As we confirmed yesterday, Apple’s iPad 2 went on sale in 500 RadioShack locations across the country on Tuesday. Considering the tablet’s limited supply among Apple Store locations and other third-party retailers, however, we wondered how much inventory Apple might be willing to spare for the various RadioShack locations set to offer the device this morning. BGR has confirmed that several RadioShack locations in the New York metropolitan area received single-digit shipments, and every store we spoke to this morning was sold out. More interesting than the low-volume sellouts, perhaps, is the claim by a BGR tipster that the store he visited refused to sell the iPad 2 unless customers also agreed to purchase AppleCare protection plans and an iPad 2 cases along with their tablets. RadioShack salespeople at the New York City location he visited stated that the store was required to sell AppleCare and a case with each iPad 2 for today only. Despite a customer’s position in line, he or she was allegedly not permitted to purchase an iPad without the pricey add-ons.
UPDATE: We have confirmed that it is not RadioShack’s policy to require the purchase of AppleCare or any accessories such as cases with the purchase of an iPad 2.
Thanks, Giancarlo