I went to a local Apple store yesterday just to see if I could get a a hands on to this FCP X, but to my surprise they don't even exhibit this in their store. The sales lady told me that I have to purchase it in the Mac App online. But I don't want to purchase it, I just want to see if this software will work for me since they don't have a trial version.

Does this mean that Apple has no confidence in exhibiting FCP X?

Same happened to me here in the UK last week. I was working with a corporate client in the middle of Cambridge and nipped into the Apple store at lunchtime to try and have a play with it (mainly to see it with my own eyes before I pass judgement). However, they told me that they "had n't got it imaged on their Macs yet" - which I assume means they were/are expecting to soon (and I stress assume, as in truth, I really don't know if the Apple geek I spoke to knew for sure).

Personally, I'd be VERY surprised if it's not available for demo in Apple stores - and disappointed. Maybe it already is in some of the bigger/flagship stores? .... but since Apple are headquartered in CA I'd almost expect to include your Apple store in that definition!

But then again Apple have thrown us a "few unwelcome surprises" in the last week and just maybe they think at "just" $299 the try before you buy approach is not relevant....

I agree, I'm surprised no one has downloaded it at my local Apple Store so I could check it out. Who knows why, but I'm sure it'll be soon.

They still have a ton of other and older pro apps on most of the systems.

heath

I can confirm that the Apple Store in Richmond Center (British Columbia, Canada) doesn't have it installed on any of their demo machines either.

It shouldn't be a surprise, the reason is simple: They don't want a seasoned pro walking in who's used to FCP 7 and then *potentially* making a any public exclamation of his disappointment that it's iMovie on steroids.

That would be really bad PR for the plethora of general consumers who would be in the store and think pros prefer Apple stuff and hearing someone go off on all the "pro" features that are missing.

The Wellington, FL (outside West Palm Beach) Apple Store said they will be installing FCP X shortly. No reason given for why the wait, but hey, that's a great way to try it out and see how it goes.

Heath

I'm wondering if they're waiting for Lion.

I'm guessing that the locked down systems that they have on open display have to be easily wiped & re-imaged for when customers screw them up accidentally or deliberately. It's not just down to the local Apple Store to install & maintain these systems. The corporate group who do this work will take time to develop & test thoroughly before rolling out a new version incorporating new versions of software that is to be deployed in stores worldwide.

Yeah, I can see that, waiting for OS X Lion.

heath

I'm at one of the South Florida Apple Stores and the Mac Pro and iMacs have FCP X, Motion 5 and Compressor 4. Not sure about the MacBook Pros, because everyone is on them. This has to be the busiest store in the mall.

Heath