Here's my stats.
Ordered March 3rd.
Ships by: Mar 12 - Mar 17
Delivers by: Mar 14 - Mar 20
Status As of March 13, Still Not Yet Shipped.
I actually went to my local Apple Store, they had a 17" HI RES MBP Matte Penryn in stock. However, it had the 2.6 Processor, and I did not want to spend the $250 for the upgrade. I figured I could use that money on RAM and a computer bag.
I kept calling to see if they'd get the 2.5 in stock. They kept telling me to call back. Finally, I went into the store March 3, and talked to an experienced Employee. The Apple Employee told me that the only stock they'd get was what is on the cards next to the machines on the sales floor. The three Apple Stores I've gone to all had the Hi-end machines with 2.6" Hi Res, but no 17" 2.5 Hi Res. So, I realized I had to order online.
If I had known this earlier, I would have ordered the day the came out.
I keep thinking. By waiting a few days, they'll get through some of the production issues.
I'd rather have a mint condition perfect Mac Book Pro arrive March 20, than a MBP that I have to return due to production issues that arrives a day early.
Crossing My fingers. It hasn't stopped me from refreshing my status page multiple times a day.
As of March 3rd, I looked at ship dates for Consumer website, Faculty Academic website, and my wife's Company's Corporate Discount, and they all had the same shipping dates. Also, when I went into the store to buy, they were willing to give me the discounts no problem assuming it was in stock.
So, I'm surprised at your findings mmalto