Thanks to an unknown sender, Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs was able to answer in one simple word whether or not the iPad 3G+WiFi model would be hitting store shelves at Best Buy retail locations. That one word? Yep. Just like that, all our concerns laid to rest.

But in all seriousness, the new version of the iPad will be available at Best Buy locations with Apple mini-stores inside, just like they were with the original iPad back at the beginning of April. So, if you didn’t already order it, or you’re not a fan of the nice Apple Shops, then you can go right into your yellow tag reseller and pick one up for yourself. That is, if they don’t run out of stock.

[via 9to5 Mac]

There’s some good news in the whole ordeal, though. If you were hoping to get your Apple Tablet from the yellow price tag retailer, a spokeswoman for the company stated that they will have retail units available for purchase come this Sunday. Although, if you’re looking for something right now, you could always go into one of your local Apple Stores. Word is that they still have some in stock. And, sure enough, when we contacted some stores in the Los Angeles area, they confirmed with us that they do, indeed, have some iPads left.

So, what’s all of this mean? Well, to play Devil’s advocate, would mean to say that the Best Buy establishments didn’t get all that many units of the iPad in at all. As we’d heard rumored, it might indeed mean that the Apple Shops in those stores only got 15 units, and therefore, selling out would not be that big of an accomplishment (compared to, you know, 50 units in store). We’d like to assume that Apple did very well, though, and we have no reason to think they didn’t.

[via CNET]

Why should you care about an Apple Specialist location getting an iPad? If you have already pre-ordered your tablet, or have it waiting for you in an Apple Store right now, then you shouldn’t. But, if you’re one of those who’ve waited until the last minute, and the fact that Best Buy probably only has 15 to give away anyway, you might want to try and find a Specialist location just in case. We’re not expecting them to be hammered like everywhere else. Then again, they’re getting some pretty heavy coverage now, so maybe the news outlets have changed all that.

But, no matter what, another option to get your iPad never hurt. Especially if you’re the only one who knows where your Apple Specialist location is. We’re hearing word that, while locations are supposed to have models on hand, that some places aren’t actually going to be selling them. Some are only getting window units to show off, while others aren’t getting anything at all. So, before you make the trek, make sure you call and ask a few questions, first. Wouldn’t want you to waste the gas getting there, right?

[via Apple Insider]

Apparently, Steve Jobs is a fan of sending out direct emails to pertinent questions. He’s been going pretty crazy with it since the announcement of the iPad, and we’ve actually used it to debunk one or two things in the past. This time around, we’ve got word from the co-founder of Apple himself that the iPad will be sold at Apple retail stores, Best Buy, and at Apple.com from the start. It won’t be sold in AT&T stores, at least not at first. According to Jobs’ answer: “Initially at Apple Retail and online stores and Best Buy.”

Doesn’t get much more matter-of-fact than that, does it? And, as always, it was sent from his iPhone. We’re really appreciating the hard work that Steve Jobs is putting in to answer some of these questions. As much as we love surprises, we’d much prefer pre-release satisfaction. Who knows what else we’ll find out from the man himself. Anyone have any questions they’d like to ask Steve Jobs?

[via AppleInsider]

Apple’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Tim Cook, was speaking at Goldman Sach’s annual tech conference this afternoon, and he dropped that the iPad would be sold not only in Apple’s online retail shop, but also physical stores, online education fronts, and other direct sales. To add icing on the cake, he noted that the iPad will also be sold from assisted sales partners like Best Buy. So, if the line in front of the Apple Store isn’t your thing, you have a few options. Apple is planning to keep it close to the chest at first, but as sales takes off, the places where the iPad will be sold will expand.

Cook is also not worried about the iPad taking over sales of Apple’s other products, like the iPhone or Macbook line. He thinks that when people get their hands on the device, they’re basically going to be blown away by it. He labels the experience as being incredible, and that seems pretty fantastic to us. While it’s great to see the COO not worried about cannibalized products, we’re wondering if he’s seen this recent survey, or if a survey like that even matters. If the experience is as good as he says, then it probably won’t.