Verizon iPhone: Tales from the 3 a.m. pre-order

Verizon iPhone pre-orders started at 3 a.m. Thursday morning (and even earlier by some accounts).

Early reports indicate that there were few hiccups as people rushed to pre-order the Verizon iPhone Thursday morning. Apple and Verizon opened their digital doors at 3 a.m. – but only for current Verizon customers. Everyone else will need to wait until next week.

If you pre-ordered or are planning to pick up the new Verizon iPhone, be sure to check out this article on getting ready to move to the iPhone.

For those still making up their mind – or are waiting for the iPhone 5 at some future date – consider how long you've had your current mobile phone. What's the likelihood you'll get two years of use from the iPhone? And by the end of those two years, you'll want something new anyway.

So, with all of my careful planning and preparation, did I stay up until 3 a.m. to be first in the virtual line for a new Verizon iPhone?

To be honest, I went to sleep with no intention of staying up late just for a new phone. But when I woke up at about 3:30 (without setting my alarm), I decided that it must be a sign. So, I grabbed my laptop, headed for the other room, and proceeded through a very smooth order process on the Verizon Wireless website.

Did you order a new iPhone? What was your experience?

This is the third in a series of posts about one writer's quest for a Verizon iPhone and the helpful tips he learns along the way. Check out the earlier entries here and here.