[Infowarrior] - iPad's horrible roll-out plan

[Richard Forno]

Call me crazy but I think there's controlling a roll-out to generate  
buzz, and controlling a roll-out to generate customer anger.  While  
I'm not getting an iPad, I would be incensed if I was forced to drive  
all over town because the stores only had such a limited number of  
products for sale *on purpose.*   Way to go, Apple:  hype the hell out  
of a product, and end up annoying customers by making them jump  
through all sorts of hoops to get them.

Imagine if this wasn't an iPad, but Cabbage Patch Dolls (1980s) or  
Tickle-Me-Elmo (1990s) ... you'd see riots breaking out all over  
retail America   -rick

Source: http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/03/28/apple.plans.limited.third.party.ipad.sales/

An escaped playbook from Best Buy has confirmed that the retailer will  
aggressively promote its Best Buy iPad launch but carry only a low  
supply. Each shop will have four demo iPads, and Best Buy plans to  
make the iPad the front cover item for its April 11th flyer  
nationwide, even for stores where the iPad won't be sold; TUAW hears  
customers will be steered to any nearby Best Buy that might be  
carrying stock.

Supply, however, will be tightly rationed. Each participating store  
should have no more than 15 iPads in stock, split equally between the  
different capacities. Another 15 should arrive on April 11th, but  
Apple may tell Best Buy before launch day that it doesn't have  
replacements. Stores may be asked to hold back a portion of their  
initial supply to prevent disappointments when customers come in after  
the flyer appears.

No online sales will be available, at least initially, but each  
physical store will also be carrying most of the iPad-specific  
accessories as they become available.

More@ http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/27/exclusive-best-buy-playbook-for-ipad-leaked-quantities-to-be-e/