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.
After months of hype, Apple's iPad tablet computer finally went into the hands of consumers Saturday. Coinciding with the release, Apple updated its Web site to show off "a whole new world of apps" created specifically for the device.
In addition to all Apple retail stores and most Best Buy locations, the iPad will also be available for purchase at select U.S. Apple Specalists, people familiar with the matter have told AppleInsider.
New evidence of a potential April 24 launch of the iPad in Canada has led to speculation that the Saturday could serve as Apple's "late April" international launch date for the new hardware.
As consumers eagerly await their first opportunity to use an iPad when it goes on sale this Saturday, employees of Apple's retail stores are in the same position, thanks to the hardware maker's strict security policies.
Like it did in March of last year, Apple this week at its retail stores began selling the iPhone at an unsubsidized price without the standard two-year AT&T contract agreement. Also as before, the phone, which costs as much as $700, remains locked to the exclusive U.S. wireless provider.
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.
Apple ranked in the top five electronics retailers in all of 2009, with both its brick-and-mortar retail stores and commercial Web site among the top revenue earners.
Apple's retail "experts" — a new position that will serve as a roaming counterpart to existing "geniuses" at brick-and-mortar locations — are expected to debut in stores in a matter of weeks, people familiar with the matter have told AppleInsider.
More than 100 burglary victims near Los Angeles, Calif., are said to have been spotted and followed by criminals after they visited Apple retail stores.
Apple could be considering a new design for its future retail stores, as the Mac maker reportedly plans to build a new "prototype" store in Palo Alto, Calif.
Apple owners claim that their Applecare warranties have been refused due to "health risks of second hand smoke."
In addition to the the EasyPay iPod touch application used for checkouts, numerous Apple-created, task-specific applications are allegedly coming to Apple retail employees, AppleInsider has been told.
Construction continues at the Greenwich, Conn., Apple store as crews rush to complete the structure in time for the grand opening this Saturday.
Apple plans to release a new "Concierge" application for the iPhone and iPod touch that will allow customers to schedule appointments at retail stores, AppleInsider has been told.
Apple Thursday gave a first look at its new New York City store located on Broadway at 67th street, set to officially open to the public this Saturday at 10 a.m.
Thousands flocked to The Carrousel du Louvre on Saturday, the scene of France's first Apple Store opening.
In time for the holiday shopping season, Apple has introduced a new "Reserve and Pick Up" option via its retail Web site, allowing customers to reserve products online and pick them up in store.
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Katie Marsal
AppleInsider Staff
Sam Oliver
Neil Hughes
Brian Garner
