I know it's all conjecture but I haven't seen any rumors as to when we'll be able to sign up to pre-order the iPad nor have I seen any rumors as to when it will actually ship.

All I've seen is that it will be shipping in March. That's not very specific but I guess rumors really can't be. Has anyone heard anything in terms of specific dates?

Mum is the word, I have been checking Apple's web site and here and all over and have seen zero new info from the end of January until now. You would think the PR people would have something to say, they must chomping at the bit to get started.

I know two official Apple Developers. One is a friend and neighbor and the other is the son of a friend. They've both been busily working on apps for the iPad using the SDK. I asked them if they would be getting their hands on an iPad early like they got their hands on an Intel Mac early. They both grinned and said yes. I asked them when they would get their iPads to work on and they both got very quiet. No comment from either.

I think the Apple lawyers have put the fear of Yahweh into them both about this. They let me look at and play with the early Intel Macs but I bet I won't even know when they get their iPads.

I guess in terms of marketing Apple must think that keeping us in suspense is going to pump up sales. Actually, it just aggravates me no end. And why can't we even sign up for a pre-order? That's just getting your name on a list and it lets Apple know in advance how many units will be needed for the first release.

I suspect until the FCC has approved the device they aren't going to make an announcement with respect to pre-order.

Wouldn't the FCC only need to approve the iPad 3G variant? I would have thought that Apple would have gotten FCC approval before trying to showboat.

That sucks rserkes. You'd think having developers cooing about the cool stuff they're implementing would be in the iPads favor... what with the jokes and grumping about Flash.

Doesn't FCC have to approve Wi-Fi devices too?

Hmm.. Very interesting.. I would think the 3G model only would need to be FCC approved and was hoping that was already baked into the delayed released date. I'll have to do more research on this.

My best guess is that they Apple have an idea or goal when they want to release the iPad but are still putting the finishing touches and testing it to the limit. Apple as well as we the Mac users want everything to go smoothly. It would make for very bad press if the ipad went on sale bugs or some sort of defect with the device.

The ipad will go under the microscope once it is released. No matter what happens no mater how good or great the iPad their will be criticism. However overall in the end the iPad will more than likely be hailed by most people and hopefully the media.

Therefore in my humble opinion once Apple's quality control and engineers are nearly 100% confident the iPad is ready for public consumption they will give the green light and set the release date.

Lets face it Steve Jobs is a Perfectionist. I'm sure he wants it out ASAP but not before its truly ready.

I also believe they are making the last small change for make it perfect at the official launch ... i think they will try to respect their timing (if they don't discover some details)

IMHO I don't really think there is time enough left to finetune any hardware. I'm inclined to think that there are warehouses filled with boxed units as of now. This device will sell at least a million units in the first two weeks. This number of units could have been compiled by marketing wizards after the keynote reactions. Remember that this device will be sold worldwide! Manufacturing must be quite intense at the moment...


PS If there is any tweeking it shall be software upgrades.