In Apple Store New York, iPhone 5 line forms a week early

The line for the iPhone 5 at the flagship Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

/ Greg Sandoval/CNET

(CBS News) Apple fans have already started lining up for the iPhone 5 at the flagship Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

According to CNET, people began lining up at the Apple Store on Friday, a week early. Lining up early for the iPhone has been a tradition for Apple fans since the launch of iPhone 1. Each year, however, an increasing number of enterprising people have populated the line.

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Apple's new iPhone 5, iPod devices

The first few people in line this year are seeking publicity for their companies. First in line is Hazem Sayed, who is there to promote Vibe, a social-networking app. Body-paint artist and model Jessica Mellow took the third spot, promoting her blog.

While the line seemingly lacks the enthusiasm of hardcore Apple fans, there is still a tremendous demand for the iPhone 5. AT&T reported that the pre-orders for the phone were record-breaking.

Apple announced Monday that iPhone 5 pre-orders topped 2 million in the first 24 hours, double the number the iPhone 4S received last year.

[saber72]

Wow, that is sort of sad. Just pre-order the thing if you want it that bad. This is just weird.

Another sad thing is that Apple is the biggest outsourcing, pos tax dodging company around. We really should start to avoid products from companies like that, yet we are lining up a week early. I swear there is no hope for us...

[saber72]

Wow, that is sort of sad. Just pre-order the thing if you want it that bad. This is just weird.

Another sad thing is that Apple is the biggest outsourcing, pos tax dodging company around. We really should start to avoid products from companies like that, yet we are lining up a week early. I swear there is no hope for us...

[ralphing]

Don't any of these people put a value on their time? Even at minimum wage, the hours you waste just sitting in line is costing them at least double the price of the phone. There hasn't been a new iPhone for over a year, so what difference does it make waiting for the phone to show up in stores when you can just walk in and pick one up, or in your mailbox?

[Ericwvb]

Where's William Shatner when you need him? "Get a life, people. It's just a god-d*mned phone!"

[A_Moderate]

Can someone explain why is this news? People stand in lines for tickets, etc. all the time and we hear nothing about that. If it's Apple, somehow it qualifies as news (AKA Free Advertising).