Depends on how closely you follow things. A coworker bought a new iPhone 3GS to replace his aging G1 2 days before the story broke. He probably would have waited had he known the new phone was on it's way, as his G1 was still functional.

After the story was posted to Gizmodo, it was shown on every major news network, including interviews on morning shows and such. A lot more people are now aware of the new phone and the planned release this summer due to Gizmodo's actions.