch and marvel before we entered the store.
Once you pass the threshold of Apple’s doors, a throng of employees greet you, smiling, clapping, congratulating you as you enter the world of iPhone. I felt like a king on his way to coronation. And for a $600 dollar phone, this is the fanfare one would expect.
The actual purchase was quick, orderly, and friendly. The iPhone even came in it’s own specially designed bag.
Leaving the store
As you make your way back out, Apple employees were ready to answer further questions. One even offered to take group photos for us. When we finally exit, security officers offered to escort us to our car. Nobody touches my iPhone!
This experience won’t be a surprise to existing Apple fans. But to anyone who’s used to shopping at megastores such as CompUSA, the difference is clear. It’s not about the features, it’s about making the entire experience enjoyable, from buying to owning to using. This is why Apple Stores exist. This is why Apple fans are so devoted.
As promised here are some hi-res photos:
Did you buy an iPhone? How was your experience?