SYDNEY - For many technology geeks it's a given that Australia sits at the end of the rollout queue. But it hasn't stopped many from getting their hands on Apple's iPhone.
Since it was launched six weeks ago, several iPhones have made their way to our shores, and Australians are paying a high price to get their hands on one.
The 8GB model initially went on sale in the United States for $US599 ($A723).
Despite this, eBay auctions in Australia have been consistently hitting well over $A1,000.
Brisbane-based eBay seller "Apple Kop" has sold several iPhones online and says the motivation to own one is simple.
"The iPhone itself is a great toy," Apple Kop wrote.
"A lot of ppl (sic) ask me why would I get it if I can't use it as a phone here. But honestly, after seeing and touching one, I love it. Even if it doesn't have the phone functions."
Apple Kop is quick to point out that making a profit isn't his motive for selling iPhones.
"It's not like you make big money out of it if you do all the sums ... state taxes, fedex, customs duty, registered post, Ebay and Paypal fees ... you won't have much left."
Once the lucky bidder has their hands on the iPhone, there are more costs involved.
The iPhone is "locked" to US phone company AT&T. But this hasn't stopped hackers around the world looking for ways to free it for use on other networks.
Some hacks have opened the iPhone, "rewiring" it - something not recommended for the novice. Others have focused on tricking the phone into thinking it is using the AT&T network with a different mobile phone network SIM card.
The most popular has been iPhoneSimFree, which was demonstrated on CNN.
A Mildura teenager, who wishes to remain anonymous, is selling the iPhoneSimFree software in Australia and claims to have more than 500 pre-orders.
"I am selling the software unlock so that people like me, who have a locked iPhone, don't have to buy expensive "Turbo-SIM's" or risk breaking their iPhones by trying to perform a complicated hardware hack," the teenager said.
Even if the lucky Australian iPhone owner succeeds in unlocking their phone, the results may not be all they hoped for.
The iPhone currently uses 2G EDGE mobile phone technology, meaning web browsing and video streaming speeds would be comparable to a dial-up modem.
Telstra spokesman Peter Taylor warns Australian-based iPhone owners "using any handset that hasn't been optimised for Australia's mobile networks is asking for trouble".