Best Buy to carry iPad, accessories for the 3rd?


National retail chain Best Buy is rumored to be prepping for the iPad launch next week.

MacRumors is reporting that Best Buy may be not only carrying the iPad and accessories, but should have stock for next weekend's launch. The Website states U.S. Best Buys with an Apple store-within-a-store will have displays and devices for sale. About 2/3rds of Best Buy U.S. retail stores house dedicated Apple areas.

It seems reasonable to expect iPads at Best Buy, but availability for the launch is significant. It offers another option for shoppers to check out and buy the iPad and accessories beyond Apple's retail stores. Other than many cities without an Apple Store, Apple Store locations may be inconvenient and certainly will be busy next weekend.

MacRumors also reported that four iPads will be on demo with different SKUs. That doesn't make much sense, so wires may have been crossed. Apple only has three Wi-Fi models shipping, and it is unlikely Apple would even display each model as a demo. The only difference between the three Wi-Fi models is the built-in storage. Also, four demo units of the same product seem a lot for Best Buy's typical displays. Perhaps accessories will be on demo and not just iPad. It may also suggest something about iPad availability. If Apple was expecting supplies to be restrained, it would probably keep stocks for its direct customers. Offering iPads at Best Buy suggests there will be plenty for shoppers.

Anyway, the Website reports that prep is expected to begin next week, so popping into a store sometime before the launch should reveal more details about specific stores.

Best Buy Preps for April 3rd iPad Launch