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montyz81

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 5, 2012
20
0
Hello all, I am new to the forum here. I am going to buy my first iPad with the launch of the nex gen iPad. My question is, what is the recommended way to buy one of the first ones without camping out. What do I need to look out for after the announcement has been made? Can you reserve an iPad as soon as the announcement is made? Is it better to buy online or go to a retail outlet including non Apple store outlets? Any suggestions or input here is welcome.
 
What country are we talking about? If apple offer pre-orders (Which they didn't last time) online would get my vote as they normally get delivered launch day. Otherwise in the UK places like PC World offered pre orders last year. Other vendors tend to have less queues like HMV, Currys etc.

Apple store is great if you want the whole social side but a nightmare if you just want to get it and get home.

Just my view anyway.
 
You can usually reserve an iPad on Amazon, they take preorders before the device comes out, at least they did last year, probably be the same this year.
 
Could you point to a FAQ or news article or posts here on MR substantiating that Amazon (a) took preorders for the ipad2 in the U.S. when no other retailer did so and (b) that Amazon has sold the ipad2 directly (vs. third party sellers selling via Amazon)?

I'm really curious since your post is doesn't match what I remember from last year, so perhaps I'm misremembering and would appreciate more info.

I'd suggest looking at hitekalex1's other posts (hover over his name, select from the drop down). They may tell you something about his reliability.
 
I'd suggest looking at hitekalex1's other posts (hover over his name, select from the drop down). They may tell you something about his reliability.

Yeah, after his follow up post I looked at his other posts and realized I'd been trolled. Oh well. I see the banhammer has hit home.
 
Without camping out, pretty much your only option is to pre-order from Apple online... assuming that's even going to be an option.

Just camp out! It's fun. In a way.
 
Where are you? If U.S. then if there is no preordering, like last year, then you'll have to camp out somewhere. Apple is usually the best bet b/c they get the most units and widest model assortment. Best Buy has had them for both iPad launches, but many stores only had 10 of each model. Last year ATT did not have them at launch. We'll have to wait until Wed to get all the deets.

The good news is that camping out isn't all that painful -- just a few hours. I got in line at 3pm last year and had no prob. Line moves fast once it starts. I'd rather preorder and have delivered launch day, but I gotta have launch day so I will camp if I have too. I've already sold my iPad 2 and going through horrible withdraw right now. I so desperate I'm actually using my fire sale TouchPad. Ha!
 
The good news is that camping out isn't all that painful -- just a few hours. I got in line at 3pm last year and had no prob. Line moves fast once it starts.
Yeah, the iPad lines move much faster than the iPhone lines. No sign-ups, etc., just a quick add-on if you're getting the 3G version. Otherwise, in and out.
 
What are the chances of any of the apple stores running out of them?
 
What are the chances of any of the apple stores running out of them?

Hard to say b/c we don't know how many Apple has made plus there are more stores this year than last. Be in line a few hours before and you should be good.
 
What are the chances of any of the apple stores running out of them?

Launch day? I'd say "highly probable" It will depend on how much stock they have in stores and how many people try to buy one in-store. The former is unknowable by us mere mortals, and the latter depends on whether Apple does preorders with launch day delivery or not, as well as how quickly online order delivery times escalate to 2-4weeks.
 
What are the chances of any of the apple stores running out of them?

There's a good chance of it running out on launch day, especially if stories are true about the possible shortages due to difficulty producing "retina" displays. Even the iPad 2 were sold out last year in most Apple Stores especially if you live in a major metropolitan area. You can try to order it from Apple online store the morning of the release and then decide to camp out if you're not able to order online.
 
This may or may not work for you...

...but you're a business owner, and use macs, go to the apple store with some of your business cards and find a blackshirt (mac business specialist) tomorrow.

That's all I'm saying.

And hopefully, with the rumors of massive shipments by Apple, this may not even be a consideration.
 
. Best Buy has had them for both iPad launches, but many stores only had 10 of each model.
Here in nj our local best buy had several hundred on launch day. I arrived about 2 hours after launch and ther were about 200+ people on line I waited for about 2 hours and got mine.
 
Does amazon [not the resellers in Amazon] sell iPads? I looked on their site, but I could only find resellers?
 
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