"Yes, please."

And off we went. Thrilling as our banter was, I'll just mention a couple of details that might help you in a similar situation.

: When you bring in one of these devices, Apple doesn't take it, give you a ticket, and tell you to come back in a week after Joe in the back fixes it. Instead, you're given a replacement. Oftentimes this is a refurbished model--one that's been repaired and is offered with the same warranty as a new one. In my case, Albert said it was unlikely that it was a refurb as the third-generation iPads are so new, but he couldn't swear to it as store employees aren't not told what's inside these replacement models.

: I had a 32GB 4G AT&T model, which retails for $729. The replacement cost of the iPad is $299 plus tax.

: I pre-ordered my iPad within minutes of the thing going on sale and, because I've always done so, chose the AT&T model. Regrettably, at the time, I didn't know that AT&T was going to drag its feet in regard to tethering (nor that Verizon would offer tethering for free). Rather than cancel the order and get back in the now-longer queue, I stuck with the AT&T model.