U.S. iPad 2 sales start March 11, 5:00 pm, no pre-orders

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U.S. iPad 2 sales start March 11, 5:00 pm, no pre-orders

Apple has released information on its web site indicating that the iPad 2 will go on sale in the U.S. on March 11th at 5:00 pm. Notably, unlike previous Apple product releases it does not appear that customers will be able to pre-order the device online or pre-reserve a device for pickup at a local Apple Retail Store. The Apple Store indicates that customers will be able to place an order “starting March 11.”

The iPad 2 will be selling at the same price points as the original iPad, with the Wi-Fi models selling for $499, $599 and $699 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions, respectively, and the Wi-Fi + 3G versions selling for $130 more at $629, $729 and $829. Separate Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available for both AT&T and Verizon.

« iPad 2 to be released Internationally March 25

iLounge posts first iPad 2 hands-on pictures, details »

Comments

1

Has anyone been able to find out if online sales will start at 5:00 pm?

Fed Ex is going to be busy on the 14th.

Posted by Alden Wilkins on March 2, 2011 at 11:37 AM (PST)

2

...and what about Best Buy? I’ve got a stack of Best Buy gift cards that want to turn into a chunk of an iPad 2.

Posted by ort on March 2, 2011 at 11:42 AM (PST)

3

So, how fast is the free fast shipping? Will they offer faster shipping, like overnight?

Posted by Sharon on March 2, 2011 at 11:54 AM (PST)

4

This is so so so very wrong!!!!!

Posted by St.Nick on March 2, 2011 at 1:34 PM (PST)

5

5:00 pm Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific?

Posted by AJ on March 2, 2011 at 3:02 PM (PST)

6

What about Amazon/Walmart/Best Buy? Any word on when the iPad 2 will be on sale in those stores?

Posted by Kris on March 2, 2011 at 7:23 PM (PST)

7

@#3: Apple’s free shipping usually only takes a few days to arrive.

Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on March 2, 2011 at 9:25 PM (PST)

8

@AJ (#5): 5:00 pm local time. So yes, this does mean that folks on the east coast will be able to get their new iPads earlier. However, this is no different from any of Apple’s other product releases, and it’s even more pronounced when the company does a worldwide release, like the iPhone 3G in 2008. You may recall that New Zealand was all over the news back then as it was the first place the iPhone 3G went on sale.

Posted by Jesse Hollington in Toronto on March 3, 2011 at 5:58 AM (PST)

9

Best Buy’s website says the iPad 2 will be available on March 11th. No mention of what time of the day on the 11th.

Posted by jeepnut on March 3, 2011 at 8:08 AM (PST)

10

Jesse, thanks for the info. I didn’t pay attention to the iPhone release since I’m one of those folks who live in areas where AT&T doesn’t have service.

Posted by AJ on March 3, 2011 at 1:16 PM (PST)

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