Going from the UK to NYC this week. If I buy an iPad there...

[cjbryce]

...can I activate it there without taking my laptop?

I would want to activate it immediately so that I can access the Internet other than via my iPhone.

 

[miles01110]

There have been stories here about people asking the employees in the Apple Store if they can activate it on a Store computer. You might try that route.

 

[Rhalliwell1]

...can I activate it there without taking my laptop?

I would want to activate it immediately so that I can access the Internet other than via my iPhone.

You should be able to do it in store.

 

[VyseTheLegend]

My friend did it right at the store, as others have said.