While it’s clear that the next-gen iPad will be announced on March 7th, the device’s actual release date remains unclear. A shot of Best Buy’s inventory system may provide a clue, however, showing that the retailer is expecting new iPad accessories to be in stock on March 11th.
TUAW reports:
We’ve gotten word from a Best Buy insider that the electronics retail giant expects to have some new accessories in stock as of March 11, 2012 — see inventory screenshot above. In this case, the items in question appear to be a variety of ZAGG’s InvisibleSHIELD device protectors… and they’re showing up under a search for “iPad3.”
While this isn’t exactly a confirmation, it is at least interesting that the InvisibleSHIELD, which must be precisely cut to match each product it is sold for, is the item in question. Interesting, though, March 11th is a Sunday, which Apple wouldn’t normally release products on – but if the release is actually set for Monday, this would make a great deal of sense.