1. Apple Store and Best Buy
For the April 3 launch, you'll be able to buy an iPad at Apple's 200+ retail stores and "most" Best Buy (no word yet on how to find out which stores are excluded; call your local Best Buy for details) starting at 9 a.m. local time. Even though AT&T is offering the 3G service for the iPad, since 3G models aren't ready yet, AT&T stores aren't selling the iPad. Don’t end up as the only person waiting in front of an AT&T store – you’ll be out of luck.
2. Pre-Order for Pick Up
Starting March 12, you can pre-order an iPad from Apple, pay for it, and then pick it up on April 3 at your nearest Apple Store (UPDATE: Not anymore. All current iPad pre-orders will now ship April 12). Already have the money and want to be absolutely sure you’ll get an iPad? This is probably your best bet.
3. Pre-Order for Delivery
You can also pre-order your iPad online and have it shipped to you. This process has been used with the iPhone, and while it has worked, it’s not foolproof (shipping problems could mean the package doesn’t arrive on the 3rd). If you don’t have an Apple retail store nearby, this is your next best bet.
4. Camp Out
Not ready to make a pre-order commitment? That means you’ll need to wait in line at your Apple Store to get a crack at the non-pre-ordered inventory. Depending on where you live and how many people might be waiting, expect to show up anywhere from 1-24 hours before the iPad goes on sale.
5. Check with the Mall/Apple Store
Many Apple stores are inside malls, and those malls may have different open and close times than Apple promotes for the sale of the iPad. Check with employees at the Apple Store or mall you’re targeting to make sure you’ve got all the details and, if it’s available, can get in before the rest of the mall is open.
6. Released Reserve Units
Anyone who pre-ordered an iPad for pickup at an Apple Store has to show up on April 3 in order to buy their iPad. If those who pre-ordered don't pick them up by a certain time on the 3rd, Apple Stores may "release" pre-ordered, unclaimed iPads for sale to people waiting for them. Call your local Apple Store (or, if you're in line, ask an employee) to find out how many unclaimed pre-orders they have and when they expect to release them for sale.
7. What Won’t Work: Buying Online From Anyone But Apple
As the date draws near, you can be sure that eBay and Craigslist are going to fill up with iPads for sale on April 3. Be very careful. Some of these listings may be legitimate (though, given shipping, it’s hard to see how you’d get the device on April 3), but many of them will be scams. Apple’s the only official place to get an iPad online on April 3.
8. What Won’t Work: Holding Your Place in Line
You might be able to get away with this for a few minutes, but don’t expect to be able to step out of line, or have someone else hold your spot (overnight, for instance). People in will be antsy and Apple Store employees will likely be strict to avoid trouble.
