That’s funny. I was in Best Buy a few times shortly after iPad was released and noticed some things at the Apple table. (3 times I had to wait over 20 minutes there)
1 Teenagers primarily were looking (about 90% were age 16-18)
2 Apple table was never more than half populated on the computer and laptop side. Most of the time it was the same kids the whole time
3 In my three visits where I had to be right across from the table the whole time, not one person touched an iPad and very few even looked. Most walked past, if they noticed anything they saw the back of a big monitor (it was cool).
4 The (non-Apple) laptop and notebook aisles where (80+%) of machines were occupied by people of all ages
5 Nobody bought an Apple while I was in the store
6 Didn’t count but did notice several non-Apple systems were purchased during each of my visits
Consider my experience anecdotal? Yes.
But there was a major lack of interest displayed in the store.
Compare that to what the fanboys feed us on the internet.... The store should have had a line all the way back to the grocery store down the street just for people to possibly see an iPad or Apple product.
How many iPad purchases do you think were made by new Apple customers?
I’d bet 90% or more were bought by previous Apple owners and 2\3 of those buy anything with the Apple logo on it. Maybe not all obnoxious fanboys but loyal customers and “collectors”.
With the popularity of Apple retail stores it is unsurprising that Best Buy would not sell a ton of Apple stuff. As far as I know the student discount is only available at Apple stores, and so it is likely that anyone who knows anyone with a student ID would buy from there.
With the popularity of the iPhone and iPod it is getting harder and harder to find people who aren’t previous Apple owners.