'Still in China' - The iPad's Slow Journey Home

Earlier this week, the Cupertino, Calif.-based maker of cool things began notifying customers that their pre-ordered iPads were being prepped for shipment, or had actually been packed and shipped. For those who pre-ordered before this week, Apple has promised delivery by Saturday, April 3. After those first notices, waves of excitement began rippling all over everywhere, beginning for many in the town of Shenzhen, China -- where iPads have been manufactured.

That was a few days ago. Since then, many have been feverishly hitting "refresh" on the UPS tracking Website to follow the progress of their magic packages from Shenzen. One after another, Apple customers have reported no movement of their iPads. On Twitter, a search for the phrase "still in China" turns up these comments and more:

"I hope I'm not the only person getting anxious that UPS shows my iPad is still in China."

"My iPad was still in China yesterday, according to UPS. Oh where are you iPad? When will I get to pinch and poke and swipe you?"

"My iPad is still in China. It's going to have to shake a leg."

"My iPad is still in China. It's gotta travel pretty fast to get here by Saturday."

"im burning out the refresh button on the UPS page. My iPad is STILL in China"

"Why is my iPad still in China? It's *Thursday*, Apple."

"I'm not sure I like knowing that my iPad is still in China. Although it is in a city I've been to, so that makes me feel better. . . "

"Why is my iPad still in China???? (starts hyperventilating) UPS, it better be here ON SATURDAY."

The race is on for Apple to get its crates of iPads half-way around the world to many thousands of people over the next 36-to-48 hours. Its customers, UPS' Web master, and Twitter's servers are all counting on it.