Well, there was a little ray of sunshine today after Apple left us high and dry with no iPad 2 preorders and a strange retail sale time of 5 PM on March 11th. It looks like  Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Best Buy will be selling the new tablet in some form on launch day. […]
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iPad 2 Available from Retail Outlets on Launch Day

Mar 3rd 2011 by

Source: Walmart.com

 

Well, there was a little ray of sunshine today after Apple left us high and dry with no iPad 2 preorders and a strange retail sale time of 5 PM on March 11th. It looks like  Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Best Buy will be selling the new tablet in some form on launch day. It is not yet clear which of the retailers will be selling in-store on the 11th, or which models and how many they will have in stock at this point. Even though Best Buy is the only one to confirm the date on their site at this point, according to a report from 9to5 Mac, sources claim that Walmart and Sams are on-board, as well. There also hasn’t been any word on whether AT&T or Verizon will have them on the 11th, but I would expect them to at least have limited supplies of the 3G versions in their larger stores. It also isn’t clear at this point if other retail outlets that offer the iPad, such as Target, will have them available online or in-store at launch on the 11th.

This is definitely good news for those of who want to get our hands on a new iPad 2 on launch day, as now we may have some options other than the nearest Apple Store. It will be especially welcomed for those with no Apple retail outlet close by. At least now you will have the option to wait in line to get you hands on the latest and greatest in Apple eye candy if you prefer not to wait on Apple’s free shipping.

I am cautiously optimistic myself. My local Apple Store is about 45 minutes away, and my family will be pretty busy that Friday and Saturday. The option to go to my local Best Buy or Walmart, both of which are much closer, is a lot more feasible for me. Also, the more outlets that have the iPad 2 available, the smaller the lines at any one location should be. If these other retailers get them in-store, that is. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

So, does wider retail availability make any difference in your iPad 2 plans? Will anybody be knocking off a little early on March 11 to get in a line somewhere other than an Apple Store? Let us know what you are going to do in the comments.

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