Do people camp out for the iPad on release?

[SPNarwhal]

So here's another situation, given today's news.

If the iPad is released March 7th, but not announced to be released until the day of. What to do?

How can you camp out for something that isn't even officially released to come out the next day? Technically you can camp out on the 6th and Apple can hold their event on the 7th stating that they're releasing it on the 8th. Who knows. (Unlikely, but possible.)

Will stores even let you camp outside of them if they're not officially releasing a product the day after?

Also, what is the likelihood of the iPad 3 selling out? I'm guessing pretty good odds.

Just trying to work out a game plan here.

 

[VinceDae]

So here's another situation, given today's news.

If the iPad is released March 7th, but not announced to be released until the day of. What to do?

How can you camp out for something that isn't even officially released to come out the next day? Technically you can camp out on the 6th and Apple can hold their event on the 7th stating that they're releasing it on the 8th. Who knows. (Unlikely, but possible.)

Will stores even let you camp outside of them if they're not officially releasing a product the day after?

Also, what is the likelihood of the iPad 3 selling out? I'm guessing pretty good odds.

Just trying to work out a game plan here.

Dude.. They SHOW it on the 7th.. then they say "Its going to be released in the states on the 16th" (for example) - then you camp out from the 15th (if you want to )

 

[SPNarwhal]

Right, or they show it and say that it's available in our stores today beginning after 5PM.

Hasn't that happened before..?

 

[Patriot24]

Last year I showed up to my local Apple store around 3:00 PM. I ended up getting the last 16GB Black Wi-fi unit. A couple of hours in line wasn't bad at all. I'm sure the scenario is drastically different depending on where you live, etc.

 

[VinceDae]

Right, or they show it and say that it's available in our stores today beginning after 5PM.

Hasn't that happened before..?

Its not a typical Apple thing to do (unless its software we're talking about) but with hardware, usually its a week or so later

But we can never be safe with Apple behind the wheel

 

[Karr271]

I camped out for iPhone 4 for about 13 hours and was number 40in line. I was first in line for iPad 2, which was amazing and only took a few hours. I enjoy camping out every time, although I prefer camping for the iPhone much more as it was overnight and it was much cooler. I am anticipating the iPad 3 and will most likely camp out for it.

 

[Lastof]

Right, or they show it and say that it's available in our stores today beginning after 5PM.

Hasn't that happened before..?

If all the Apple stores start getting large amounts of stock in that they are under strict instructions not to open till 5pm on the 7th then we would hear about it. No way they could keep that hushed up.

That won't happen though.

 

[Night Spring]

Right, or they show it and say that it's available in our stores today beginning after 5PM.

Hasn't that happened before..?

I think it's happened with some iPods, maybe accessories like the Airport Express, but never with iPhones, and I seriously doubt they'll do it with the iPad. It will cause a mad rush to the stores. They really need to pre announce the release date so stores and malls have a chance to set up security arrangements. I shudder to think what would happen at the NY Grand Central store if they did the release the same day as announced thing.

 

[CalsonicGTR]

I went to BB early last year to get the iPad 2, and I imagine I will do the same this year. The experience last year was fine, my friend and I got there around 1, they had an area in the back or the store by the Apple section roped off for the people who were going to stand in line. We were 4th and 5th. They brought out chairs for the first 30 or so people, and handed out vouchers about an hour before they let people buy them. Great experience overall.

 

[CharlieBrandt09]

I went to BB for iPad 2 launch around 2:00 or so. I think I was person #25 in line. Ended up getting the one I wanted with no problem and met some cool people there.

This time around I HAVE to go to an Apple Store, because I have so much in Apple Gift cards. Unless, of course, I can pre-order online.

The good part about that though is that the Apple Store by me is connected to a casino. So there is always something entertaining to do.

 

[deeddawg]

Also, what is the likelihood of the iPad 3 selling out? I'm guessing pretty good odds.

Since others have covered the part where you read announcement and thought it meant release, I'll stick to this one.

Chances of it selling out? Almost certain. I'd be surprised if they didn't.

The real question will be how the demand on subsequent days measures up to restock levels/availability.

With luck though perhaps they'll have a preorder available and UPS can just drop it off at my door on release day.

 

[SPNarwhal]

Well, here's another question and most likely my last.

When will it most likely be released? I know that nobody can say for sure, but does it tend to be 5 days later? A week later? How long?

Thing is, I'm going to Florida this weekend. I wanted to be here for the release. If it were being announced on the 7th and coming out the 8th, I could just leave afterwards. But if it's coming out the 12th or later, I can be back by the 11th.

 

[deeddawg]

No Bestbuy, Target, or Apple stores in Florida?

I'd be surprised if it were released for retail availability before sometime the following week.

Preorders, if they do them, might open earlier.

They *will* make more than what's available the first day. It's not like if you don't get one you're stuck with a beat up ipad1 for six months.

 

[SPNarwhal]

I just wanted to be here to camp out with my friends, rather than just me and my girlfriend in Florida. Although Florida's weather I'm sure would a world more enjoyable.