iPhone wait is over

Technology fans had queued all night outside the Apple store in London to get their hands on the company's new product.

Apple have already shifted almost 1.5 million iPhones in the US - where the device has become known as the "Jesus phone" because of the hysteria surrounding it - and they are hoping to repeat that success here.

There's no denying its beauty: like the iPod before it, owning the new iPhone appeals to gadget freaks and ordinary members of the public. The iPhone combines the functions of a normal mobile, albeit with a touch sensitive handset, along with an mp3 player and an internet browser.

But it costs £269, and that's just the start - the minimum monthly charge from the network O2 is £35. Those balking at the prospect of paying this much can unlock the device and sign up with a cheaper network provider, but this invalidates the warranty.

Carphone Warehouse, O2 and Apple were braced for a surge when the multi-purpose device went on sale this evening at 6.02pm

It is tipped to be the biggest selling Christmas technology gift, despite some criticism of its £269 price tag.

sales will initially be limited to two iPhones per person.

Apple sold 1.4 million units in 74 days when the iPhone was launched in America in June.

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, earlier said he wanted 10 million iPhones to be sold globally during 2008.

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