Originally Posted by
jackal
store.apple.com is not currently showing any availability in any Apple Store within several hundred miles of my house. That's what my entire initial question was about--if the stores ever have physical inventory on hand that doesn't show up online, because nothing is ever showing up online.
The only choice I have on store.apple.com is to order and have it shipped directly to me, which is currently showing 3-4 weeks (and I leave for Asia next week). No in-store-pick-up is ever shown as being available (and I'm checking several times a day in addition to setting alerts via several of the websites mentioned above).
Why not call one of the stores closest to your home and inquire when they are expecting shipments? They probably won't hold a phone for you, however, if you stop by right after they receive a delivery, you may just be able to buy one.