Those of us who aren't into gadgets cannot understand why anyone would feel compelled to stand for hours in line, just so they can get the latest electronic toy that Apple has created. 2010 is only half over and already we've seen the lunacy happen twice. First when Apple released the iPad earlier this spring, and more recently when the new 4 GB iPhone suddenly appeared on store shelves.
Most of us can understand that the new Apple gadgets look cool, and sometimes we even wish we had one of our own. What we can't understand is why anyone would want something so badly that they would forgo life's little luxuries, like heat and bathrooms, to spend the entire night sitting in the parking lot of the Apple store waiting for it to open so that they can have the first ones sold. The average person considers this type of behavior crazy.
It's Not Just Gadget, People!
The thing we have to remember is that Apple gadgets aren't the only thing that can cause people to camp out in a parking lot for one, and sometimes, more nights. Fans of bands have been known to do the same thing. Popular movie premiers have also caused people to spend some time living in a tent in front of a movie theater.
Some people argue that waiting all night just to purchase tickets to a concert is not the same as obsessing over the new iPhone. The concert has a set number of seats and a set number of tickets. Once it is sold out, that is it. Electronics are on the shelf for as long as the manufacture is making money. Even if a store sells all of the new iPhones during the first day the product hits the streets. They will eventually be getting another truckload of merchandise and restock their shelves. Plus, waiting a while usually means that you can find the product cheaper.
The thing is that the people who are into gadgets, the people who are really into gadgets see no difference between queuing up in an obscenely long line for great concert tickets and standing overnight in a parking lot so they can get a new iPhone.
There are actually several reasons why gadget people go so gaga for the newest, greatest Apple product.
The Camaraderie
For a lot of people the gadget is simply an excuse to hang out in a parking lot and meet people who are just like themselves. In the case of the release of Apple products, every single person gathered in that parking lot has a few things in common. They believe that whatever gadget they are going to purchase is superior to everything they already own, they believe that Apple makes a quality product. It is no different than standing in line for Led Zeppelins final concert tickets, where else are you going to find a higher number, or more loyal fan base. Standing in that cold, dark parking lot gives the lovers of Apple products the opportunity to meet, bond, and mingle.
It's a Fashion statement
It might seem ridiculous, but Apple products are fast becoming fashionable. The world has become technology crazy, having an Apple iPhone clipped to your hip is not all that different from being dressed in an Armani suit or having your feet adorned by a pair of Jimmy Choo high heels. As soon as the new iPhone became available, the old 3g iPhone fell out of fashion, the cool people. The ones with good taste were the ones with the 4g iPhone.
Its a Conversation Starter
Unless someone is living under a rock, the chances are pretty good that they've been hearing about whatever product Apple is preparing to release. Even if a person isn't really interested in purchasing the newest, latest and greatest product, they will be curious about it. They will want to know exactly why everyone is so excited about it. This means that if they see someone texting on their new 4g iPhone or reading the latest James Patterson novel on an iPad they are going to wander over and start asking questions. This tendency is why so many guys are the ones queuing up for the latest Apple product. They know that having this product is going to be a great way for them to meet women, at least until something newer and shinier comes out.
A One of Kind
Even though Apple puts a great deal of time, effort, and money into their products before releasing them to the public, some glitches simply can't be anticipated before they are in the hands of customers who are actually using the products for practical purposes. It usually doesn't take Apple very long to fix these glitches, which are normally very minor. In the meantime the people who got the products during the first mad rush, often end up with a product that is just a little different from the ones being purchased just a month or two later. Even though the product might not be perfect, the owner who stood in line to get it often takes pride in the uniqueness of their version.
Bragging Rights
There is something about Apple products that has tapped into a primal hunting instinct. Sportsman who bag the biggest deer or catch the biggest fish are always bragging to their buddies, as if somehow the catch proves that they are superior to their buddies instead of just lucky. Apple products are to gadget lovers what big game is to hunters. Standing in queue overnight just so they can purchase the product first means the gadget lover can brag to all their friends, they have the Apple gizmo and no one else does. Even after everyone has the same Apple product, the first buyer still maintains the bragging rights, because they were the first to have it. The only time their superiority is challenged is when the next Apple product is about to be released and the madness starts all over again.
Love of Electronics
The last reason people are so willing to spend entire nights sleeping in parking lots just so they can get their hands on the newest Apple product is quite simple. They love electronics and can't wait to learn everything there is to learn about the newest one.