The Apple iPad: To Preorder or to Camp Out? That is the Question.

March 29, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

The big Apple news this past weekend was the fact that those who didn’t preorder the iPad earlier in March may not have their long-awaited tablet arrive on April 3rd as they had originally expected. It seems the much anticipated tablet computer has surpassed even the most conservative of expectations by reportedly pre-selling around 240,000 units, since going on presale on March 12, 2010.

According to Apple, those who preorder now will see their iPad shipped on April 12, 2010. Additionally, those who had not already preordered the product will no longer have the option to pick it up in a local Apple Store. Previously, customers had been limited to preordering two of the tablet computers online for delivery and two additional ones for store pickup.

For procrastinating Apple junkies who failed to place their orders earlier, this short supply of iPad tablets may leave them only one viable alternative…camping out. That’s right. It may be time to break out the Tauntaun sleeping bag, stock up on Beanie Weenies, and head on down to the local Apple store. While you may consider yourself a self-respecting geek, who would never embarass themself by lining up two days prior to a product’s release, it may be your only shot if you absolutely, positively need a “same-day” fix.

According to a DigiTimes article from March 3, 2010, Taiwan-based Foxconn Electronics is slated to ship up to 700,000 iPads in late March. If preorder estimates are accurate, this would mean that around 460,000 iPads would be available for retail purchase on April 3rd. On that date, only the Apple Store and Best Buy stores will be selling the iPad.

Assuming Apple gives no more than 50% of the remaining 460,000 retail units to the nearly 1,100 Best Buy stores, that would mean Apple Stores would still have around 230,000 units. Now, if one also assumes Apple will split this total evenly amongst its 222 Apple Stores (which they won’t) there would be around 1,036 iPads available for purchase on the same day of its release.

So is braving the forces of nature and being showcased by the local media alongside some socially-challenged nerds (Yes, there is a difference between a geek and a nerd.) really worth having the opportunity to pick up an iPad on April 3rd? Well, that comes down to how much you really love “all things Apple” and, more importantly, how much self-loathing you feel for having procrastinated on your preorder. I know. I know. Sadly, you probably didn’t even read this far. You’re already half-way to the Apple Store with your Tauntaun in tow.

For all others, you can just continue with the preorder process, select the 2-3 day shipping option and expect your shipment to arrive on or about April 14, 2010. If you’re one of the procrastinating bunch, let’s remember this whole mess when and if the iPhone 4G goes on pre-sale and save ourselves a little unnecessary drama. Everyone…including your Tauntaun…will appreciate it.