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Desperate for that new iPad? Buy it at Wal-Mart at 12:01 a.m.

Wal-Mart is getting a jump on Apple's retail store sales of the third-generation iPad by almost eight hours.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Apple's new iPad
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Apple's retail stores are ushering in iPad shoppers at 8 a.m. tomorrow in your time zone, but Wal-Mart says it can do eight hours better.

The retail giant is throwing open its doors to tablet shoppers at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, at 24-hour Wal-Mart stores. Of course, supplies are "limited." According to Wal-Mart spokesperson Sarah Spencer, the availability of iPads with a variety of storage capacities will vary by store.

For instance, Wal-Mart noted that it will sell the 16GB Wi-Fi model in black or white for $499, and the last-generation iPad 2 for $399.

Wal-Mart stores that aren't open around the clock will start selling iPads during their normal business hours.

Stick with CNET as we cover sales from Wal-Mart and from various Apple stores across the country. Also stay tuned for CNET's full iPad review. In the meantime, here's what our sister site, CNET Asia, had to say after snagging their own Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad at midnight their time.

Hands on Apple's new iPad (photos)

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Article updated at 2:15 p.m. PT with more details on availability of iPads with a variety of storage capacities.