I'm avoiding the mall at all costs for the sake of going to check but when can I walk into the Apple store and walk out with an iPad mini?
Do most stores have display models yet?
Use the reserve system. If your local apple store actually uses it, you will easily get one.
I walked into my Apple store on launch day, AFTER WORK, and they still had iPad Minis in stock.
New shipments arrive every single day. If you are worried about it, use the reserve system, call ahead, or arrive right when they open.
Call your local Apple Store and ask, they MAY have them in stock.
Use the Apple Store online to reserve one at your local store. The local stores update their stock around 10pm each night. Go to the online Apple Store around that time, put the Mini in your cart, tell it you want to pick it up at the local store instead of having it shipped. Then you can see if any of the stores near you have one. If they do, select the store and check out. You'll get an email the next morning telling you when it's ready to be picked up, and you'll be in and out of the store quickly. If you don't see any in stock right away, refresh every few minutes. Sometimes the update doesn't happen right at 10pm.
Do most stores have display models yet?
It only took me 3 different calls to the store to actually speak to anyone...but they told me just this. They also told me they haven't received any shipments in 5 days.
Do most stores have display models yet?
Wow, that's surprising. Sorry you're having so much trouble. The store I went to only had a few...they still seem fairly scarce right now. Hopefully you'll get your hands on one soon.