Though Apple has not yet released official numbers about the iPad 2's first weekend, sales appear to be brisk. The estimated ship time for the next-generation tablet is now at four to five weeks.
The wait time is the same for all versions of the iPad 2 - black, white, 3G, and Wi-Fi. Buyers are limited to two iPads per order.
When the iPad 2 first went on sale via Apple's Web site on Friday, the tablets had an estimated ship time of five to seven business days. Clicking through, however, Apple.com displayed wait times between two and three weeks.
Apple told The Loop that iPad 2 sales are "amazing" but declined to provide exact numbers. When the first iPad was released, Apple sold 300,000 tablets during the pre-sale period and during its first day in stores. Apple did not have a pre-sale for the iPad 2, but it was available at more third-party retail stores at launch, prompting analysts to predict that Cupertino might have sold up to 500,000 iPad 2s in its first weekend.
Those hoping to get their hands on the iPad 2 as soon as possible braved long lines Friday afternoon at Apple Stores and other retailers nationwide. Many shoppers reported that Apple and others quickly sold out, however. Some Apple stores are reportedly opening early today, but it will vary depending on which stores received shipments.
For more, see PCMag's full review of the iPad 2, the unboxing and the slideshow below.
Update: This afternoon, Apple said it will delay the planned March 25 launch of the iPad 2 in Japan due to the earthquake and tsunamis.