iphone 4 launchThe iPhone 4 hit store shelves today and it's selling like hotcakes in the countries where it's available -- the U.S., Japan, Britain, France, and Germany.

Long lines started forming outside stores in San Francisco and New York in the wee hours of the morning. Some Bostonians camped out all night only to be pushed to the back of the line by customers who pre-ordered the iPhone 4. Reuters is reporting that at least one store in Japan is sold out, and the Telegraph says there are only a few of the devices left for sale in the UK.

Even e-commerce is getting in on the action. If you want an iPhone 4 really, really bad, you can fork over up to $1,500 for one on eBay or Craigslist. (The phone normally sells for $200 or $300.)

It seems like everyone wants to be among the first to own the trendy new iPhone.

The question is: Why?

Sure, waiting in line in sweltering heat for hours on end or camping out overnight on a city sidewalk makes sense for something that you wouldn't be able to get otherwise -- tickets to see Lady Gaga or a World Cup match, or even a fabulous dress at a Proenza Schouler sample sale.

But, pssst ... I'm going to let you in on a little secret: If you don't buy the iPhone 4 today, you can still get one. It's true, I promise. Just because they're selling out today, that doesn't mean they'll be selling out for good.

So get out of line and enjoy your day. A few weeks from now, you can casually stroll into a store and walk out with a brand-new iPhone 4 just a few minutes later.

Cool, huh?

What's the longest you've ever waited in line to buy something? What was it?

 

Image via Patrick Hoesly/Flickr