Most Buyers Like New iPhones

July 2, 2007 — -- The professional critics have offered their iPhone opinions, giving Apple's new cellphone mostly a thumbs up.

Now it's time for thousands of consumers to weigh in after they bought iPhones this weekend. The gadget went on sale starting Friday night at nearly 2,000 Apple and AT&T stores after six months of anticipation.

USA TODAY heard from more than 350 people who said they bought an iPhone. Based on their first weekend's experience, virtually all of them said they'd do it again.

"I'm immensely satisfied," said Scott Ritcher, 37, a graphic designer and freelance writer in Louisville. He bought the bigger and pricier of the iPhone's two versions, for $599.

Still, some consumers had a few gripes, especially about delays in getting phones activated by AT&T, the iPhone's exclusive service provider. AT&T said a small percentage of customers had problems, which it was working to resolve.

Jenny Springfield, a nursing student in Jackson, Miss., 23, said she didn't get her $599 iPhone activated until 11 a.m. Saturday after starting the process at 7 p.m. Friday night. The delay was annoying because AT&T deactivated her old cellphone immediately, leaving her without a cellphone for 16 hours.

First persons: Reviews from iPhone owners

Kentucky

• Ryan Nealis

Student, 28, in Louisville

Q: Favorite feature?

A: The photo album. "I was really, really surprised by the photos and how clear they were."

Q: Least favorite?

A: The keyboard. Hard to use because the keys are too close together.

Q: Any buyer's remorse?

A: Nealis almost returned her iPhone after considering how much she paid for it. But she changed her mind after a friend said she wouldn't regret keeping the gadget. "I started using it, and it's superior," she said.

Ohio

• Ryan Andersen

IT manager/developer, 39, in Maineville

Q: Favorite feature?

A: The touch-screen and the fluidity of the controls.

Q: Least favorite?

A: Problems syncing to the computer.