iPhone answers ‘hello’ to latest call on technology craze

This toy isn’t the new Tickle Me Elmo, the latest version of Playstation nor part of the Cabbage Patch Revolution. This toy is for adults – it’s the new iPhone.\nApple’s iPhone arrived June 29 at 1,800 stories nationwide with 40 locations in Indiana. The arrival stirred anticipation for both sellers and consumers. \n“It’s a very exciting product and there’s nothing like it out there now,” said Molly Cornbleet, AT&T Inc., spokesperson. \nThe AT&T stores in Bloomington anticipated the popularity of the phone’s arrival. AT&T changed their automated recording that can be heard when calling the store.\n“Due to the extraordinary demand for the revolutionary iPhone, customers may experience extended wait time when visiting or calling our stores,” local AT&T store automated service messages said. \nThe iPhone comes in a four- or eight-gigabyte size. The smaller four-gigabyte phone sells for $499 and the eight-gigabyte for $599, Cornbleet said. The phone combines a traditional cell phone, Web browser and iPod that are operated using a scratch-resistant touch screen. Other features included are visual voice mail and an option of vertical or horizontal viewing.\nThe iPhone also includes a feature called “pinching.” The term refers to using one’s fingers to expand or compress a photo.\nSenior Erik Wahlstrom researched the phone before purchasing it, then bought one at the AT&T store in College Mall. Wahlstrom spent the money for the eight-gigabyte version so he could maximize his iPhone experience. The main appeal for him was the Web access and its ability to read Web pages and documents comfortably so users don’t have to continually scroll to read more information. Also, the phone works well with the IU wireless Internet network, Wahlstrom said. \nThe phone is practical for him, he said. As a finance student, he plans to use the phone to download software needed for class at a cheaper rate via his iPhone. \n“It’s a gadget I like a lot, and it’s expensive but not outrageous,” Wahlstrom said.\nStores in college towns around the country have seen high sales, Cornbleet said. The stores in Bloomington in particular have experienced a heavy demand for the phones. \nOne dilemma of the new iPhone is its price. College-aged students in particular are not all willing to spend $600 on a toy. \n“That’s two months’ rent for me,” senior Brandon Begemansaid. “I could buy a lot of stuff for $600 dollars, and the iPhone isn’t practical for a college student.”