FIVE hours early was not early enough for one man anxious to be first to own the iPhone 3G at its launch here last year.
Despite his efforts he ended up second in line.
Disappointed, medical test subject recruiter Jackson Low turned up at 9am on Friday - almost 12 hours before sales of the speedier iPhone 3GS began to make sure he would be there ahead of the thousands of other eager iFans.
The 29-year-old got his wish, and became the first person to own an iPhone 3GS given to him by the Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) group chief executive Chua Sock Koong and SingTel Singapore chief executive Allen Lew here.
Those who want the iPhone can buy it from local distributor SingTel for prices of up to $678; they also need to sign up for a two-year contract.
Existing SingTel iPhone users like Mr Low can also pay an upgrade fee to get the new model.
Mr Low had no issues with paying the price, saying that it was only fair since he had already gotten a discounted handset last year and could not expect the same again this year "or else SingTel would probably go bust I guess."
Many iPhone 3G users had gone online to grouse about having to pay an upgrade fee, saying that SingTel should continue to give them discounted handsets to reward their loyalty.
If Apple launches a new iPhone model next year, Mr Low, who admits he is 'quite a fan' of the stylish handset, will get one regardless of how much it costs.
