I am on record as having a few reservations about the iPad, but I still firmly plan to pick one up on Day 1. So the questionI ask is similar to one I posed re the iPhone. Where is the best place to buy an iPad?
Effective March 12, prospective customers will be able to pre-order one from Apple. I will probably go this route, to ensure I can get one soon. There are rumors of delays due to software and/or hardware, so if supplies are constrained, I want to make sure I'm one of the lucky ones.
On the other hand, it is likely that the iPad will be carried in BestBuy stores, and perhaps in AT&T stores, once the 3G version is released. In fact, it is possible that any retailer who sells the iPod could sell an iPad, as there is no contract required. That could mean discounts and potentially no sales tax.
BestBuy has their rewards program so that could be an incentive as well. And I've always had excellent service at the Apple retail stores.
So I put the question to you. If you are buying an iPad, where will you get yours?
Reserved my iPad!
I just reserved my iPad! I decided to go directly to the source, the local Apple retail store. It turns out I could have easily reserved it from home, as once my friendly Apple Genius, Mike (whom I've known for ages... we both worked for/with Sun Microsystems) greeted me, he had me use a store computer to visit store.apple.com and reserve my iPad online!
Perhaps one difference versus ordering online for shipment to my home (which Apple promises would be for delivery on April 3rd) is the following message. I will be able to pick up my iPad as early as 9am on April 3rd, and participate in launch events!
The Apple Retail Store team
April 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please note that your reservation will be held only until 3 p.m. on April 3. After 3 p.m., iPad will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.