I wasn’t able to buy any iPhone 4 online when it went on sale, so I was left to pre-order it and pick it up in a store. Fortunately I didn’t have to wait in line long. It took less than 30 minutes from arrival to departure.

This is a far cry from folks who stood in line for several hours to get their iPhone (and in many cases, to not get their iPhone because they hadn’t pre-ordered one).

I drove by my local Apple Store this morning to see how long the line was; I’d guess about 300 people deep, at about 8 am. Some folks were there at 6 am and didn’t get their iPhone for nearly five hours.

And yes, it’s a great device. The text is crisp, the screen bright, and it feels very, very fast. It also is more comfortable in my hand than I thought it would be.

It’s also has a substantial heft. It’s solid.

Another win for Apple.

Case received and installed. Here are my thoughts after about 24 hours of having it:

• It looks good (I can see the iPad without obstruction).
• it feels good (though I’d prefer a powder-satin finish; it’s a little smooth).
• The edges are a little rough (could use a sanding).
• It’s less durable than I’d like. In just a day, it already has swirls on it from putting it down on various surfaces. Not sure if the aluminum iPad would fare any better; I suppose the argument is it’s cheaper to replace the plastic cover than buy a new iPad.

I’m keeping an eye out for a power-satin finish cases, though.