Katie Marsal
Photos from Best Buy computers were provided Tuesday to MacRumors. They show that the status of both the 16GB Wi-Fi-only and 3G-capable iPad as "deleted" in the store's inventory system.
Apple is set to introduce its second-generation iPad at a media event on Wednesday. But as exclusively reported by AppleInsider last week, users may not have to wait long to get their hands on the new multi-touch tablet, as people familiar with the company's plans have indicated Apple is preparing for a retail product roll-out later this week.
Constrained supplies and no new shipments to retailers like Best Buy before the second-generation iPad is officially unveiled could be seen as even more evidence of a surprisingly quick introduction of at least one version of the refreshed tablet. That would be in contrast to reports claiming that Apple could be forced to wait until April to sell the device due to alleged supply constraints.
Though the current iPad is marked as "deleted," Best Buy's computer systems are said to not yet have any placeholders for the anticipated iPad 2.
Best Buy's internal inventory system is a hit-or-miss indicator of product information and availability ahead of an announcement. But last month, leaked information from the retailer did accurately reveal the five SKUs and prices for Apple's refreshed MacBook Pro lineup.
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49 Comments
iPad 2's should probably be available for purchase this weekend if not sooner.
This is interesting because I obviously think Apple will still sell the iPad v1 at a slightly discounted price. But when you think about it, it's possible that would not want to do this.
If Apple rolls out internationally the way they did with v1 then maybe they have a small enough surplus inventory that they can sell it all in these other countries once they realize they won't be getting v2 for months.
Also, Apple may not want/need to lower their price for v1 and it would deter some people from getting v2. So I actually think the smartest move for Apple is to release v2 shipping right away with 16, 64, and 128gb versions. This should make the most amount of people happy.
This is interesting because I obviously think Apple will still sell the iPad v1 at a slightly discounted price. But when you think about it, it's possible that would not want to do this.
There may not be any more iPad 1's to sell.
There may not be any more iPad 1's to sell.
There certainly are. I was at local best buy last night, and they had visible inventory of around 10 iPads available. Doubt they could sell all of them by today. Unless their online store uses a slightly different inventory system than their brick and morta store.
Crikey, I feel like a kid getting ready for Xmas.