iPads in-stock at many retail locations

Apple has managed to maintain iPad inventories at many of its retail stores, despite the rush of customers who waited in line for the device on Saturday. Calls to several key locations in California and New York confirmed that customers can still walk in and purchase an iPad, although a few stores were out of the 16GB model. Several smaller stores in Pennsylvania and Ohio still have every Wi-Fi model in stock.

The company on Monday confirmed launch-day sales numbers exceeding 300,000 units in the US, representing a combination of online orders and brick-and-mortar distribution. The number still falls short of several bullish forecasts from analysts such as Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster, who anticipated 600,000 to 700,000 units.

Although iPads still remain on shelves at Apple Stores, the company's online portal lists a waiting time of five to seven days. Late pre-orders showed a similar estimate, while the 3G-enabled models are still on track to ship in late April.

eBay auctions indicate the devices are selling at premiums approximately $100 to $200 above retail. The inflated prices are likely driven by demand from international buyers. [via Gizmodo]

by MacNN Staff