Jonny Gladwell from Auckland New Zealand is indeed the first iPhone owner... "technically." He's still waiting in front of Vodafone NZ for the launch, but he'll be the first to grab it. Other sources say the first iPhone 3G reviews just came in.

Engadget is reporting that Jonny Gladwell from Auckland New Zealand is a "special" case, having camped outside of Vodafone NZ, which should net him an iPhone 3G ahead of everyone else. The tech-based website points out that he doesn't necessarily have to be the first in the world to own the new device, since the Wellington and Christchurch shops (and probably others too) open at around the same time.

And they're right. Who's to tell which store manager wakes up refreshed and anxious to sell some iPhones, maybe even setting a world record for being "the most eager store manager ever to sell a highly anticipated device."

As for the first iPhone 3G reviews hitting the web, those come from the actual members of Apple's "A-List" of media members, according to iPhone Central. They're the ones who are lucky enough to get early access to major Apple products which, of course, includes the iPhone 3G.

"So the iPhone 3G is a nice upgrade," David Pogue writes for the New York Times. "It more than keeps pace with advancing technology, and new buyers will generally be delighted." However, he claims, "it's not so much better that it turns all those original iPhones into has-beens. Indeed," he notes, "the really big deal is the iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store, neither of which requires buying a new iPhone. That twist may come as a refreshing surprise to planned-obsolescence conspiracy theorists - and everyone who stood in line last year."

Pogue makes a good point, but let's not forget about Internet speed. Those simply addicted to their portable devices can vow for the huge difference between EDGE and 3G. And then there are the other, smaller extras which Ed Baig, of USA Today, outlines in his review:

"Extra, extra: iPhone 3G: The Sequel, is worth the wait. It's cheaper, faster and a lot friendlier for business," Baig notes. "Apple's blockbuster smartphone already had nifty features such as visual voicemail, a splendid built-in video iPod and the best mobile Web browser I've ever used. With GPS newly added to the mix, this handheld marvel has no equal among consumer-oriented smartphones. I reach that verdict after having tested the new iPhone for more than two weeks."

iPhone 3G is slated for release this Friday, July 11.