iPad 2 UK Thread

[jacktorrance]

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I dont see how... just look what's going on in the US. people are STILL standing in line a week after release day...

This point alludes to why this conversation might be more sensitive than, say, discussing place-holding in a queue to board a flight or maybe to mail something at a Post Office.

We're all keen to get our hands on an iPad 2. We're all nervous that stock of the iPad 2 may be limited. Anyone seen moving in and out of a cue ahead of me is going increase my nervous disposition.

It wouldn't matter if I were in the cue to board the flight since I KNOW that I'll get a seat, so what does it matter? Here though, I have no idea how many iPads the store will have so I don't want anything to compromise my chances of walking away with one on day one.

Just don't swap in an out of the queue ahead of me, you (and I) never know what my temper will be capable of on Friday...!

 

[iawa]

Going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing a significant portion of iPad 2 stock was on a ship (or ships) to the UK long before stock issues were encountered in the US.

They're not going to turn around stock sent to the UK and start hauling it back to the US for sale.

Not to mention, aren't the UK units subtly different to the US ones? One obvious difference, of course, would be the lack of an AT&T-specific device for the UK.

I don't think *our* stock would be adversely affected by what's going on stateside, there are too many reasons why it would make no sense. Now, if they could teleport iPads overseas instantaneously it might be a different matter.


Note, he says "first day of release"

All bets are probably off after then!

I would have to aggree, the stock would have been on it's way by ship probably the same time it left to get to the states, I would suspect the Apple depots have been sorting the stock for weeks - as with any product.

The only model we won't get is the Verizon CDMA based iPad 2 - our 3G and AT&T models are exactly the same.

 

[baronbuzby]

I would have to aggree, the stock would have been on it's way by ship probably the same time it left to get to the states, I would suspect the Apple depots have been sorting the stock for weeks - as with any product.

The only model we won't get is the Verizon CDMA based iPad 2 - our 3G and AT&T models are exactly the same.

Apart from the mains adaptor

 

[tomsalinsky]

You're not seeing my point. Any attempt to game the system in order that you can spend less time in the line but still be ahead of others who have spent more is subverting the system. The common decency is in allowing someone to leave to use the bathroom or get a drink if they're thirsty. That is why my position is qualitatively different. Not because of the amount of time (that would still be quantitative) but because of the reason for it.

Saying someone was not 'easy going' enough would count as saying someone has a character flaw in my book. I'm sorry if that wasn't you - it's possible I have my posters mixed up on this one. Either way, I'm not at all upset, I was merely clarifying for you why letting someone use the bathroom out of a sense of fairness and courtesy is not the same as arranging to subvert the first come-first-served rule for personal advantage. I hope that point is now clear.

Your position is clearer to me now, but a little illogical. You're now saying that you *wouldn't* mind being the 101st person in line for 100 iPads provided that the reason for letting in an extra person was a good one!? What difference does it make to you, the 101st person in line, what the reason is for one person holding two spaces?

As another poster pointed out - suppose I arrange with someone to hold a place in line for me. Then I replace them and they leave never to return. Now you're still at the same point in the line that you were before, right? And you presumably don't feel like I've "gamed the system". Now, as a "thank you" to my line-holding buddy, I buy the an iPad as well as buying myself one. Now you still miss out on the last iPad by one place, but it's all fair and above board?

It was me who said that some people would be easy-going about this arrangement. It was you who interpreted that as anyone who isn't easy-going suffers from a character flaw. No judgement was intended. This behaviour wouldn't bother me. It apparently does bother you. People who are less bothered than other people could be described as "easy-going".

Since I've had more posters taking your side than mine, if anything the criticism rebounds on me. For "easy going", many would read "heedless of the reasonable cares and desires of other people." I'm not looking for a fight. I just don't want to wait until June to get my iPad. If I can help someone else out at the same time, that sounds like a result to me. But if it will deeply offend the sensibilities of my fellow Apple afficionados and queue-dwellers then I won't do it.

Cheers

Tom

 

[Zunjine]

Apart from the mains adaptor

Yes, the boxes for different markets would have different bits in them. It wouldn't be easy to just shift them around. Also, they have to get them to the different markets to start getting awareness up. People see you with one and they may wish to get one themselves.

 

[2 Owls]

If you want to join the line, you should join at the end of the line, not where your mates are.
I'm a celebrity though so I'll most likely get ushered to the front anyway so it won't affect me at the store on Friday

This thread has got me from ordering on line and waiting patiently to now wanting to go to the apple store in person LOL what has Macrumors done!!

Eldon Square here I come

 

[gavd]

If that happened exactly as you described, then I think I would be a little alarmed.

I don't think that is going to happen though, whether I am able to partner up with someone or not.

I'm a little surprised you can't see this.

Cheers

Tom

So you think it's OK because hardly anyone will do it then? You're contradicting yourself because you say you'd be alarmed if it happened like that but you consider it OK for you to do it.

