News 12 at 11 o'clock, July 11, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---The iPhone craze strikes again as Apple launches the newest version. It's supposed to be a faster version, but that's not fully the case in our area.

It was Apple-mania at the Wrightsboro Road store as dozens of people waited in line. Some people even braved the rain for the new iPhone 3G.

"I've got an apple tattoo, so I'm really happy to get it. I've wanted it for a long time," said Danyel Morgan.

Tanesha Akins has wanted it for a long time, too, to replace her old phone, but you won't find any tattoos on her body.

"No I'm not that crazy about it," Akins said.

But she has been excited about the iPhone for about four months. That's how long she's been eligible for an upgrade. She could've gotten the older version, but heard the 3G would be better.

"[It has] a lot of the things I like to do, all in this phone, with the internet, and it's a faster connection," she said.

Well, not exactly.

"In Augusta, we're not a 3G market yet, but AT&T offers the Wi-Fi DSL in your home," said AT&T Retail Store Manager Alan Rabun.

That means in Augusta it's not really faster everywhere, only in Wi-Fi areas.

"I was excited to get the phone until you told me all this. Oh wow," said Akins.

An Apple engineer tells News 12 Augusta should become a 3G market in early 2009.

Until then, it works at the same speed as the older model.

"Knowing that it does change a little bit but not enough for me to not get the phone though," said Akins.

So still she goes in, hoping to get the phone. About thirty minutes later, she comes out empty-handed.

The store was sold out already. She'll get it in about three to five days.

"It's okay...I can be patient. I've waited this long. I can wait a few more days I suppose," Akins said.

So it's a little more of a wait for the technological treasure. She's just wondering if all the time will be worth it.

"I hope so, I hope so," she said.

There was another glitch at stores. An AT&T spokesman says a global problem kept the phones from being fully-activated at stores.

Customers had to finish the activation at home using their computers.