The Ipad 3G launched on April 30th. On May 1st, I decided I wanted to get one. Went by the Apple Store in Tampa only be told they were completely sold out.
That was almost a week ago. Nothing has changed. There is simply no inventory anywhere to be had of the Ipad 3G. In most stores, that includes even the wifi model.
Apparently, some stories have been hitting the wire today confirming this is a widespread problem. AppleInsider reports that there are store waiting lists. Yeah, I’m on it for both stores in my area.
There’s no telling when inventory will be replenished.
If you want an Ipad 3G, you’ll either need to pay up and wait online, or get onto the “Notify Me” service at an Apple store. Many of the stores can put you onto an email waiting list over the phone.
Interestingly, I’ve heard several people speculate that this is a marketing strategy by Apple, designed to engineer a demand. I find it hilarious how people sit there and dream up these things. Do you think a company would sit there, with hoards of people WANTING to give them money, and block them from doing it? I don’t think so. The idea that this is a marketing ploy is idiotic.
The truth of the matter is a little less sensational. Apple has been having some production issues with the Ipad screens, resulting in slower production overall. This is why Apple had already announced that all international countries would have to wait for the device. When the second launch hit (for the 3G model), it just compounded the issue.
Apple was also very secretive (as usual) beforehand about the Ipad. They had been off on inventory projections before, and they were off on this one. Without anybody (even developers) knowing what to expect with the Ipad, there was no way to get a firm grip on the demand.
So, I think people can take off their tin-foil hats on this one. The facts are simple: People want the Ipad and they’re having issues with the supply line for it. No company in their right mind is going to let pretty much all their retail stores run out of inventory, turning people away who have credit card in hand – all to pull off a marketing stunt. I don’t think so.
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I definitely don’t think there is any conspiracy on Apple’s part in all of this, but I think the increased demand is a nice side-effect for them
Can you like, use the right name for the iPad? It’s not Ipad, it’s iPad. Get it right.
Get a life, dude.
In English, the first letter of a name is capitalized. It is Apple that has incorrectly used capitalization, and not just once.
Yes, but there’s something called a Brand name. Perhaps you heard of it?