March 12, 2012

The new iPad was announced almost a week ago. On the day of the announcement, individuals were able to make their pre-orders online. However, one day after pre-ordering became available, individuals were presented with information saying that the new iPad was sold out online. For individuals not savvy enough to know, they may think that it will only be available once the stock is replenished online. However, all Apple followers know that the new iPad and all other launches will be available a week or so after, in store. However, even those in the know aren’t always prepared for the long lines. This guide will help you survive them.

Before March 16th

Sell Your Older Model

If you haven’t sold your older model – be it the original or iPad 2 – then you may be at a slight disadvantage. Unlike selling it even the day before the announcement, where most un-tech savvy individuals won’t know that a new iPad would be announced the next day, individuals now know about the new iPad. Would they be willing to pay $500 for your good condition iPad 2, even with the wireless keyboard and smart cover, or would they rather have the iPad 3? I’m sure you know the answer to that question. However, you aren’t out of luck. If you sell your iPad at a reasonably low price, consumers may see that the new iPad and the iPad 2 are quite similar and saving the extra $150 may be worth it. Make sure to sell your device right away. At this time, the selling and purchase of an iPad is a buyers market than a sellers market. If you are the individual looking for an iPad, you are thrown deals left and right. However, with everyone wanting to get rid of their old iPad, you have a lot of competition!

Prepare Your New iPad – Before It’s Even in Your Hand

Even though you don’t have your iPad yet, you can make many steps to make your new iPad feel at home once it is in your hands. Make sure to backup your old iPad completely to make sure that once you sync your new iPad, it will be filled with the correct content. Additionally, begin shopping for some cases and accessories now. It’s highly likely that most stores won’t have accessories for the new iPad, however, many online retailers do. We will go more into this later in the guide.

Head To The Store – Prepared

You’re now ready to head to the stores. Depending on your location, your store may have a much larger line than usual or an astronomically larger line than usual. Either way, you should expect a very long wait. If you are an individual who has a special order (shopping for family, or wanting an iPad that will be less in stock – like the 64 GB WIFI + 3G White iPad will be rarer than a black, 16GB WIFI only one), then you should head to the store at least sometime around the day before, or at least night before, to guarantee your model will be in stock.

On March 16th

Prepared To Pay

March 16th is here, you are in line, you have your new iPad in hand and you’re ready to pay. You take out your wallet and get the card out to find that you either don’t have enough funds, or systems seem to be down. You have just become that guy – the one who slows down an already busy line and day at Apple. To prevent yourself from becoming that guy, you should take a couple of precautions to plan ahead of time. For individuals who remember Apple’s rule with the first iPad, about only accepting cards. Since the iPad 2, consumers could pay for their iPad with cash only as well as with cards. However, if you do have a card, that should be a preferred payment. This is to prevent having a bank load of money with you in line, you’re just inviting trouble with having all of that money. If you don’t have a credit card or debit card, you can also go to your local store and get a gift card. Most have a $1000 limit, make sure to read the fine print beforehand to be sure.

Know How to Set It Up

You have your new iPad, not only did you survive the lines, but you have a gadget that many individuals may have missed out one when pre-ordering became unavailable. Consider yourself lucky. Now that you are safe and home, it’s time to sync your device if you haven’t already. This can take a while, but is well worth it when complete.

Protect Your New iPad

Within 30 days, you have the option to purchase Apple Care +. This is worth purchasing and actually a privilege, especially since this relatively new option was only a dream a while back. This allows for two accidental damage incidents (with a $49 service charge), without having to pay $500 for a new iPad. This covers drops, water damage, etc. This is an essential for any new iPad user. Additionally, make sure to invest in a good case soon. Most retailers like Zagg usually have cases like these available for purchase days leading up to an official launch. Stay tuned to their sites and sites like theirs to see what they have to offer. While the iPad 2 and new iPad look alike, the new iPad is a bit heavier and thicker.

The Days After March 16th

Be Prepared for A Choppy Ride

Oh, the joys of being an early adopter. Despite the heavy tests Apple has, you are always prone to being apart of the early adopter problems, like what we saw with the iPhone 4 and “antenna gate”. This is the time when mass users will reveal any parts of the new iPad that just aren’t working out. Apple will most likely offer a solution to the problem, like how Apple offered free cases to new iPhone 4 purchasers to alleviate the antenna gate issue.

Fill It Up

You have a new iPad, now use it for what it’s for, the apps. Even if you had an old iPad, there are many other applications out there that show off the new Retina display or take advantage of the newly improved camera. Additionally, iPhoto for iOS was newly released at the event, this is a great purchase for any new iPad user looking to take advantage of the new iPad’s camera and screen.

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