When exactly will we be able to 'get our hands on one"

[PhillStew]

As Jobs said in his keynote, to really understand this device, you need to get your hands on one...I'm just wondering when I will be able to go into an Apple retail store and play with one of these things, now I'm not talking about the actual release date here people, so keep the flaming to a min.

Obviously, I can't speak for anyone else, but before I am 110% sold on me 'having to have an iPad' I'm going to want to put it through its paces in an Apple store.

 

[spinnerlys]

Apple has this wonderful page with information made: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

By the end of March it is ready for shipping, which could also mean, that it will be in Stores, but there is no official information, only irritated conclusions.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

If iPhone launch history is any indicator, the day after it first goes on sale. If that holds, Apple will close the stores @5pm and then re-open @ 6pm to sell the iPad. This will be a simple plunk down your $, get your iPad, "in and out" proposition. When the store closes they will set up a demo table and when it opens the next day you can try it out.

Of course there are no hard details yet so anything you read/hear is pure speculation.

 

[OllyW]

If iPhone launch history is any indicator, the day after it first goes on sale. If that holds, Apple will close the stores @5pm and then re-open @ 6pm to sell the iPad. This will be a simple plunk down your $, get your iPad, "in and out" proposition. When the store closes they will set up a demo table and when it opens the next day you can try it out.

Of course there are no hard details yet so anything you read/hear is pure speculation.

On the iPhone 3G launch day the demo units were on display when the store opened at 8:00am.

 

[msduncan]

Still hoping for the chance to preorder it. Does Apple usually do preorders for new products like this?

 

[Chupa Chupa]

On the iPhone 3G launch day the demo units were on display when the store opened at 8:00am.

3G, but not original. I'm comparing to the original iPhone since the iPad is a new product, not a speed bump, "large iPhone" comparisons excepted. I'm guessing since Apple sees the iPad as "revolutionary" they'll treat it as such and close the store for maximum hype value. I don't think there will be iPhone like lines & campouts, but there will be decent lines.