TOUCHDOWN

The ipod Touch is expected to land at Apple stores tomorrow. Although a small number of units (mainly 8gb) unexpectedly appeared across the brand’s retail network a week ago (and instantly sold out), the official shipping date is today. Calls to the flagship Regent Street store and the Kingston Upon Thames shop both confirmed that they are expecting a mysterious delivery tomorrow at 9am. However, until they open the box, staff haven’t got a clue what they’re receiving. “How exciting,” I said to Gerant, the Apple man on the end of the phone at the Regent Street branch. Poor Gerant didn’t sound quite as excited as I was, but then I expect he’s been answering calls all day about whether they’ve got any Touches in stock, poor lad. PC World also took out adverts in today’s national newspapers, shouting about the fact that they will have a limited stock available in certain stores tomorrow morning … but only enough for the first 20 in each shop. Fans who pre-ordered on Apple’s on-line UK store however, are feeling more than a little miffed. While the shipping date has remained at a constant September 28th, the delivery date has slipped 7 days, from 2nd October to 9th. Explanation? We didn’t expect the demand we’ve received. Right. That international press launch that received obscene amounts of media attention three weeks ago didn’t give any hints. Naughty Apple, bad Apple.