The Herald-Zeitung

The new Apple iPhone 3G was all the rage this weekend for technology lovers and hipsters looking to buy the new phone at an affordable price.

The second-generation iPhone hit Apple and AT&T stores nationwide on Friday amid fervent demand.

As of Saturday afternoon, the AT&T store in New Braunfels was out of the new iPhone and would not be expecting new shipments until Monday or Tuesday.

AT&T spokesmen Mike Barger said that stores in South Texas and Houston are for the most part sold out and are awaiting more shipments in the coming days. He advises customers interested in the new iPhone to sign on to AT&T’s direct fulfillment list. Customers on the list reserve a phone and are expected to receive it within 7-10 days.

“We were expecting long lines but many stores had longer lines than last year when the original iPhone came out,” Barger said. “We were a little surprised,” he said.

The phone is marketed as a faster version of the original iPhone that debuted in 2007. The phone’s Internet is faster because it runs on the 3G Network rather than the Edge Network that housed the first generation iPhone.

“It’s like using your Internet at home on your desktop,” said Barger. “The main complaint with the last iPhone was that it’s a little slow, but not this one.”

Two versions of the phone are being sold. One version is 8 gigabytes and costs $199 and the other version is 16 gigabytes and sells for $299. The first generation sold for $599 and $499 dollars during its initial release. Buyers of the new iPhone also have to sign a two year contract with AT&T.

Besides the faster 3G Network, the second generation phone features GPS capabilities and supports business e-mail.