iPad may reach store staff ahead of time

Apple may pursue an uncharacteristic strategy of building awareness of the iPad in advance, a rumor maintains tonight. Insiders, and supposedly the manager of a southern California Apple store, claim that retail staff will get to see the iPad themselves on March 10th, about two weeks before Apple's late March release window. The Examiner also insists TV ads would also start airing earlier than usual, on March 15th; with notable exceptions Apple normally waits until a device is on the verge of release or already available to start its marketing.

It's not known if a mystery ad filmed in August would have any connection to the iPad or something else altogether, although e-book features would purportedly be a central component of the ads.

The launch doesn't have a definite timeframe, but March 26th is deemed likely. Many have already pegged the date as the most probable candidate; Apple has routinely launched high-profile products on Fridays and would only realistically have the 26th if late March was the earliest opportunity for a release.

In a questionable addition to the rumor, those who buy an iPad on launch day may get a "special gift." Apple hasn't typically handed out extras to first-day buyers and often prefers to limit these giveaways to t-shirts at store openings.

Regardless of accuracy, it's widely expected that the iPad launch will be carefully stage-managed by Apple, as CEO Steve Jobs considers it one of his most important products ever, with a smooth launch essential to its success.

By Electronista Staff