iPad launch roundup: Apple retail, Best Buy experience tight supply
Both Apple's retail stores and Best Buy outlets experienced limited supply on Saturday for the launch of the iPad, while some Apple Specialist locations received demo units on Friday. Also, videos from Apple stores around the U.S. on the iPad's first day of sales.
With lines of fans camped out at Apple stores across the country for the 9 a.m. sales start, there have been numerous reports that Apple sold out of its initial run of devices soon after it went on sale. A reader in Augusta, Ga., said about 75 people waited in line at the local Apple store, with 15 people who preordered. All models sold out by 9:20 a.m. and the first one to sell out was the $499 16GB model, which took about 5 minutes to clear inventory.
One Specialist told AppleInsider that their stores are expected to receive 20 16GB models, 10 32GB, and 20 of the 64GB capacity. Shipments were expected to arrive mid-day on Saturday. They said if they do receive fewer 32GB models, it's likely because Apple wants more supply for their own stores.
There have also been various reports on supply at Best Buy, ranging from as few as 13 per store and as high as 60 at each location. Some stores reportedly did not receive their devices in time for the 9 a.m. launch, and will make the hardware available later Friday when the shipment arrives.
Apple limited preorders to two per person when it first became available in March. Apple also turned down volume orders for businesses, forecasting that the device would see tight supply at launch.
Finally, customers across the U.S. have captured video from the plethora of lines to buy the iPad, and a sampling follows.
Apple store employees and customers at the iconic location on 5th Avenue in New York City count down to the store opening at 9 a.m.:
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak explains why he wears a ring around his neck while waiting in line for an iPad at the Santa Clara, Calif., Apple store:
Employees rally with an iPad chant outside a store in Salt Lake City:
Employees tell fans that the iPad launch will be an "amazing day" and Apple will "change the world again" with its new device at the Apple Store in Mall of Millenia in Orlando:
With lines of fans camped out at Apple stores across the country for the 9 a.m. sales start, there have been numerous reports that Apple sold out of its initial run of devices soon after it went on sale. A reader in Augusta, Ga., said about 75 people waited in line at the local Apple store, with 15 people who preordered. All models sold out by 9:20 a.m. and the first one to sell out was the $499 16GB model, which took about 5 minutes to clear inventory.
One Specialist told AppleInsider that their stores are expected to receive 20 16GB models, 10 32GB, and 20 of the 64GB capacity. Shipments were expected to arrive mid-day on Saturday. They said if they do receive fewer 32GB models, it's likely because Apple wants more supply for their own stores.
There have also been various reports on supply at Best Buy, ranging from as few as 13 per store and as high as 60 at each location. Some stores reportedly did not receive their devices in time for the 9 a.m. launch, and will make the hardware available later Friday when the shipment arrives.
Apple limited preorders to two per person when it first became available in March. Apple also turned down volume orders for businesses, forecasting that the device would see tight supply at launch.
Finally, customers across the U.S. have captured video from the plethora of lines to buy the iPad, and a sampling follows.
Apple store employees and customers at the iconic location on 5th Avenue in New York City count down to the store opening at 9 a.m.:
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak explains why he wears a ring around his neck while waiting in line for an iPad at the Santa Clara, Calif., Apple store:
Employees rally with an iPad chant outside a store in Salt Lake City:
Employees tell fans that the iPad launch will be an "amazing day" and Apple will "change the world again" with its new device at the Apple Store in Mall of Millenia in Orlando:
Comments
I want to see these lines of people, I want to see Steve the Woz, I want to see... something.
Are we missing some links here? There are link titles, but no links. I want my links! Gimmy my links!
I want to see these lines of people, I want to see Steve the Woz, I want to see... something.
OK now I have my links, never mind.
anyways. heres jordan creek in west des moines iowa
Sent from my Apple //c
At any rate, they definitely weren't turning anyone away yet when I finally got through the line at about 10am, and I wasn't hearing any indication of shortage.
(This is not being typed from my iPad yet, but that's 'cos it's still being synced :-) )
We've got two stores here in LA that will be open tomorrow wonder what the stock will be like.
edit: back out in the car now. The best buy here had NOBODY lined up or looking at ipads. they did say they sold out of 16gb early though so either everyone at the apple store is there for 16gb, or they dont know bb has them.
overall i liked the ipad but its not for me.
this from my iPad ... OMG I love it! But Apple are wrong, it doesn't get passed around, my wife is fighting to use it!
PS: Anyone willing to dish out 99¢ for iStat so we can see how much RAM there is on this puppy?
hey does anyone know if the flagship NYC store is sold out?
Give them a ring.
I arrived around 8:15 and was 5th in line. Only about 13 people ended up showing. A flood in Kentucky caused some shipping delays, but at noon today it was finally in my hands.
Ha! Woz is great.
Sent from my Apple //c
Woz Rules!
Sent from your Apple //c.. LOL.. ur kidding right?
PS: Anyone willing to dish out 99¢ for iStat so we can see how much RAM there is on this puppy?
XIP - eXecute In Place, that's what I'm thinking! (XIP means NAND is being used as both RAM and storage). XIP is the FUTURE!!!
What the hell does that even MEAN?
My store got the media - 2 TV networks- and we weren't the spiffy new hyper-expensive location they just built in across town. Probably because we were closer to downtown I guess for the microwave uplink but if I'd spent time and money making a premiere storefront, only to be snubbed by the local stations on a product launch-day, I'd be annoyed.
The reserve system worked great tho. In and out in 20 minutes, although it was interesting that the "non reserves" also had a pile of goods and they were letting them in at the same time. Which makes sense since the reserves are a known quantity anyway.
this from my iPad ... OMG I love it! But Apple are wrong, it doesn't get passed around, my wife is fighting to use it!
Congratulations, I'm glad you finally received it. Seriously.
Got the 16 gig with the case. Attended the little workshop afterwards and it was and is a phenomenal experience. The Gardens Mall Apple store was great and had plenty of stock and by noon had just about whittled down their line. We probably had about 100 to 150 people in total and they had plenty of iPads even with people walking out with 2 or 3. I'm syncing everything up now and can't wait to play well into the night!!
Everyone enjoy their new iPad.
ugh doing this from a phone was such a pain
anyways. heres jordan creek in west des moines iowa