Apple’s iPad 2 goes on sale at 5PM pacific time on Friday, March 11, and while it will be popular, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster doesn’t expect customers will have to deal with long lines.
Mr. Munster predicts the iPad 2 launch lines will be shorter because Apple has over 10,000 potential retail locations thanks to AT&T, Verizon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target stores.
Customers lined up early for an Apple product launch
Despite his short line prediction, Mr. Munster expects the iPad 2 will sell out faster than the original iPad model, and that the company will get over a million units into customer’s hands in less than 28 days, according to Business Insider.
While Apple will have more locations where customers can purchase the second generation iPad, the company isn’t letting shoppers pre-order. Instead, everyone that wants an iPad 2 on launch day will have to stand in line at a retail store — a factor that Mr. Munster may have missed in his prediction.
The second generation iPad will be thinner than the original, includes front and rear-facing digital cameras, FaceTime video chat support, GSM and CDMA 3G wireless data support, a faster processor and graphics, black or white bezels, and more. It is priced starting at US$499.
Apple is currently trading at $352.17, down 3.59 (-1.01%).