Is Best Buy opening up at 8am?

I highly doubt they'll open early, but then again they did so for the iPhone 4. Your best bet is to call your local store and speak with a manager.

All depends on the case. If the iPad just slides in, there's a good chance it'll fit. If it's a snap case, it won't as those are more form fitting.

 

I also highly doubt that BB will open early but I would expect people to start lining up by 8.
Last year there were long lines but then there were no preorders either. I waited an hour and when I got in there was plenty of stock so I'm thinking the lines won't be as long and inventory should be adequate. I'm still going to be there early just to be sure.
PS I expect my Water/Field soft cases to fit the new iPad just fine. I have the ultimate sleeve for the iPad 1 which I know will fit and I have an iPad2 slip case which I fully expect to fit just fine also.

 

I already ordered two through Apple's pre-order but I need to pick up one more. Planning on hitting up Best Buy in the morning as I figure it won't be as chaotic as the Apple Store lines, but I'm wondering what the real story is as well. I was told that the pre-order Best Buy has at some stores isn't really a pre-order, in that it only guarantees you'll get an iPad "at some point," while new stock will still be sold on a first come, first serve basis. The associate voluntarily told me that she thought it was crazy before she even explained it. I'm really dreading having to go there even though I know it'll be a less painful line experience.

 

Apparently Target is also saying the 16th in store. I could see those being less crowded than Best Buy.

 

Last year I don't believe they were selling the 3G models, at least on day 1, and they had much lower stock numbers than Best Buy. My dad actually ended up trying to get one from there and from what he later told me, they received just a handful of each of the wifi models. I don't want to chance it. I'm not worried about getting what I want at Best Buy as I need either a 32 or 64 GB Verizon. Those aren't going to be the first ones picked up.

 

Yes, Target.com says the 16th in store.

I'd be cautious though, last year Target was kind of spotty in terms of what they received and quantities were limited.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1113039&page=4

 

Last year, because there were no pre-orders, my local BB had long lines. Hubby was off that day, got in line quite early. They ran out of the 64G AT&T units within an hour. From what I have read, Apple has sold out of their "first" shipments, with present online orders extending out as long as 3 weeks. One of the articles I read, reported that secondary retailers (as opposed to Apple Stores), will have fewer units available on March 16th, than they did last year.

 

Also U guys can hit up Radio Shack on the 16th..(as always quanity and variant varies)