iPad 2 pops up at Walmart early, can't be bought yet
updated 08:25 pm EST, Thu March 10, 2011
iPad 2 already on Walmart shelves
Central New York state resident Anthony Carretero spotted one of the first known instances of the iPad 2 on store shelves. A Walmart in the area had at least the 32GB and 64GB models in their display cabinets well ahead of the 5PM Friday launch. Carretero didn't try to buy the iPad, but Electronista has heard from one reader as of this writing who couldn't get it to process in the checkout system.
Such moves aren't uncommon in technology sales as inexperienced staff might often overlook a release date or forget to honor a do-not-sell period. They remain relatively uncommon for Apple products, however, as the company normally orchestrates carefully controlled releases and is strict about stores honoring release dates. In extreme but rare situations, it has been known to revoke reseller licenses, but this isn't likely for Walmart.
All stores are expected to follow the 5PM guideline, and unlike past launches, no online orders will be arriving earlier the same day. [via RazorianFly]
