Saturday, April 03, 2010, 12:10 pm

iPad launch roundup: Apple retail, Best Buy experience tight supply

By Katie Marsal

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: