As the lights dimmed for Apple's iPad announcement in the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, journalists around the world tweeted, blogged and texted even the most mundane details to an eager worldwide audience.
Chattanooga retailers and consumers alike watched Apple CEO Steve Jobs' presentation with growing excitement. In some cases, stores got calls before Mr. Jobs' presentation even came to a close. The iPad comes in six flavors ranging in price fom $499 to $829, should hit stores within two months, Mr. Jobs said Wednesday.
* Mac Authority -- Manager Jeff Sisk said he is looking forward to selling the device, saying that Apple fans had been coming in the store and calling to ask for iPad accessories prior to the device's unveiling. He said Apple's $499 price for the entry-level iPad would draw customers to the store, and expects to have the iPad in stock.
* Computers Plus -- Employee Spencer Charlesworth wondered if the iPad Apple puts into production will be as fast as the demonstration model, and is disappointed the device will run on iPhone software and not Snow Leopard. The store received between 10 and 20 calls in the hour following Mr. Jobs' presentation, he said.
* Best Buy, Chattanooga, East Brainerd -- Manager Carrie Roberts isn't sure the store would carry the new iPad.
* Best Buy, Hixson -- The Best Buy in Hixson only carries the iPhone and doesn't sell Apple laptops, so whether or not it will stock the device will depend on how it is classified by Best Buy corporate, said Stacy Bowling, manager.