When do you think the lines are gonna die down?

[impact_blue]

Waited in line with the gf to get the ipad only for it to sell out within an hour at the Apple store here. She wasn't really stressin and just wants to wait till the hype and the lines die. I told her to just order it online and wait the 2-3 weeks, but she thinks she can just walk in the store and pick it up after in the middle of this upcoming week or next. Oh wells.

When do you guy realistically think the lines will die and Apple starts pumping massive shipments instead of staggering them?

 

[Kadin]

That's a tough call. With them being so apparently behind online already and seeing almost all stores on here have sold through their initial stock, adding in that more iPad 2s are set to go out to all the other countries on the 25th doesn't give me the impression that stock will become consistent anytime soon. Sorry to be a little pessimistic but it's my honest gut feeling. If I had to guess, I'd say things should normalize in 3-4 weeks...

 

[Vizin]

.

 

[impact_blue]

I was looking for the online stock-checker. I kinda assumed they'd have it with this kind of launch. It seems like Apple loves to keep changing their launch plans. Last year you could reserve. You'd think they have a system down.

For the the model, she's looking for a Black 32GB wifi. I would think being the "middle child" that this model will be easier to come by, but what do I know?

On a side note, I had a conversation with the guy behind us who said he waited 13 hours for his iPhone 4 I love your stuff Apple, but not 13 hours in the cold I love you. haha!

There probably won't be lines again, that's usually just a launch-day thing. Stock issues are another thing though. They could be sold out at any time, and the staff usually can't say when they'll get more. (they don't know)

As to when they'll be easy to buy, it's hard to say. I bought my first iPad seven days after release, and they had plenty. It depends on which model she wants (3G models appear to be more scarce or in much higher demand), and how high the demand is relative to the supply. The demand might be much higher this time around, so my experience might not be repeatable. I'd suggest calling local Apple stores every couple days. (If they don't want people doing this, they should bring back the online stock-checker they had for the first couple iPhones)

Regarding shipping volume, rest assured that Apple is pumping these things out as quickly as possible - they're not staggering them just so they can sell out of them. Announcing huge first day, first week, etc sales numbers is much better for them than any perceived buzz caused by a sell out. Getting the devices in our hands is much better for publicity. (They'd rather have stories of people getting their new devices and loving it than being disappointed and leaving empty handed.)