Apple Stores to close for an hour before iPad 3G launch
updated 10:40 am EDT, Fri April 30, 2010
Best Buy confirmed as vendor
American Apple Stores will close briefly this Friday, from 4PM to 5PM, in order to prepare for the launch of the iPad 3G, according to the company. The shutdown marks an unusual mid-afternoon disruption, but is necessary to setup stock and promotional materials. People should alternately be able to buy the new iPad models at "most" Best Buy stores, though the tablets are not yet mentioned on the retailer's website.
In terms of online sales, people who pre-ordered far enough in advance should be receiving their iPads throughout the day. Some shipments are said to have been delivered yesterday, technically breaking official street date. Apple appears, however, to be taking a more relaxed approach than usual with the launch. Any iPads ordered online today should ship by May 7th, a deadline which has gone unchanged since Apple formally announced the 3G launch date on April 20th.
