iPad Mini Launch Attracting Shorter Lines on Launch Day

[MacRumors]

Reuters reports that the early lines for Apple's new iPad mini seem to be shorter than for previous product launches. They note that about 50 people waited at the Apple Store in Sydney, Australia and about 100 or more outside Apple Stores in Tokyo and Seoul. Reuters notes that in the past, the line at the Sydney store "stretched for several blocks" for iPhone launches.

Amsterdam Apple Store / Image by Floris Looijesteijn

Lines were certainly forming in several locations such as Amsterdam (above), as well as Munich and Florida, though the Covent Garden Apple Store reportedly attracted very few customers this morning. The line to Apple's flagship 5th Avenue store also started forming quite late, though launch enthusiasm in New York was certainly tempered due to the devastating effect of Hurricane Sandy on the city earlier this week.

The iPad Mini was available for pre-order starting last week and persisted in availability throughout last weekend. Apple is also launching the 4th Generation iPad today. Both products should be available at retail stores starting at 8am this morning. Of note, the LTE / Cellular enabled version of the iPad Mini will not be available until Mid-November. Only the Wi-Fi version is available today.

Article Link: iPad Mini Launch Attracting Shorter Lines on Launch Day

[nfl46]

Some probably want to check it out in person before buying it.

[Nathan20]

Still more than the Surface...

[mrbunglez]

I guess you can say the lines were "mini"? Heheehehe

[XboxMySocks]

Perhaps most already have their iPads, and the mini is aimed at consumers who are less likely to camp out for days for a product? That was kinda the feeling I got

[leon44]

Hardly surprising given it's not really a flagship product, it's like queueing for the new iPod touch

[jmarques]

Originally Posted by leon44

Hardly surprising given it's not really a flagship product, it's like queueing for the new iPod touch

This.

[maskedelement]

The line in Hong Kong is indeed short, because you have to win a lottery of "online reserve" to have the right to queue up there.

[Menopause]

I have every flagship product Apple has produced, but I would never buy a non-Retina iPad mini. Since iPhone 4 there's been no going back. There won't ever be. I'd lose my mind.

[fpsBeaTt]

Originally Posted by leon44

Hardly surprising given it's not really a flagship product, it's like queueing for the new iPod touch

I disagree; I had the pleasure of holding one today. It's an incredible design. If it had a Retina display, it would in all likelihood supplant my use for a full sized iPad.

[Liquinn]

Originally Posted by XboxMySocks

Perhaps most already have their iPads, and the mini is aimed at consumers who are less likely to camp out for days for a product? That was kinda the feeling I got

I own two iPads.

[Menopause]

Originally Posted by Nathan20

Still more than the Surface...

Because.... Surface runs Windoze... you know, from... Microsoft!

[chrisconrad]

20 people in line at apple store Louisville with 1 hour 20 min before open.

[iThinkIt]

Originally Posted by mrbunglez

I guess you can say the lines were "mini"? Heheehehe

To funny... Was going to say the same.

[DrRadon]

Well, what do you expect, if you put out a new revision/different moddle twice a year lines will get smaller. Had they waited till April this would be crazy. But i think it´s better like this, you can actualy just get up and buy a new iPad if you feel like it.

[Rogifan]

Shorter lines compared to what? And who, besides media or stupid wall street analysts were expecting long lines at the stores? Why is this even a story?

[XboxMySocks]

Originally Posted by Liquinn

I own two iPads.

Did you camp outside to buy the new iPad mini?

[turtlez]

I guess no retina was a bigger step back than Apple counted on

[iWe]

Well, as much as I dig the iOS it's starting to make the iPads, the iPhones and the iPod Touches pretty old and boring looking in comparison to the competition. iOS seriously needs a proper facelift to make all those iProducts look sexy and desirable again or the lines are gonna keep getting shorter and shorter. The firing of Forstall was of course a positive sign and a move that hopefully leads to a fresher and more daring take on the iOS front sooner than later.

[Drag'nGT]

It'll sell very well considering. Sandy and the financial situation going on now in the north east... Christmas purchases won't happen this early and most want to see it first since its a new product.

[ScottishDuck]

When you shaft iPad 3 owners don't expect them to return for another round so quickly.

[zeemeerman2]

Fixed the title for you.

[Lancer]

Went to a local Apple shop and they won't be getting their new iPad's until next week.

Fixed the title for you.

:lol:

[Aluminum213]

How is anyone surprised? It's a shrunken old iPad 2 with a low res screen being sold at $329

[rdubya5]

I can attest to this. I'm down here at the Apple store in Spokane and no one is in line.

Very different from other launches from this store.