Apple has announced that the new iPad will officially go on sale in its retail outlets at 8am on Friday, news that's sure to get the attention of Apple fans and queue-baiting Samsungers everywhere.
The UK is one of 10 territories in the initial wave of launches, though whether you'll actually be able to get your hands on one in two days' time might be a different story altogether.
It's set to be yet another blockbuster opening weekend for Apple, and as has become the norm recently online pre-orders have completely sold out and quoted delivery times have already taken a hit – at present you're looking at 2-3 weeks should you go the web route.
That means getting in line is now the only way you stand a chance of getting your iPad on launch day, but don't expect to be able to rock up at 7.55am in waltz straight in.
The time-honoured custom of showing your allegiance to the iFruit by camping out for days on end before launch day is alive and well – despite Samsung's best efforts to make it look ridiculous – and our bet is you won't find a single iPad for love or money past lunchtime on Friday (unless some stock is held back).
However, according to Pocket-lint wiser birds may choose to wait not outside their local Apple Store but rather in front of a PC World instead. The flagship Tottenham Court Road branch in London is apparently set to open its doors at 12.01am on Friday morning to welcome the true die-hards, while selected branches in other cities will be opening doors at 7am, an hour before Apple Stores put the tablet-starved masses out of their misery.
Just to remind you, the iPad has been priced at £399 (16GB), £479 (32GB) and £559 (64GB) if you're happy with Wi-Fi only, or an extra £100 in each case should you want yours to offer “4G” capabilities.
