I know it's going to be high demand and will be bough to find one in stock. What is the best way to make sure you get one? Online? Camp out at the apple store or other retail store? Share your stories when you got the 1 and/or 2.
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Best way to purchase iPad 3 when it comes out?
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If I remember correctly from previous years, both the iPad 1 and 2 came in weeks after release for online orders. If you wanted it release day, you'd have to camp for one. Last year, I think they went on sale at 5PM and I got there at 11AM and was about 15th in line. By 5PM, there were HUNDREDS of people waiting. I really hope Apple is able to fulfill online orders to be delivered on release day like they do with the iPhones. We can really only wait and see at this point, though! 
I was wondering this too.
How does the pre-order work? do you get it delivered the day of release? if so, why do people bother with queueing up?
based on previous releases, If people queue up, how do they know they will get one for sure, how many do they stock in the stores?
How does the pre-order work? do you get it delivered the day of release? if so, why do people bother with queueing up?
based on previous releases, If people queue up, how do they know they will get one for sure, how many do they stock in the stores?
Simply order it when it becomes available even if you have to set your alarm to wake up to try. It took me a few tries but if you have a pre-approved credit card at the Apple store it goes right through.
Apple then ships it to you for you to get release day or the day after. Skip the hassle unless you like sleeping outside a store with large groups of people you do not know!
Having Apple send it to you is relaxing in comparison!
Apple then ships it to you for you to get release day or the day after. Skip the hassle unless you like sleeping outside a store with large groups of people you do not know!
Having Apple send it to you is relaxing in comparison!
I went down to my local comet here in the UK about an hour before they began selling them (6PM). They only had about 20 to sell, but i was first in line.
Last year was a disaster due to the 5PM release time, lack of online preorder and resellers acquiring entire daily shipments by paying grandmas and non-techies to flood lines so hopefully Apple tries to reclaim the Apple Experience by utilizing their fantastic reservation system for launch day. Waiting in line isn't so bad if you at least know that there's something waiting for you at the other end.
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Correct me if I'm wrong but if I recall correctly, there wasn't an preorder prior to launch day last year, hence all the anger when in store inventories ran out that day. I certainly could be wrong but I always will preorder to avoid the line chaos associated with iPhone/iPad launches and had to wait in line for our two iPads last March. Wasn't launch day only one week after the official announcement (and thus the reason why there was no preorder)?
So there is no guarantee there is gonna be a pre-order either. I guess nearer the time we will know in advance.
How about the other stores besides Apple in the UK, say PC World, Cancom, John Lewis etc... , do they get stock on the same day or days or even weeks after the release?
How about the other stores besides Apple in the UK, say PC World, Cancom, John Lewis etc... , do they get stock on the same day or days or even weeks after the release?
No preorder last year.
I can tell you, if they do launches at Target again DO NOT GO THERE. I asked my Target ahead of time and they said they'd get at least one of each model. The day comes, and the shipment didn't get there til after 5pm (so they still didn't know what they were getting) and all they got was five white 32gb wifis. A few of the 25 people in line decided to take those even though it was only one guy's first choice, the rest of us went next door to best buy but it was too late there.
I wound up reserving one at best buy, which was the only store taking reservations for their next shipments. A week later I got my call and picked it up!
I can tell you, if they do launches at Target again DO NOT GO THERE. I asked my Target ahead of time and they said they'd get at least one of each model. The day comes, and the shipment didn't get there til after 5pm (so they still didn't know what they were getting) and all they got was five white 32gb wifis. A few of the 25 people in line decided to take those even though it was only one guy's first choice, the rest of us went next door to best buy but it was too late there.
I wound up reserving one at best buy, which was the only store taking reservations for their next shipments. A week later I got my call and picked it up!
I think PC World sell them on launch day... will be in line to get mine as I've sold my iPad 1 already and want an iPad again ASAP.. Never waited in line for anything, don't know like how early to get to the Apple store etc..
well if it was like last years release i'll wait a few weeks just so i don't have to go back to the store a couple time just to get one that was worthy to keep...
sometimes being the first one is akin to being that first lemming...
just my .02
sometimes being the first one is akin to being that first lemming...
just my .02
I was just at best buy earlier and was talking to the guy that works there and he said once it is announced that I could purchase it via gift card and that would secure me one. Anyone heard of this before?
Yes I have heard this before, and yes there have been success stories. There is also stories where people don't get their iPad.
Where ordering online if available would be the best, most hassle free way of getting one, I for one am going to go to the Apple Store to get it. I am the type to enjoy waiting/camping for new releases. As Zcott said, make friends. One of my best friends to this day was someone I met in the original iPhone line. I was his bet man in December for his wedding. You never know! lol
I hope everyone gets the iPad they want on launch day though! Good luck to everyone in advance!