Quickest way to get an ipad2

Boboc · 30 Apr 2011 at 18:50

For anyone who has recently ordered/received an ipad2 by post from Apple - what is the estimated/actual delivery delay, and how is that likely to compare with my chances of getting one from UK Apple stores.

I understand they won't keep one for you in their stores, and thus you have to phone to see if they have one in stock, and then take your chances it's still there when you arrive. Anyone know if many ipad2's are going to stores at the moment - is there much variation between the ipad models and particular stores?

Thanks for any help - I should have some time next week to go and get one if available, but don't want to hold off ordering too long if my store chances are quite slim.

Aikon359 · 30 Apr 2011 at 21:27

if you have a john lewis anywhere near you they usually have em in stock and get new deliveries daily. thats where i got my 32gb black 3g ipad 2 from.

DangerMoose · 30 Apr 2011 at 21:29

Dunno how often they get them but Tesco just had some in stock earlier on tonight. Managed to get me one for a store pickup so, with any luck, I'll be getting it on Wednesday and cancelling my order with Apple.

mikeossy · 1 May 2011 at 09:45

My two local comets had them all in stock albeit only one of each but I guess for those wanting to buy it's an easy oversight!

Boboc · 1 May 2011 at 10:22

Is there any downside in not buying one direct from Apple. Aren't there free workshops etc from them, and if you bought in person they would give you advice on how to set up etc?

I've just been on Tesco site and no ipad's are listed under tablet PC's.

DangerMoose · 1 May 2011 at 12:31

Boboc said:
Is there any downside in not buying one direct from Apple. Aren't there free workshops etc from them, and if you bought in person they would give you advice on how to set up etc?

If you buy from them online, you get free engraving and a full choice of models with relatively predictable shipping times. If you buy in store, I believe they do help set them up and register them. Not sure if there are any other benefits. You can still go hassle them at the Genius Bar regardless of where you got it.

The main advantage of buying elsewhere is that you might get one quicker (Apple stores seem to get them quite often but this is less helpful if you do not have one local), though be prepared to chase around after one and potentially make do with an alternative model or colour.

I've just been on Tesco site and no ipad's are listed under tablet PC's.

Use the search engine. They are there, though probably out of stock again at the mo.

Nexus · 1 May 2011 at 17:24

I bought one this afternoon from Apple Regent Street.

I got there five minutes after opening (as the previous day they had none, but said they would have plenty of stock tomorrow). I joined a queue which took about an hour and twenty minutes in total before I left with the iPad. (Most members of the queue seemed to be foreigners)

The one (although small) benefit to buying from Apple is that you can at least check it over first, make sure there are no dead pixels etc. I'm not sure too many of the high street stores would let you open the box, take it out of the wrapping and then say you aren't happy with it.

They are obviously in high demand though, as the only time I've queued that long was when the iPhone 3G launched.

Spyhop · 1 May 2011 at 17:28

I just ordered one from Apple online. It'll turn up when it turns up. There's no rush.

DangerMoose · 1 May 2011 at 17:52

Spyhop said:
I just ordered one from Apple online. It'll turn up when it turns up. There's no rush.

Well now, being rational about it, you are right. I'm just impatient because I was daft enough to get rid of mine straight away, rather than taking advantage of the returns window to source another one. Quite frankly, I'm missing having it around and have a few books on Kindle that are going unread to boot. :rolleyes:

DangerMoose · 1 May 2011 at 17:55

Nexus said:
The one (although small) benefit to buying from Apple is that you can at least check it over first, make sure there are no dead pixels etc. I'm not sure too many of the high street stores would let you open the box, take it out of the wrapping and then say you aren't happy with it.

Some may be stricter with their returns policy if you just change your mind, but they would still have to swap it if its faulty. I suppose you could probably take a laptop along to sync it there and then if you wanted to make sure it was OK, though some faults would be visible even on the initial startup screen.