Apple Opening Online iPad 2 Sales At 4AMApple Opening Online iPad 2 Sales At 4AM

If you check Apple's online store right now, you can't order the iPad 2. It still says "coming soon." It also indicates that people will be able to purchase an iPad 2 starting at 5 p.m. at Apple Stores and provides a tool to help customers find the closest Apple Store.

Until today, it was assumed that online orders for the iPad 2 would also start at 5 p.m., but Apple today announced exactly how everything will roll out. It says that those interested in purchasing an iPad 2 online may do so starting at the crack-of-dawn time of 4 a.m. in the Eastern time zone (1 a.m. Pacific). In other words, anyone on the east coast who wants to order an iPad 2 online had better get up early. West coasters need only go to bed a bit late.

In-store sales won't start until 5 p.m. local time across the country, as previously announced, which Apple says will be honored by all its retail partners, including Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart. Those looking to order an iPad 2 from an online retailer other than Apple will find it becoming available at scattered times throughout the day.

Apple did not say how quickly it would ship iPad 2 orders placed online Friday, March 11. They could ship as early as Friday, but it's probable they won't ship until Saturday or Monday. Apple also did not provide estimated arrival times.

For those who absolutely have to have the iPad 2 ASAP, the best bet will likely be to sweat it out until 5 p.m. and hope to pick one up at your local Apple retail store or Apple retail partner.

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, $699 for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G (GSM for AT&T) will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network (CDMA) will be available in the U.S. only for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.

The iPad 2 will become available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on March 25; and in many more countries around the world in the coming months.

Apple said that further international availability and pricing will be announced at a later date.