How crazy are launch day lines for iPad launches?

[9OOYO]

I'm thinking of going directly to the Apple store for the iPad 2 launch and am wondering if you can provide insight on how crazy it might be.

I was thinking of heading to Philly or Allentown PA.

Thx!

[iserian]

You are taking your life into your own hands

[9OOYO]

Originally Posted by iserian

You are taking your life into your own hands

LOL...quick sellouts? Does each store receive a certain quantity? Is there a best time to show up?

Maybe I'm better off being online...LOL.

[gregruns]

I think despite all the good information we have from everyone, we'll really never know until Friday.

[deeddawg]

Quick sellouts? Tough to say. Depends on how people show up to buy one, which models they choose, and how much stock each store receives. These are likely to vary by store.

Yes, each store receives a certain quantity. What's unknown is what that quantity might be. Ten? Twenty? Fifty? Hundred? Thousands? Nobody knows at this point.

Best time to show up? Now. Lines are already forming.

On the other hand, perhaps just order online and you'll likely get it sometime next week with no standing in line.

[Pressure]

Well, there have ever only been 1 iPad launch.

I didn't hear of people getting mutilated and injured, left to die on the streets.

Apple did state at the iPad 2 event that they would ship in volume, so I wouldn't really worry.

[Cheddz]

They are also now selling like 24 iPad 2 models (White/Black, 16/32/64GB, WiFi/Wifi+3G, Verizon/AT&T), plus iPad 1. You're more likely to get the model you want just due to the variety that exists.

[nStyle]

Considering there has only been one launch...

[benhollberg]

Anyone planning to go wait in line starting Thursday night?

[PBG4 Dude]

There were probably about 200 people last year when I snagged my iPad1. That was crazy though because there was a reserved line and an unreserved line. This time there'll be just one line.

[patp]

i don't see big lines forming. It's not the first launch of the iPad where Apple really had no idea how well it would sell. They have a better perspective having gone thru the first iPad launch. I think production numbers and store stocking levels will be ample.

Probably be like the VZW iPhone launch. Alot of hoopla for nothing.

[wfj5444]

Consider also the fact you can buy it at Walmart, Target, BB, Sams Club, etc.

With that many options the lines will be smaller.

[djransom]

Originally Posted by wfj5444

Consider also the fact you can buy it at Walmart, Target, BB, Sams Club, etc.

With that many options the lines will be smaller.

Exactly. 20,000 outlets selling the iPad 2 vs the 1200 last year leaves customers with alot of options of where to pick up the device.

[urkel]

iPhones have huge lines because phones are considered a necessity and they are sold on subsidy so it "only" costs $200 to get your upgrade.

iPads I dont predict will be as big of a line because the iPad is a luxury device and far from being a "necessity" and also the cheapest iPad is still more expensive than the most expensive subsidized iPhone.

I think that Apple is fully aware that this isn't a product that the general public will trade their friday night for and thats precisely why they're doing this 5PM garbage. If it was an 8AM launch lines would be gone within minutes and they couldnt get the media circus that helps them gain mindshare. But by doing 5PM then they're forcing a line during peak mall hours and turning fans into human billboards for mall walkers wondering "whats going on in there"?

[benhollberg]

Originally Posted by djransom

Exactly. 20,000 outlets selling the iPad 2 vs the 1200 last year leaves customers with alot of options of where to pick up the device.

That also means that stock will be spread out. I hope Apple prepared for the bug rush unlike last year when they ran out fast.

[Black Belt]

Got an email from Apple that they are being released at 5pm?!?

[benhollberg]

Originally Posted by Black Belt

Got an email from Apple that they are being released at 5pm?!?

Very true and been known since they were introduced.

[ajvizzgamer101]

There has only be ONE launch, lol

Depends where you go. My belief is if you go to an Apple store, the lines will be huge. Best Buy may have a pretty big line if there are no Apple stores near it. Walmart and Target will consist of moms walking in every hour and picking one up like an every day purchase. Overall it will be a huge launch but the stock is spread out that it shouldn't be that big of a problem for many people.

[benhollberg]

I bet other retailers won't have as much stock of iPad 2 as an Apple Store, in fact I guarantee it. Probably Best Buy and them will just have around 10 or so of each model.

[9OOYO]

Originally Posted by benhollberg

I bet other retailers won't have as much stock of iPad 2 as an Apple Store, in fact I guarantee it. Probably Best Buy and them will just have around 10 or so of each model.

I have Apple gift cards in my equation so I'll be buying there for sure. I may just go online at 3pm Easter to pick mine up and receive the following week.

[djransom]

Originally Posted by benhollberg

I bet other retailers won't have as much stock of iPad 2 as an Apple Store, in fact I guarantee it. Probably Best Buy and them will just have around 10 or so of each model.

This is NO secret at all and has always been the case. Best Buy stock depends on the store volume. Higher volume stores will definitely have more stock vs the lower volume stores.

[deeddawg]

Originally Posted by Black Belt

Got an email from Apple that they are being released at 5pm?!?

Why would you need an email when it's on Apple's website?

Buy iPad at your favorite Apple Retail Store starting at 5:00 p.m. on March 11.

[tekniklyrawly]

Originally Posted by PBG4 Dude

There were probably about 200 people last year when I snagged my iPad1. That was crazy though because there was a reserved line and an unreserved line. This time there'll be just one line.

I remember that, but I also Remember 30 days later when the 3g version was released at 5PM the lines were not as long. Whether it was that I was in a big city (Houston) and there is a big rush of traffic at that time and maybe people did not get there in time or maybe p
lines were just not as long because alot of people spent cash on the wifi version
I don't know exactly WHY, but the 5pm releasal was considerably smaller than the 7or9am wifi

[xraytech]

Originally Posted by Cheddz

They are also now selling like 24 iPad 2 models (White/Black, 16/32/64GB, WiFi/Wifi+3G, Verizon/AT&T), plus iPad 1. You're more likely to get the model you want just due to the variety that exists.

Holy Crap!!! That's right!!!

01 - WiFi 16 - Black
02 - WiFi 32 - Black
03 - WiFi 64 - Black
04 - WiFi 16 - White
05 - WiFi 32 - White
06 - WiFi 64 - White
07 - AT&T 16 - Black
08 - AT&T 32 - Black
09 - AT&T 64 - Black
10 - AT&T 16 - White
11 - AT&T 32 - White
12 - AT&T 64 - White
13 - Verizon 16 - Black
14 - Verizon 32 - Black
15 - Verizon 64 - Black
16 - Verizon 16 - White
17 - Verizon 32 - White
18 - Verizon 64 - White

And that's just the iPad 2

[9OOYO]

Originally Posted by tekniklyrawly

I remember that, but I also Remember 30 days later when the 3g version was released at 5PM the lines were not as long. Whether it was that I was in a big city (Houston) and there is a big rush of traffic at that time and maybe people did not get there in time or maybe p
lines were just not as long because alot of people spent cash on the wifi version
I don't know exactly WHY, but the 5pm releasal was considerably smaller than the 7or9am wifi

The 3G can do wifi too right? I'm torn on this one....was thinking the wifi only verion but then thought about buying one with 3G just in case. At first I would just use the wifi to see how I like it.