 

[gavinfabl]

The first release of stock will be ample. After day 2 may be not depending how many want it. After initial stock then there may be a 3-4 week delay. But unlike the US we have far more stores stocking it. And therefore more options too. I live in rural Dartmoor but have the choice of at least 15 places to buy on Friday.

I will be going for a few drinks after work on Friday. If I make the news I will be the happy owner staggering out with my iPad 2 and not having queued all day.

 

[iawa]

Apart from the mains adaptor

SNAP! Very good point! yes, almost a moot point really, the plastic moulded containers would be different etc. (without reiterating all of Zunjine's points too)

 

[wodeh]

SNAP! Very good point! yes, almost a moot point really, the plastic moulded containers would be different etc. (without reiterating all of Zunjine's points too)

Why on earth that didn't pop to mind in the first place eludes me. But I think my point has been suitably hammered home.

They're not stealing first-day UK stock to sell in the states.

I'm still pretty sure that Apple take a measured, calculated approach to this whole mess. If a company with billions upon billions of dollars sitting in the bank can't get their proverbial together when it comes to stock and supply lines, then I'll be a hat-eating monkeys uncle.

I almost, almost want to delay getting my iPad 2 until this whole rush has blown over, to show that I'm above it all Apple cultism nonsense, and have patience... but to hell with that! Iwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwant!!! And I really don't have patience.

 

[iawa]

Why on earth that didn't pop to mind in the first place eludes me. But I think my point has been suitably hammered home.

They're not stealing first-day UK stock to sell in the states.

I'm still pretty sure that Apple take a measured, calculated approach to this whole mess. If a company with billions upon billions of dollars sitting in the bank can't get their proverbial together when it comes to stock and supply lines, then I'll be a hat-eating monkeys uncle.

I almost, almost want to delay getting my iPad 2 until this whole rush has blown over, to show that I'm above it all Apple cultism nonsense, and have patience... but to hell with that! Iwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwant!!! And I really don't have patience.

Iwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwantiwant!!! And I really don't have patience. Short (ish), sweet and to the point exactly!

 

[Totalkharnage]

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I'm tempted to check Argos a couple of days before as I have a big store round the corner from me.
I think I actually would have enjoyed the experience of queuing up for an Apple launch for the first time, I'd rather have the iPad in my hands and be home enjoying it.

 

[Zunjine]

Your position is clearer to me now, but a little illogical. You're now saying that you *wouldn't* mind being the 101st person in line for 100 iPads provided that the reason for letting in an extra person was a good one!? What difference does it make to you, the 101st person in line, what the reason is for one person holding two spaces?

As another poster pointed out - suppose I arrange with someone to hold a place in line for me. Then I replace them and they leave never to return. Now you're still at the same point in the line that you were before, right? And you presumably don't feel like I've "gamed the system". Now, as a "thank you" to my line-holding buddy, I buy the an iPad as well as buying myself one. Now you still miss out on the last iPad by one place, but it's all fair and above board?

It was me who said that some people would be easy-going about this arrangement. It was you who interpreted that as anyone who isn't easy-going suffers from a character flaw. No judgement was intended. This behaviour wouldn't bother me. It apparently does bother you. People who are less bothered than other people could be described as "easy-going".

Since I've had more posters taking your side than mine, if anything the criticism rebounds on me. For "easy going", many would read "heedless of the reasonable cares and desires of other people." I'm not looking for a fight. I just don't want to wait until June to get my iPad. If I can help someone else out at the same time, that sounds like a result to me. But if it will deeply offend the sensibilities of my fellow Apple afficionados and queue-dwellers then I won't do it.

Cheers

Tom

Nope. I'm not saying I "*wouldn't* mind being the 101st person in line for 100 iPads provided that the reason for letting in an extra person was a good one!?"

I am saying that allowing someone who is in the line to leave to use the bathroom in order to avoid a nasty smell is different to arranging to let someone leave to watch The King's Speech in order that he will return the favour. The first is an act of kindness, the second is an act of subversion. If, on the other hand, you would agree to everyone in the queue having similar privileges, then there would be no issue. If you were open about it it wouldn't be subversion.

"Now, as a "thank you" to my line-holding buddy, I buy the an iPad as well as buying myself one. Now you still miss out on the last iPad by one place, but it's all fair and above board?"

You can buy as many as you like and do with them what you will. If the purchase is a thank you then no, you haven't gamed the system as such. Would I feel disappointed about not getting one? Yeah. But I'd have no reason to question your motives. Of course I'd have no way of knowing if you actually gave the iPad away. I would just have to trust that we were all playing fair.

I think the queue is one of those oddly psychological things which represents a microcosm of all civilised society. No one ever really set out the rules of it but we have developed a way of behaving in queues which shows a level of respect for others. Most people have a natural sense for when something just isn't right even if they can’t always put it into words. So, sending someone to pick up an item you forgot when in the supermarket is OK but taking a place in a queue with no items in hand while said friend goes and gathers up all the stuff you need isn't. The reason is not because of the items in question - it could be one or a hundred - but the fact that you would have deliberately gamed the system to get ahead of those who had played by the rules. It suggests that you feel that those rules should not apply to you and implies a lack of respect for others. People feel this is wrong and realise that if everyone behaved in that way the system would break down. That is, in essence, where we differ. It is not in the act of finding yourself better or worse off but rather in the willingness to pretend to be following the rules while you, in fact, break the rules to which everyone else is holding without allowing them each the same advantage.

