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Tuesday, March 02, 2010, 07:15 pm
Apple rumored to begin retail iPad sales March 26
A new rumor suggests Apple store employees will get their first hands-on experience with the iPad and begin training on March 10, while consumers could be able to purchase one Friday, March 26.Citing an unnamed Apple store manager in Souther California, Daryl Deino of The Examiner reported Tuesday evening that the definitive release date has not yet been determined, but the March 26 date is "very likely." As was announced at its unveiling, the 3G-enabled models will arrive about a month later.
And while employees will be trained starting March 10, commercials will allegedly begin to air on TV starting March 15. Those TV spots are expected to emphasize the e-book capabilities of the device.
Finally, the report claimed that those who camp out for the iPad will receive a "special gift."
If accurate, the report would suggest that an alleged "manufacturing bottleneck" will not delay the launch of Apple's new multi-touch device. However, initial supplies could still be constrained, as rumors of an "unspecified production problem" have surfaced from Apple's manufacturing partner, Foxconn.
Initial demand for the iPad is predicted to be strong, with most analysts on Wall Street forecasting first-year sales of between 1 million and 5 million.
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Previous Comments View All
Methinks camping out on March 25th is going to be a long, cold ass night for many out there in Geekdom.
I wonder what the special gift will be ? 
I remember when I was waiting in line for the iPhone back in '07, Apple Geniuses were walking up and down the queue handing out bottled water (this was at the Apple Store in Atlantic City).
Perhaps it will be a voucher for one complimentary iBook downloads ? The first hit is always free.
As much as I am tempted to camp out, and participate in the group dweeb experience of waiting for the latest (fill in the blank) -- I will PASS on this one, ROFLMAO.
This is straight out of Steve Job's playbook. Leak a news story before the event to generate free advertising via news coverage, and imply that you will need to camp out in order to reserve yours.
PREDICTION: Within 48 hours of release there will be PLENTY of iPads in Stock across the nation.
Mark my words, dear Apple Insider friends. This is nothing but FAKE HYPE. 
I'm buying the first 3 wifi models on the 26th. Have to save for the other 2. Woohoo! Got Christmas 2010 outta the way.
I'm buying the first 3 wifi models on the 26th. Have to save for the other 2. Woohoo! Got Christmas 2010 outta the way.
There'll be an update of some kind before Christmas 2010 mate?
\.
Door prizes? Then Apple store here we go!! 
Nice to hear new rumors.
Are there any Apple employees here?
I saw a video in which people admitted being paid $200 to stand in line for some event at NYC's Apple store. Quite a few of them expressed disdain for Apple products on camera. One of them threw an iPhone onto the ground. None of them seemed like the Apple users I've met, they were all very coarse. It was like whoever was in charge of selecting fake Apple fans did not care how these people behaved.
Finally, the report claimed that those who camp out for the iPad will receive a "special gift."
Room and board, courtesy of mall security?
Should make for an interesting conversation:
Mall Cop: Why are you out here?
Fanboy: I'm waiting for the iPad!
Mall Cop: Awright, when's Apple gonna release it?
Fanboy: Anytime I guess. There was an Internet rumor saying...
Hopefully the Apple Stores are working with security on this.
I saw a video in which people admitted being paid $200 to stand in line for some event at NYC's Apple store. Quite a few of them expressed disdain for Apple products on camera. One of them threw an iPhone onto the ground. None of them seemed like the Apple users I've met, they were all very coarse. It was like whoever was in charge of selecting fake Apple fans did not care how these people behaved.
Possible plants by MS?
I'd be ugly too if that's all Ballmer wanted to pay.
I saw a video in which people admitted being paid $200 to stand in line for some event at NYC's Apple store. Quite a few of them expressed disdain for Apple products on camera. One of them threw an iPhone onto the ground. None of them seemed like the Apple users I've met, they were all very coarse. It was like whoever was in charge of selecting fake Apple fans did not care how these people behaved.
Think real hard, do you really think Apple needs fake plants? Hell no.
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| Model | White | Black | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (WiFi only) | |||
| 16GB WiFi |  |
$329.99 | $329.99 |
| 32GB WiFi | |
$429.99 | $429.99 |
| 64GB WiFi | |
$529.99 | $529.99 |
| iPad mini (WiFi + 4G) | |||
 |
 |
 |
|
| 16GB 4G White | $459.99 | $459.99 | $459.99 |
| 32GB 4G White | $559.99 | $559.99 | $559.99 |
| 64GB 4G White | $659.99 | $659.99 | $659.99 |
| 16GB 4G Black | $459.99 | $459.99 | $459.99 |
| 32GB 4G Black | $559.99 | $559.99 | $559.99 |
| 64GB 4G Black | $659.99 | $659.99 | $659.99 |
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| 15" 2.7GHz/16GB/768GB | $2,699.99 | $499.01 |
No doubt about it. Apple will sell as many as they can ship. I was hoping to see iPad notification for sale starting this past Monday Mar 1st. Hmmmm, so it's likely to be Mar 26 when people start receiving Emails the iPad is available for ordering.
As I have an iPhone 3G (has GPS already) already I think my best option will be the Wi-Fi model, so Mar 26th can't come quick enough. If for some reason I'm not happy with it or feel the need for the 3G version we will end up with both models to share about.
It will be a pleasure to finally be able to actually read things on a mobile device and will be encouraged to read more than I can do on my iPhone which for me is just too darn small.
Roll on Mar 26th, 2010.