Leaked image says iPad lands at Best Buy... on launch day

We'd heard buzzing for some time now around the internet that Apple planned to sell its iPad in more than just its own stores, and usually the name Best Buy was mentioned in the same breath... but now we've got some photographic evidence. The above shot comes from what looks to be an internal memo from the big box retailer, not only stating that the stores will be getting the iPad, but that they'll be getting the iPad on launch day. Now, there's no way for us to confirm that is 100 percent the real deal, but we speculated this could be coming back in mid-February, and there's lots of corroborating evidence to suggest this is no joke (such as COO Tim Cook explicitly mentioning the device would be sold at Best Buy) -- we just didn't expect to see it day one. We're digging for more info on this story, so stay tuned.

Update: Best Buy's iPad playbook is certainly looking legit at this point. Our tipster sent us another two screenshots (they're after the break) showing off BB's new retail display which includes the iPad. Interestingly, they also tell us that the iPads are set to be delivered to stores on the night of April 2nd, and that quantities will be limited to about five of each model on launch. TUAW has also just published more of the playbook if you want to head over there and check it out.

[think before you react Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:27PM]

@doobster
I'm glad they're discounting such a useful service. O_o

A four year old can work an iPhone- I assume an iPad would be no different.

IF someone DOES buy this service- please post a review- I could use a laugh. Friggin BB...

[malexandria1 Posted Mar 27th 2010 1:41PM]

I was part of Best Buy's Premiere program that gave me 45 day returns. They used to give great incentives and lots of points, but they've upped the limit so it's really hard to get redeemable points and they qualification from $1,500 to $2,500 to qualify for Premiere Silver. They dropped me last week because I ONLY spent $1,100 last year. Way to screw over a customer who actually spends a lot of money in your stores! The only reason to purchase an iPad at Best Buy is a purchase of this size would net you some Bonus Points so it'd probably get you at least a $25 BB Gift Certificate. Two years ago it would have gotten you a $75 GC.

So screw Best Buy, won't be shopping there again, I'm going to wait until I can get the iPad from Amazon. That way I can order it - not pay almost $60 in taxes and shipping (which is about how much the $799 one was through the online Apple Store and have a good enough amount of time to try it out. The only thing I don't like about Amazon is they don't have any special incentives for repeat customers, but then with Prime, I don't really need any.

[GBH2 Posted Mar 27th 2010 1:50PM]

OK so that comes to 979.93(including adapters, keyboard dock and APP) + 58.80 tax = $1038.73

No thanks! I would rather buy a nice laptop, or a decent laptop and a netbook,

[malexandria1 Posted Mar 27th 2010 2:18PM]

@GBH2 You forgot $49.99 for the Case.

[kabloink Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:00PM]

@GBH2 Don't forget the optimization fee.

[fumjum Posted Mar 27th 2010 2:12PM]

Why wouldn't Best Buy sell this? It's just a giant iPod Touch. Most retailers sell iPod Touch. It's not like this version has 3G.

[mhunterjr Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:06PM]

the experience on the ipad is proving to be more interesting than I thought it would be. But it's still seems like a useless product...

it's supposed to be the middle ground of a phone and a laptop, but doesn't have the most useful features of either...

[Prosercunus Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:16PM]

Because number of sales = quality of product

amirite?

[ebgolfin Posted Mar 27th 2010 9:00PM]

@Prosercunus

Time will tell, but it's hard to imagine this product as being anything but high quality.

The screen will likely be bright and sharp. The touch accuracy will likely be superb (as it has been shown that the iPhone has the highest quality touch interface). The build quality will likely be second to none in the tablet space. The manufacturer will support it heavily with OS updates and media relationships. Third party developers (who are many) will likely create compelling software.

Are you saying that the lack of a camera or USB port makes it low quality?

[zeroleonheart Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:17PM]

5 units per model? What is this, 2001? They know demand for this thing is gonna be big.

[ECH Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:32PM]

You used to be able to try out mice at my local Best Buy as they had an aisle of unboxed keyboard and mice. Now however, the Apple store occupies that space and all the mice are safely locked away in their packaging... Yet another reason I dislike Apple.

Not that I would actually buy anything at BB.

[think before you react Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:56PM]

@ECH
maybe BB should have placed the Apple products in the place landline telephones and Monster products...

[eli Posted Mar 27th 2010 10:02PM]

@ECH strange, I sneezed and farted at the same time an "I'M A PC" ad came on. Yet another reason I dislike Microsoft

[ECH Posted Mar 27th 2010 11:23PM]

@eli

Ya know, you're right... I should just hate apple because of their overpriced, locked down, products.

[schneiderman Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:35PM]

iPad FTW!!!! So excited! (:

[think before you react Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:53PM]

@zeroleonheart
agreed. lol

[retro77 Posted Mar 27th 2010 5:01PM]

So this thing is gonna cost what? Like a grand [$1000] with the accessories and bonus stuff? How much is the HP Slate?

[pankomputerek Posted Mar 27th 2010 8:24PM]

@retro77 1/2 the price of that *cheap* thing

[jessenichols Posted Mar 27th 2010 6:21PM]

I was talking to an apple rep at best buy a week ago and said that this was going to be happening. He said that the whole apple table would have iPads for demo on launch day.

[Wesscoast Posted Mar 28th 2010 2:40AM]

@jessenichols

iPads on a .... table...? Wow. Way to blow the budget..

Don't tell me... on July 4th you get... *gasp.. balloons?

[incubusmac Posted Mar 27th 2010 8:20PM]

So will the keyboard actually be available? I thought it was delayed.

[pankomputerek Posted Mar 27th 2010 8:23PM]

Ah it's only a pdf document as you can see in top left of first image... the Adobe Reader pointer. Any one could make this.

[eli Posted Mar 27th 2010 9:59PM]

You know I am surprised that with all these smart joksters out there, no one has bothered to mockingly point out that this device, from a distance and on a spec sheet, appears to be a larger iphone! how was this missed?! Much to my further amazement, how have people not correlated its use of the word "pad" to feminine hygiene products!? Oh Mr. Jobs, you have snuck right passed the wits of these buffoons again!

[Ante Up Posted Mar 27th 2010 10:29PM]

Only BBYs with Apple stores are going to carry this item. About 5-600 total locations. It will not be available online at launch, only in stores.

[Wesscoast Posted Mar 27th 2010 10:50PM]

Tablet STD's....

egh!!

Woah... Fanboys... really love their Apple gear

[thechippy Posted Mar 28th 2010 5:47AM]

@Wesscoast

Yes we do...!!!

[k2001 Posted Mar 27th 2010 11:36PM]

Best Buy has created one reason for me to visit them. I probably won't buy the IPad, but the IPad look interesting enough for me to visit the store.

Apple store is far away from my house.

[bryoneill11 Posted Mar 28th 2010 2:29PM]

engadget where is my comment??? if anybody says anything against apple or the stupid ipad you delete it???

[Samson801 Posted Mar 28th 2010 4:36PM]

I just beat Perfect Dark! What a great game

[liquidxer0 Posted Mar 31st 2010 12:44PM]

@think before you react

At least we can have *gasp* a female bellybutton be shown on ours. Wait, let me censor that word for the AppStore.....b311ybutt0n.....

[aavexplorer Posted May 10th 2010 2:14PM]

I bought an iPad for my 93 year old grandmother. She was surfing and coding like a pro in no time. Big Ups!