QF24 1 July: my first flight on the new config; some comments:
The flight was originally listed as an old config with myself in 3A and +1 in 3B/C; that is, side by side.
Last minute activity in the lounge with the angel calling people to return to the desk so I knew we had been subbed to a new bird. However, the change from 2-2-2 to 1-2-1 would mean that we were no longer sitting together. The angel did a great job of rearranging the seating to get everyone seated as best she could and we ended up in 5A/5E - not side by side but with an aisle between us. As 5A is offset to the aisle and 5E also offset to the aisle (but in the other direction - sorry for the poor description), we were not that much further from each other than if we had been together in the middle.
On entering the cabin I was very impressed: it looks great and very professional, and as good as any layout I have experienced.
We settled in and the service was excellent. The previous occupant of +1's seat had pushed the tray table in too far and she couldn't retrieve it but CSM Adam (a mechanic in a previous life) was able to fix it.
About 20 mins into the flight my IFE system crashed and couldn't be restored. I read my newspaper, drank a few/various wines and slept. On leaving the aircraft, the CSM stated that someone would be in touch regarding the issue. Within 36 hours we received an email apologizing for the inconvenience and stating that 5,000 points would be forthcoming as compensation (arrived in the account the following day). Perhaps not overly generous but adequate considering that I slept for most of the flight, that it was on points, that I was plied with drinks and that the compensation was forthcoming without me making a complaint.
Overall, I think that provided these issues are just teething problems with a new product (rather than a good design poorly executed), than QF are onto a winner with this product. Hopefully QF have a good guarantee from the supplier!
JV