myfox_iphone_blogger's Blog

What kind of people camp out overnight for a phone? More importantly, what the heck is it like to sleep on the streets of Santa Monica?

Last night's 3rd Street Promenade was the scene of Apple iPhone hype, craze, and general frenzied anticipation. My IntoMobile.com Team and I arrived at the famous outdoor shopping venue around 6PM - only to find that a line had already formed in front of the Apple Store (about 40 deep). After setting up "camp" (our cot, a couple chairs, and requisite video camera and laptop - powered by our trusty Deep Cycle-type RV battery) we really got a feel for the palpatable buzz that's surrounded the iPhone for months.

Question after question from the usual mish-mash of tourists and bored Los Angelinos had us feeling a bit like celebrities - and, at times, a bit mocked. Regardless, we forged ahead into the night. As the sun set and the crowds died down, eager iPhone hopefuls, already lined up for their chance to be among the first to lay hands on the highly-touted Apple iPhone, started to get excited. The bands were still playing and the people were rowdy - dancing, drinking (was that even legal?), kickball - we had it all. This group of eager-beaver iPhone hopefuls was all about having a good time.

The weather was, thankfully, mild and cooperative. Not a cloud in the sky, and not too cold - you gotta love the beach in the summer! As Santa Monica's nightly "wanderers" came to take their posts at various benches and curbs, iPhone fans were still partying like it was New Year's Eve - sleep was not on the agenda tonight.

Santa Monica's friendly police force was out in, well, force - making sure that nothing got out of hand.

It's early morning now, we made it the whole night with no sleep - but plenty of anxious excitement! And we're just waiting for the last 12 hours to, hopefully, fly-by as fast as the previous 12. Keep checking back for the latest updates on the iPhone launch - I'll be bringing you live coverage of the iPhone launch as it happens!