It's hard to appreciate today but, early on for most people, the iPhone wasn't a "OMG, I have to get one of these right now" product. I had bought a Treo in late 2006 I think because I had a foot injury that meant I had to travel super-light. While I did get a 3GS a few years later, I don't recall any pressing urgency and there tons of stories related to carrier coverage etc.
The timing sucked for me, though. In 2007 I was between jobs and after the announcement was ready to jump into making apps but thwarted because it was not possible. By 2008 I was employed again and missed the gold rush.