 

[jacktorrance]

As another poster pointed out - suppose I arrange with someone to hold a place in line for me. Then I replace them and they leave never to return. Now you're still at the same point in the line that you were before, right? And you presumably don't feel like I've "gamed the system". Now, as a "thank you" to my line-holding buddy, I buy the an iPad as well as buying myself one. Now you still miss out on the last iPad by one place, but it's all fair and above board?

Nope, it isn't.

You queue for your OWN purchase, not someone else's. I don't care whether you've swapped places with someone, even if that person doesn't return and if you still only purchase one iPad 2. Fact is you haven't suffered in line to the extent that I have.

 

[synagence]

I sold iPad1 last week to fund iPad2 despite saying to myself on launch that i wasn't that bothered

I'm hopeful that Apple stores have the best chance of success and so i'll take care of some business in the morning and then head to Apple store around noon or so and wait for 5 hours

Plus i want the whole Apple store fanboy thing Even gonna pop for a smart-cover and maybe HDMI cable with 32Gb Wifi or 64Gb Wifi (can't decide)

 

[iawa]

Nope, it isn't.

You queue for your OWN purchase, not someone else's. I don't care whether you've swapped places with someone, even if that person doesn't return and if you still only purchase one iPad 2. Fact is you haven't suffered in line to the extent that I have.

Just because I am finding this wildly entertaining here's my 2p, if I was in line, originally waiting to buy my 1 iPad and I got a call from my wife, family member or friend etc. and they said "oooo, I'd like an iPad 2 but can't get out the office (or not going to make it etc.) would you pick one up for me?" - of course I would, whats the rule there?

I think it would be better to know that someone has jumped in the line that wasn't there before so you can physically get an indication of suspected stock levels dwindling from purchasers rather than however many people saying "can you pick one up for me".

Anywhoo! Just my thoughts

 

[synagence]

On the whole queuing thing .... i witnessed the very thing that you're discussing with the 3GS ....

Chap in queue for about as long as i'd been there (around 4 hours) .... get's to about 30m before store opening (was an O2 store and they'd been out and let us know stock levels etc and they weren't high and many people were going to be empty handed) and this other bloke rocks up and just walks straight into the queue where his friend was

Mumblings and chatter started straight away and before long stern words were being exchanged and in the end the queue-jumper dropped to the back of the queue.

There is a unwritten, unspoken social contract and order in queues for things like this and tickets etc ..... most people have a strong sense of fairness and when someone violates that it can kick off

 

[THFourteen]

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@iawa

my wife has already preordered her iPad... with me

so anyway who said there might be info today around 5-6pm!

 

[iawa]

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@iawa

my wife has already preordered her iPad... with me

so anyway who said there might be info today around 5-6pm!

I managed to get away with an Android tablet and promise of a new laptop soon, this is still £100+ cheaper than an iPad!

 

[mmoosa]

Nope, it isn't.

You queue for your OWN purchase, not someone else's. I don't care whether you've swapped places with someone, even if that person doesn't return and if you still only purchase one iPad 2. Fact is you haven't suffered in line to the extent that I have.

Anyway, we should hear something tonight or tomorrow morning, going by last years email before launch.

 

[Urban Splash]

If you want to join the line, you should join at the end of the line, not where your mates are.
I'm a celebrity though so I'll most likely get ushered to the front anyway so it won't affect me at the store on Friday

This thread has got me from ordering on line and waiting patiently to now wanting to go to the apple store in person LOL what has Macrumors done!!

Eldon Square here I come

I'm off to queue at Eldon Square right now.....

 

[Edmund0Dantes]

so anyway who said there might be info today around 5-6pm!

That would be me sorry.

I didnt *say* there would be, only i could feel my spleen gibberling. . And I tend to suffer from over-due optimism

 

[Nipz]

I'm off to queue at Eldon Square right now.....

I am already queuing

 

[jacktorrance]

Just because I am finding this wildly entertaining here's my 2p, if I was in line, originally waiting to buy my 1 iPad and I got a call from my wife, family member or friend etc. and they said "oooo, I'd like an iPad 2 but can't get out the office (or not going to make it etc.) would you pick one up for me?" - of course I would, whats the rule there?

I think it would be better to know that someone has jumped in the line that wasn't there before so you can physically get an indication of suspected stock levels dwindling from purchasers rather than however many people saying "can you pick one up for me".

Anywhoo! Just my thoughts

For all I know everyone ahead of me in line is buying two. Not the same as someone turning up who may, potentially, buy two themselves.

 

[iawa]

I am already queuing

I hope it's just for your own purchases? Don't want to start another flame war (although IMHO it was the most polite flame war I have seen for some time)!