iLounge

Electronics retailer Best Buy has begun preparations for the launch of the iPad on April 3rd, according to a Mac Rumors report. Citing unnamed sources, the report states that the iPad will initially be offered only at Best Buy locations with a dedicated Apple “store-within-a-store” — approximately 675 of the company’s 1,000-plus locations — and will not be available at bestbuy.com. No early openings are planned, according to the report, as the company sees little benefit due to a lack of sales competition. Display materials are reportedly expected to arrive at participating stores early next week, with a single iMac and two laptop demo units expected to be displaced to accomodate the iPad demo units. Interestingly, the report also indicates that four separate iPad SKUs will be on display, suggesting that Best Buy stores will have at least one Wi-Fi + 3G model on display. [Photo via chriscoyier]