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AT&T Gears Up for the iPhone
ElvaWSJ writes "In preparation for its exclusive launch of the cellphone industry's most anticipated device, AT&T is pulling out all the stops. It is adding about 2,000 temporary employees to cope with the influx of shoppers in the first few months. And it is planning for enhanced security to control the potentially large crowds and avoid theft of the phones, which will go for a steep $499 or $599, depending on memory capacity. Some sales agents expect to see people camping outside the night before. 'Apple, which plans to start selling the phone in all of its 162 retail stores on June 29, did not disclose any plans around training or staffing for the launch. Apple will also start selling the phone online on the launch date, but AT&T will first launch only in its stores ... AT&T, which is requiring iPhone shoppers to sign up for a 2-year contract, has not yet revealed the service fees it will charge iPhone customers.'"
They should set up tattoo kiosks outside the stores so these nutjobs can get ink'd with the Apple or AT&T logo of their choice.
C'mon, people! It's only a phone. And it's version 1.0!
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Wait, you think apple has the ability to fundamentally change the way that cell phone companies do business and you're calling other people sheep? You support apple products and then complain about the cost of ANYTHING?!?!
Seriously, are you stupid or just fucking nuts? People (sheeple or otherwise) pay for cell (mobile for you internationals, right?) phone service because it is fucking convenient and the difference in cost between it and an almost useless landline are basically non-existent. The reason providers can get away with charging extra (a LOT extra) for "data" is probably far too complex for you to understand (I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that you're not insane). It shares features with, among other things, the phenomenon of windows being "good enough" and ipods being "cool" though.
The Farewell Tour II
What is so special about the Apple phone that it needs "special" service fee?
It's the "Apple Fanboy Fee". See, apple users are used to being screwed over, price-wise. AT&T knows this (hell, they are willing to cough up $600 for a phone) and being the greedy POS they are, they are tacking on a $199 fee.
If you think that is bad, just wait until you see the rate plan the poor fanboys will be stuck with.
Luckily, most fanboys dwell in their Mom's basement, so they won't have to chose between their new toy and luxuries like rent and food. Money for dating, of course, isn't an issue.
Why all the anger at Apple 'enthusiasts'??
"Anger"? No.
"Laughter"? Yes.