Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I asked a brick & mortar rep that exact question last weekend, and he/she said that online would probably be quicker; wasn't sure though. /2cents

wmt

This is not always correct. Apple will almost always ship both online orders on the same day that stock arrives at it's retail stores. In fact almost everytime we go through a major update like this you will always see that the first person to unwrap their new computer and post about it will be someone who bought at a retail store. Happens every single time.
 
This is not always correct. Apple will almost always ship both online orders on the same day that stock arrives at it's retail stores. In fact almost everytime we go through a major update like this you will always see that the first person to unwrap their new computer and post about it will be someone who bought at a retail store. Happens every single time.

I chatted w/an online rep today (for what it's worth), and "David" said that Apple would be catching up and fulfilling all of the pre-orders before i5's start showing up around the corner at your friendly neighborhood Apple retail store.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.