I just called and got instantly approved. As with what everyone said, get stuff in 2 weeks. No fee first year, plus no minimum purchase, just a first purchase. Since I'm sitting at 9,925 miles I put $75 through purchases on there and have 60,000 miles.
Probably should get that up to 64,000 in case United has some sort of 20% off mileage reward tickets to Hawaii....
Anyone know if I can apply for the Continental card also in a month or so?