Those who didn't preorder iPhone 4 were out of luck in Wichita | The Wichita Eagle

The official launch of the iPhone 4 created long lines in stores around the world Thursday but was decidedly low-key in northwest Wichita.

Only eight people were in line for the 7 a.m. opening at the AT&T store on North Maize Road — AT&T is Apple's U.S. carrier — and half of them left when an employee came outside about 6:45 to announce, "We're only doing the preorders."

Many of those who jammed websites June 15 to preorder the newest Apple phone got them delivered to their homes Wednesday. Others got notices that theirs weren't available yet.

Many knew that the phones at most Wichita stores already were spoken for, though lines were long in cities with Apple stores and at retail outlets that had the phones.

The launch started in Japan and moved west, with iPhones going on sale at 7 a.m. in each time zone.

Cameron Crist had been at the northwest Wichita AT&T store since 11 p.m. Wednesday, hoping to get a replacement for the prepaid phone be bought to replace the iPhone he ran over _ "the big oops," he said.

He was among those who left disappointed.

So was Emily Griggs, who'd been there since 4 a.m., hoping to get a phone for her 14th birthday.

Both learned they could return Tuesday, when the store will have a limited number of phones for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who don't get a phone that day can order one.

AT&T stopped taking pre-orders after June 15, and new orders aren't promised for delivery until mid-July.

The new iPhone, the fourth since the 2007 original, is thinner with a better-resolution screen and longer battery life. It features a new operating system, along with cameras on both sides to permit face-to-face video calls.

Justin Londagin of Augusta joined friends for a trip to the Oklahoma City Apple store after learning the AT&T stores in Wichita wouldn't have phones for sale.

They arrived at the Penn Square Mall around 3:30 a.m. and were about 180 people back in line. About 10 1/2 hours later, he had two phones.

"It's a lot faster. The screen is as good as they said it is," said Londagin, who upgraded from an earlier iPhone.

Those who got their phones at the northwest Wichita AT&T store Thursday had received e-mails and phone calls telling them their phones were available.

Joe Stringer was carrying the iPhone 3GS he bought in early May; Apple was allowing phones purchased in a certain time period to be traded.

He'd gotten an e-mail and a phone call Wednesday, letting him know his new phone would be available, and he went by the store early to see if he could pick it up before work.

The store had more than enough employees to handle those in line, and Stringer was on his way by 7:20 — with enough time left to walk his dogs before work, and with a big smile on his face.

"Life is good," he said. "Got my phone. It's wonderful. I'm really happy."