The "revolutionary" phone -- otherwise known as the iPhone -- is here and pushing its way onto campus.

"The iPhone is so sexy," said Gary Grayek (junior-economics). "I had to have it."

For the launch of the iPhone on June 29, local AT&T stores closed at 4:30 p.m. and reopened at 6 fully prepared for the crowds lined up outside, said Ellen Webner, an AT&T spokeswoman.

Webner said the sales went fast and efficiently, and an average of 50 to 60 people lined up in front of stores across the area.

According to the Associated Press, Apple will not release the total number of iPhones sold during the first week of sales, but many analysts think it is more than 500,000.

Grayek wasn't afraid of the $499 price tag and waited in line outside the AT&T store, 147 S. Allen St., after an exam. He said he settled for the 4-gigabyte model after the 8-gigabyte was sold out.

The 4-gigabyte model is $499, and the 8-gigabyte costs $599, not including the price of the phone contract, which varies depending on the plan type.

"I have been researching since January, but it was worth getting," he said. "It's the mobile everything."

Sheri Caprio (senior-economics) waited with Grayek the day the phones were launched and snagged the last 8-gigabyte model.

"It might be expensive but it's a miniature computer and worth the price," Caprio said.
Mike Boyle (sophomore-business) received his iPhone as a gift from his parents last Sunday.
Boyle said it cost him $170 to break his cell phone contract with Verizon, but it was worth it for a touch screen iPod and a full Internet browser.

"I just wanted it so badly," he said.

With Internet, video streaming and photo upload capabilities, Webner said there is one more thing different about the iPhone than the setup of other phones. Instead of choosing a phone contract at the store, customers can activate iTunes online and then decide what type of phone contract they want, she added.

Grayek said he was excited to use his iPhone on Friday, but because of some complications with the turnover, it didn't work until last Monday.

"I almost sold it on eBay, but I'm glad I didn't," he said.

Caprio said she did not have any problems and loves the "really convenient" Internet capabilities.

According to a report from the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, customers were not told about the battery replacement process and fee; however, Caprio and Grayek said they were not shocked by the $79 cost.

Boyle said he thinks the battery life beats out other phones' batteries and even though it's not removable, Apple will loan phones to customers for $30 until their phone is fixed.

"The procedure is pretty much standard with any iPod anyways," Caprio said.

And while the excitement seems to still be in full force, Grayek predicts the iPhone will be big for students around the winter holidays when some phone contracts will expire.

"The price point is the biggest issue, but it's worth every penny," Boyle said.