Best Buy FTW
I missed the preorder at the Apple Store. I just didn't want to get up at 5 am this year to secure a device. I stopped by the store just for the hell of it after work on Friday, and they were still saying release day availability despite the preorders for the Natural Titanium slipping to November by that time. I don't recall what time, but it was late (3 or 4pm in store). I thought, what the heck? Might as well see if this works.
I subsequently read many horror stories of people getting screwed by Best Buy on launch day, but my experience was flawless. It's also an excellent alternative to the insanity of waiting in line at an Apple Store. Best Buy in San Francisco near me does not open until 10 am, so I thought I would wander over to Apple Store Union Square and, although fun to experience Apple launch day at a corporate store, it's also a lot busier.
At 9:30 am the wait was already like 30 minutes even if you had an appointment. The lines wrapped around the store back by the hotel, fountain, and Genius Bar in the back.
That is in contrast to Best Buy, which had zero lines. I got in line at 9:58 am and had my phone 2 minutes later. I was even able to check out some accessories and other electronics and chat with some Apple employees who were onsite for assistance with issues and whatnot. I was in and out in less than 8 minutes.
Overall flawless experience! Expectations exceeded.
