I remember when the first iPhone was announced. My employer didn’t get their money’s worth that afternoon. Shortly after my lunch hour, I wore out the refresh button on my browser as I frothed at the mouth for each and every detail, no matter how insignificant, as it was announced. Rumors had been floating around for months that Apple was going to announce its entry into the mobile phone market and, finally, on one glorious, albeit cold January afternoon, it became official. I was the happiest big kid in the world and couldn’t wait to own one right away.
But my dreams were crushed. It wouldn’t release for six months, was exclusive to another carrier, and the cheapest model was half-a-grand with no carrier subsidy. I was sad, but only temporarily, as Apple announced a price cut only a few short months after release. I was so happy that I cancelled my Verizon contract without caring how much I owed them. I just wanted the iPhone and I wanted it right now.
Fast forward almost 70 months later and here we go again. A shiny, brand new iPhone will be available in just a few days. But I can’t get one.
Well, it’s not that I can’t. The issue is that I, along with thousands of other customers, are not upgrade eligible right now. The $299 32GB (black, if you’re curious) that has my heart would run me close to $600 if I can’t hold my horses until June of next year. And believe me, I’m trying my best to hold them.
I’m trying. I really am. I keep telling myself it’ll be ok. Hell, I even think I have myself convinced that it will be ok. But that’s easy to say today. Tuesday. Two-and-a-half days before release.
Friday morning, I’m sure, will start like any other. A way-too-loud wake up call from my now obsolete iPhone 4S, a cup of coffee, and a leisurely drive downtown to work. But then the blogs will pick up. Mainstream media will descend. I’ll be unable to avoid the coverage and will soon be overwhelmed with the hype, at which point I’ll begin a downward spiral of cold sweats and violent twitching.
Why do I have to have newest piece of technology on the day that it’s released? I had the 3GS the day it was released. I waited in line for almost four hours for the 4 on release day. The 4S escaped me for a few weeks, but once AT&T bumped up my upgrade eligibility date, I broke speeding records rushing to the Apple Store.
But I have to wait nine months for the 5? I don’t know if I can make it, man.
And that’s the power that Apple has over people like me. New new new, now now now. But the funny thing is, much like when I upgraded from the 4 to the 4S, I know the difference will be minor. The leap to the 5 is a bit bigger, yes, but it’s nothing groun breaking (nor does it have to be, but that’s another article for another day). The real changes come with iOS6, which I can have free and clear tomorrow for my phone and tablet.
I know better. I know this isn’t a big deal. I can get it next year. In the mean time, I’ll have iOS 6 to keep me company. It’s just a phone. Really, it’s not a big deal.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
[Image Credit: CNET]
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