Apple iPad Air High-Capacity Models in Short Supply at Some Stores

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By Adario Strange2013-11-02 19:28:57 UTC

Since Apple released its iPad Air into the wild, many are wondering if it’s worth braving the inevitable long lines to buy the new tablet. Others are content to wait out the initial rush in hopes that the Cupertino, Calif. company can keep up enough supply to meet demand over the next few weeks.

Based on Apple’s website data, however, it may be a good idea for those hankering for an iPad Air to suck it up, and get in line now.

See also: Analyst: iPad Air Sales May Top 3 Million This Weekend

In the store section of Apple's official website, users can check the availability of various models of the iPad Air. The site's latest data indicates that the highest-capacity versions of the device — the 64GB and 128GB — are becoming scarce at some stores.

Conducting a random search for 128GB and 64GB cellular versions of device in the New York area, our results revealed that these particular models were not listed as being available at local brick-and-mortar stores. Checking the same configurations in Texas and California yielded similar results.

However, the 64GB and 128GB Wi-Fi-only versions of the iPad Air did show up as “available today” in most of the stores we checked.

To check the availability of a specific iPad Air model in your area, visit Apple’s online store, select your preferred color, then choose a storage size for either the Wi-Fi or cellular version.

Afterward, click the blue link that says “Check availability" on the right side of the page under “Available for pickup." You’ll be prompted to enter your zip code, after which you’ll see the stores that currently carry your desired iPad Air model.

These early supply constraints offer a preview of what to expect when the Retina iPad mini hits stores later this month.

Many fans of the smaller device have been waiting months for the Retina upgrade, so supplies will likely run out even faster than that of the iPad Air.

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Image: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Topics: Gadgets, Mobile, Tech