Activation woes mar iPhone 3G launch

Remember when Apple reps told us that in-store activation for new iPhones would only take about 10-15 minutes per customer, if all went smoothly? Well, guess what—it's not all going smoothly.

CNN reports that Apple and AT&T clerks are having trouble activating newly-sold iPhone 3Gs, and frustrated customers—many of whom waited in line overnight—are being told to go home and finish the activation process over iTunes.

So, what's the problem? A crush of activations, that's what. An AT&T spokesman told CNN that a "global problem" with iTunes (and, I'm assuming, Apple's servers) are causing delays—indeed, according to some reports, many would-be iPhone customers are waiting 45 minutes or longer to get their new handsets activated in-store, slowing some lines to a crawl.

The problem is also affecting users of the old iPhone trying install firmware 2.0 over iTunes, according to CNET.

What do do? Well, if you're not in an iPhone line yet, here's my advise—just wait. After all, Apple stores appear to have plenty of iPhone 3Gs on hand, and AT&T outlets—some of which have already sold out—are reportedly getting fresh shipments over the weekend.

I'm betting that the server load will even out by the end of the day, so hang tight and download some iPhone Apps while you wait—no need to compound the problem by dashing to an Apple Store this minute.

Related:
Glitch hampers iPhone launch [CNN]