If it helps, I thought I got in late because of work issues. I wanted to monitor the apple on line store from 4pm on into the evening eastern time. At 7:40 pm eastern time USA , my pre order was completed successfully and uninterrupted. I thought that meant the bulk of the rush had passed enabling the site's order process to work properly so I was disappointed. I received the order status as successfully and only 15 or 20 minutes later my credit card was charged and less the $634.00
They say I will have a black 32 gig by the 16th. I feel it will be sooner. Maybe there was not such a big rush after all. With a name like " the new iPad " ya can't tell what peoples rethinking. Lol , obviously that name eans nothing but I would bet if Steve is watching ,he is rolling his eyes at this name..." the new iPad ". The new iPad. The new... Nah , don't like it. I will always call it ipad3. Or my usual nick for it is ip2. ,ip3. Not that anyone gives a hoot.