iPad 3 Release March 7: New Tablet Shipping to U.S,, Best Buy Discounts iPad 2 by $50

The rumors of a March 7 release for the iPad 3 seem to be true. Apple.pro reported on Sina Weibo – the Chinese Twitter - that a shipment of iPad 3s has been sent from China to the U.S.

These iPads were assembled in a Foxconn factory in the western city of Chendgu – the same place where an ABC News Nightline team gave us an inside look. The transportation began on Feb. 26. These shipments will land at three U.S. ports – Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

As reported by Apple.pro, Foxconn has recorded a shipment of “secret cargo” containing next-generation iPads. The security is extremely tight and conforms with Apple’s obsession with secrecy..

The shipments will reportedly ensure that Apple has sufficient stock to introduce the iPad 3 next Wednesday. On Tuesday, Apple sent out invitations to the media that cryptically read: We have something you really have to see. And touch.

Pre-orders of the device are expected to be launched on the same day and the product will be available in stores within a week. It is expected that Apple will allow users to pre-order iPad 3, as with the original iPad. But the iPad 2 was not available for pre-order.

Our company started undertake a load of top-secured cargo. The owner has extreme requirements for the security. In order to prevent the cargo from being dragged on the airport ramp for too long, as well as shortening the time the cargo stay on the airport ramp, we hereby require XXXX to schedule all the XXX cargo planes from Feb. 26 to Mar. 9. to XXX slot, says a post on the Chinese WeiPhone forum.

Rumors that another Apple device will be revealed, along with iPad 3, are also on the rise. The supposed second device could be an Apple TV or next-generation iPod.

Meanwhile, top U.S. electronics retailer Best-Buy has rolled out a $50 discount on all versions of the iPad 2. The tablet's price, especially 16GB version, is expected to fall below $400 after the debut of iPad 3. It looks like retailers want to clear their iPad 2 stock to make space for upcoming iPad 3.

(Reported by Johnny Wills, Edited by Surojit Chatterjee)

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