We’re less than 24 hours away until stores around the world begin offering the iPad mini and iPad with Retina display for the very first time. For those folks that want one of the new tablets, but did not preorder, we’ve got some tips and additional information for you.
What’s on sale?
Wi-Fi only versions of both tablets will go on sale beginning tomorrow, Nov. 2, at 8 a.m. local time, as well as select accessories.
For the iPad mini, models and prices include 16GB ($329), 32GB ($429), and 64GB ($529). The fourth-generation iPad also comes in three configurations including 16GB ($499), 32GB ($599), and 64GB ($699).
In the U.S., Apple and Best Buy stores plan on opening at this early hour. Target and Walmart stores, which are usually open by 8 a.m. anyway, will also carry the new tablets, as will other Apple resellers.
Carriers don’t typically sell Wi-Fi only tablets. Therefore, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless won’t be the places to be tomorrow. Instead, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer for Wi-Fi + Cellular models, which are expected to arrive in mid- to late-November.
Inventory
Figuring out which stores carry which models is always difficult, especially on launch day. A good rule is to arrive early and to narrow your choices down to two or more models. That way, depending on the actual inventory, you will probably not leave the store empty handed.
We expect that the iPad mini will be much more in demand on launch day than the fourth-generation iPad. In particular, we believe that the iPad mini white model will be harder to get. This is primarily based on how quickly the model sold-out for preorder.
The iPad 3
One final note has to do with the iPad 3.
Stores are beginning to slash prices on the third-generation iPad. Best Buy, for example, is offering $50 off each unit, while Target is offering $40 gift cards. Don’t be tempted if you are really counting on getting a newer model.
As a reminder, the iPad mini and iPad with Retina display go on sale beginning tomorrow in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Are you planning on fighting the crowds tomorrow? If so, which iPad are you hoping to buy?
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