This kind of desperate-for-pageviews article is a fine example of whats wrong with tech journalism on the web these days. Apple didn’t botch the iPad launch, they successfully launched the iPad  2 almost exactly as they launched the Original iPad, only the demand was greater this time round. But let me respond to all five points.

1. No pre-orders.

Apple are masters of generating buzz around a product launch. Massive queues outside every store in North America generates buzz, pre-orders don’t. You may not like it, but it works for Apple.

2. No information

Honestly, how long have you been covering Apple?

3. The lines.

“Figure out a system (wristbands?) that’s fair and cut off the line.” – See point one about media manipulation.

I understand the blogger in question probably didn’t want to wait in line just for a unit to review, but I passed the Apple store queue every day in Austin and the crowds were in good spirits. Apple staff were always communicating with the people in line about how long they could expect to wait, they were handing out bottles of water, coffees, etc. The whole thing was about as pleasant an experience you could get in a queue.

4. Bad Buyers.

Not Apple’s fault, and no real way to for Apple to police this beyond their current “2 iPads per person per store” policy. And this happened last year, in fact, i was part of the ‘grey market’.

5. Over promise, Under-deliver?

So this whole ‘article’ is because you’re bitter your iPad hasn’t arrived yet? I’m sure it will arrive soon.

5 ways Apple botched the iPad 2 launch | ZDNet.

Written by: Peter Wells on March 19, 2011.