I know a few early adopters of the new one, if no anecdotal evidence, I won’t post anything else. :’)
I got my new iPad from FedEx on the 16th. It’s the first time I ever pre-ordered anything electronic.
I have already used it extensively in portrait mode reading ebooks and in landscape watching video and playing games. I’ve had lots of time, since I’m between jobs right now. Haven’t noticed any hot spots, other than that hot new Retina screen.