Thousands line up for first iPhones

Thousands of people queued up to be among the first to buy a "revolutionary" all-in-one mobile phone, widescreen iPod and web browsing device when it went on sale on Friday.

Apple's much-anticipated iPhone, which has a completely touch-sensitive interface, enables users to watch videos on the internet, scroll through emails and images, and listen to music with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers.

The phone, which launches in California, went on sale across America for 499 dollars (£250) for a 4GB model and 599 dollars (£300), for the 8GB version.

Outside Apple's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York, Greg Packer was believed to be first person in the world to queue up for one.

He set up outside the store on Monday morning at 5am local time, more than four days before the phones go on sale.

"I'm here! The first person in line for the iPhone," Mr Packer, of Long Island, said. "I want to see how it works. It's supposed to be everything in one."

Mr Packer, who has set up a website at firstinline.wordpress.com, said: "I'm an Apple fan but I don't have an iPod and I don't have a Mac."

The iPhone will enable up to eight hours of talk-time, six hours of internet use and seven hours of video playback on its 3.5 inch scratch-resistant display.

Users can activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated, he added.

The iPhone is expected to launch in the UK later this year.

Share this article

Send this article to a friend »

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Reddit
• Facebook
• StumbleUpon

What are these?