okay, i wanted in on this action so i called the vodafone store nearest to my work (vodafone broadway) and the girl there said that signing up instore is the same as pre-registering on the website and that someone will call me to ask where I want to collect my phone. she also mentioned that people already with vodafone would be given preference.

i'd be happy if this is how it went!

+1 youngest

So would I!!

It is a store within the airport. They were only taking names of people with security passes. I have to warn you though - lining up at any airport store will not be permitted for security reasons, and if anyone does line up at this store, AFP will come and shoo you away. Stock at these stores will also be extremely limited. I think the only reason they are putting one aside for me is because I work in law enforcement
There are other stores in the city that have been taking names down. My suggestion is to go into kiosk type setups and try there.

I pre-registered on the web site. I hope I haven't committed to anything.

Nah - you haven't signed any paper-work, or supplied any detail other than your name and how to contact you. They can't hold you to anything.

I emailed Vodafone about picking up an iPhone 3G when I get off my plane at the Melbourne Airport Store and they said they were not sure of the availability. Anybody have any confirmations on the unlocked prepay price and/or if Melbourne Airport Store is going to be selling them?

actually that was something else the girl at vodafone broadway said, pre-registering does not lock you in, its not a contract or anything like that... just an indication of preference ... i guess so they know where to put units and how many. I think this was mentioned in the small print, pre-registering doesn't guarantee you a phone.

I wonder if numbers were allocated to phone companies early on, and how much telstra has changed things. Now with telstra selling them on the 11th, I am worried that it means less phones for vodafone and optus.

I'm trying to remain philosophical about it all. If I get it, I get it...If I don't, I'll get one eventually. I say this now...but I know I'll probably chuck a mini tantrum and throw some 'F' words about if I don't have one on Friday.

But thats the same if you were buying a phone anyday of the week, you take your chances with queues.

Madone - perhaps, but there isn't as much hype generated over a Nokia phone...

+ 1 same here

But we are all going to get one, if we want one, and are prepared to part with the dosh, it may happen on July 11, or sometime thereafter.

We've all been waiting since January 07, so what's another month!

All this speculation, and bagging the telcos for not releasing the info, it's called business, why would Vodafone release it's info early. They were the first to announce there plans, so maybe they are allowed to release later. You want to release the info so that you maximise your profit.
And those on here with corporate accounts, have temper tantrums about cracking the shits if they don't get there's first, news update, that's what apples about, not pandering to those idiots, home users and arty people.
Ahhh the recession will soon hit them all, i'll be alright, in a profession that is never ever affected by the downturn of the economy!

What profession is that? I'm sure everybody even the unemployed will be affected by a recession.

But i agree, there is really no hurry for me.

Me: "Hi, have you received any information about plans or pricing for the iPhone yet?"
Her: "All of our plan and pricing information will be released to the public this thursday"
Me: "Thanks" *Walks out*

She didn't say "Uummm I think we are releasing them on thursday. Not sure"

I got a definite answer. But, I can't guarantee anything as mentioned before.

Tom