iPad 2 retail customers to wait until 5PM on launch day for the line to start moving

For the iPad 2, Apple has returned to those halcyon days when it would restrict buying of new iDevices at retail stores to after a certain time, and that's how it's going to be on March 11. Retail buyers will only be able to acquire the device after 5PM local time.

That essentially means that people will be standing in line all day long (at least ones who aren't willing to wait for delivery of the device at their front door, by ordering online).

However, the good thing is that Apple has a horde of retail outlets set up to sell the device this year. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster noted Tuesday on March 8 that the original iPad launched at only 221 U.S. Apple retail stores and "most" of Best Buy's 1,100 American stores in 2010. The iPad 2, however, will have much greater availability, with more than 10,000 stores of Apple's retail partners and the 236 current Apple retail stores selling it.

The new generation of the iPad, the iPad 2, features a 9.7-inch 1024 x 768 screen, the same as the iPad 1, carrying a new Apple dual-core A5 processor, with front- and rear-facing cameras. The device will be capable of 720p video capture from its rear camera. The front VGA resolution camera will support FaceTime and Photo Booth.

The iPad will come in white and black, unlike its predecessor (only black), and will have the samr pricing as the prior model: an iPad 2 wi-fi only will be available for $499 for the 16GB, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. To add 3G support, either Verizon or AT&T in the U.S., add $130 to the price.

Via: AppleInsider