iPad availibility questions.

[ovil200]

I just called Apple and spoke to two different agents, both claiming that iPad preorders have been so overwhelming that this Saturday, Apple will have ONLY enough iPads for the preorders in the retail stores (also implying that customers who camp won't get one since there supposedly won't be enough for them), and WON'T be launching at Best Buy until April 12th. This sounded like a bunch of fooey to be, but hey, they work at Apple, so I'm taking it with at least a little credit.

What do you guys think? Are they spewing gas? I didn't preorder an iPad because I planned to get the 3G in store later this April. I've decided I don't really need 3G since I can tether to my phone, so I'd really like one at launch.

Any advice?

 

[UltimateSyn]

• It's already been confirmed that Best Buy will have 5 iPads of each model on April 3rd
• It all depends on your Apple Store; one store may have all of their iPads reserved, another may have none
• You may want to call a few of your local Apple Stores and ask if you can know how many were reserved/roughly how many they plan on receiving for launch

 

[ovil200]

Awesome. They also told me stores would be opening at 10 am EST, and I've seen elsewhere that's it's 9 am EST, anyone got some clarification on that as well?

Hah, what chances would I have of getting one at Best Buy? Best Buy launches don't sound like any fun.

 

[goobot]

apple doesnt know what a ipod touch 3g is. sooo.

 

[ovil200]

I get so frustrated calling Apple sometimes. It's saddening when I know more about their launch scheme than they do. I mentioned the 5 iPads per model per store, and the rep basically laughed and said it was untrue. >.>

 

[gwynne]

• It's already been confirmed that Best Buy will have 5 iPads of each model

• 
  
  I keep seeing this quoted today but I could swear that rumor has been updated to 15 per *model* per store. Which is still not a lot. I can't find the article now, though.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I keep seeing this quoted today but I could swear that rumor has been updated to 15 per *model* per store. Which is still not a lot. I can't find the article now, though.

15 total per store, 5 per model, was the official statement.

Awesome. They also told me stores would be opening at 10 am EST, and I've seen elsewhere that's it's 9 am EST, anyone got some clarification on that as well?

Hah, what chances would I have of getting one at Best Buy? Best Buy launches don't sound like any fun.

I have no answer to this, as I've been wondering as well! The opening store for my local store is 10AM on Saturdays, but my reservation confirmation e-mail says pickup between 9AM-3PM. I'm leaving my house around 8AM and it's an hour-ish drive, so as long as my mom doesn't get stuck in 7 hour traffic I am fine.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I just called Apple and spoke to two different agents, both claiming that iPad preorders have been so overwhelming that this Saturday, Apple will have ONLY enough iPads for the preorders in the retail stores (also implying that customers who camp won't get one since there supposedly won't be enough for them), and WON'T be launching at Best Buy until April 12th. This sounded like a bunch of fooey to be, but hey, they work at Apple, so I'm taking it with at least a little credit.

Normally phone order takers have zero credibility but the ones you spoke with took it down a notch further. They probably want you to place an order w/ them so they get the order credit to fill their quota. Saying BB won't be selling at launch defies the official printed material we've already seen spewed across the nets.

 

[ovil200]

They probably want you to place an order w/ them so they get the order credit to fill their quota.

Precisely what I was thinking. Right after he laughed at me and said that Best Buy wouldn't have them at launch, I had to politely say "No thank you" after he was very persistent that I should preorder if I don't want disappointment, with them both recalling the iPhone lines and shortages. I politely said no, hung up, and chuckled at how quirky Apple phone sales reps are.