Getting an ipad on launch day without a reservation?

[bayou]

So I didn't reserve an iPad and I really want to get one on launch day. I called the largest apple store in my area (The flagship store in boston) 3 times and spoke to three different people. One of them said they wouldn't have any extra stock and my only chance of getting one was at 3 when then unpicked up ones came off reserve. The other 2 said they didn't know but they thought they would have extra and I could come and wait in line at 9 and possibly get one. I called a smaller apple store in my area and they said that I should be able to get one at any time tomorrow if I come in. None of these employes sounded that confident in what they were telling me. There are also a few best buys in my area with an apple store area in them. So, my question is what do you think my best option for getting one is. Go to the large flagship store early and wait in line, go the smaller store ro to a best buy? Im leaning towards going to the flagship store but the smaller store did say that I would be able to get one there and there may be less people there.

Thanks

 

[miles01110]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/887661/

I'd go to the flagship.

 

[ipoddin]

I'm debating whether to go to the flagship in LA or one of the others in the suburbs with no reservation. I believe the flagship in LA is at The Grove. But it's a heavily trafficked store with lots of tourists around. I suspect larger crowds but also this store probably got the most shipments.

 

[phillyred79]

Well, if it were me I'd go to Best Buy and get there at midnight tonight... Supposedly each Best Buy is only getting 15 and it's first come first serve..

 

[bayou]

What time do you think would be a safe bet to get one?

 

[leomac08]

I'm debating whether to go to the flagship in LA or one of the others in the suburbs with no reservation. I believe the flagship in LA is at The Grove. But it's a heavily trafficked store with lots of tourists around. I suspect larger crowds but also this store probably got the most shipments.

You should try century city.....or manhattan village.

 

[random person]

I spoke to someone at the Boston store too and it turns out they will have reserve stock AND walk-in stock, but walk-ins won't be let inside the store until 10am.

I think if you get there around 8am you'll be able to get one but you won't get into the store until 10 or so.

This guy did not know how many they were getting BUT Boston is the largest store in the country so my guess is there will be plenty!

 

[GregGebhardt]

Well, if it were me I'd go to Best Buy and get there at midnight tonight... Supposedly each Best Buy is only getting 15 and it's first come first serve..

Mine will be here on Monday by a friend said he knows someone at our Best buy and the two local stores are ONLY getting 5 each, not 15

 

[ipoddin]

You should try century city.....or manhattan village.

Thought about that, and the Valley.

Called The Grove, and they said lines would be starting at 4am. There will be two lines as they have more than just reserved units. However this guy didn't know how many.

 

[applefan1997]

Thought about that, and the Valley.

Called The Grove, and they said lines would be starting at 4am. There will be two lines as they have more than just reserved units. However this guy didn't know how many.

I'm planning to go to The Grove tonight without a reservation. Would it make sense to arrive before 4AM due to the open nature of the mall, or would the security kick people out?

 

[calderone]

I am debating going to the Orland Store (IL). I just called and they said there is a good change I could get one if I got there early enough.

At this particular mall, they are opening the doors at 7AM and the Apple Store opens at 9AM. I imagine it would be similar at other Malls, I don't think they would be opening the doors too early.

 

[ipoddin]

I'm planning to go to The Grove tonight without a reservation. Would it make sense to arrive before 4AM due to the open nature of the mall, or would the security kick people out?

I suspect The Grove won't let you in overnight. The guy at The Grove told me the lines will start at 4am.

Maybe I'll see you there in the morning! I'm gonna try and get there at 7 and see how things look.

 

[applefan1997]

I suspect The Grove won't let you in overnight. The guy at The Grove told me the lines will start at 4am.

Maybe I'll see you there in the morning! I'm gonna try and get there at 7 and see how things look.

We might see each other, depends! I'll certainly try to arrive before 4AM.
I'm worried, the SF store already has a line this afternoon! I passed the grove today but didnt check.

 

[ipoddin]

We might see each other, depends! I'll certainly try to arrive before 4AM.
I'm worried, the SF store already has a line this afternoon! I passed the grove today but didnt check.

I went to the Grove today. There is no line. Normal sized crowd. Talked to another employee. Said same thing. Line starts at 4am, so no overnighters. Two lines, those who didn't reserve can start buying at 10am. He said he didn't know how many they'd get, but expected plenty. Even mentioned they'd be one of the only stores open on Sunday so it was kind of a given they'd have enough to go through Sunday.