14 DAY TRIAL // Top Muffin has launched the "iPhone3G Store availability tracker." Based on Apple's JSON feed, it updates its page every 15 minutes, according to the guys at 9to5mac. This way, you can keep an eye on iPhone 3G availability at your local Apple Store, every quarter of an hour.
Recent iPhone 3G reports also say eBay sellers are starting to emerge, charging four-figure prices for the new device, by speculating the widespread shortages. Needless to point out, the hype surrounding the new device has clearly given a bit of edge to sellers who, up to this point, are surrounded by mystery, especially when it comes to where and how they got their hands on the devices.
Thus, for those who boast the ability to wait patiently for stocks to fill back up, and purchase the device for its regular price, with a regular carrier and all that, the iPhone3G Store availability tracker has been set up. However, Top Muffin also posts a disclaimer on the iPhone 3G availability web page. Here's what it says:
"DISCLAIMER: This page uses data from Apple's site that is retrieved every 15 minutes. However, it does appear that Apple only updates the data every night at midnight PDT. I strongly advise calling your local Apple store to check inventory before visiting said store."
An earlier post, though, said that Apple "does update this file throughout the day." The data from Apple was last modified on July 24, 2008 @ 5:54 am EDT, at the time we reported this. So, here's the full breakdown for the US:
- 8 GB Black 3G iPhones are available at 85 of 188 stores (45%) - 16 GB White 3G iPhones are available at 97 of 188 stores (52%) - 16 GB Black 3G iPhones are available at 76 of 188 stores (40%)
The iPhone3G Store availability tracker is right here. Good luck with finding your desired model at a store close by!