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Apple's new iPad goes on sale and as usual, a line forms... (photos)

This morning's launch of the new iPad inspires a horde of shoppers to line up for hours, extending several blocks from Apple's Fifth Avenue flagship "Cube" store.

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Time to wake up for the iPad

This morning's launch of the new iPad has inspired a horde of shoppers in New York to line up for hours, extending several blocks from Apple's Fifth Avenue flagship "Cube" store. As the sun rises, those who've been at the store all night are roused.
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2 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Off to an early start

At 7 a.m. there was a long line of folks waiting to purchase the new Apple iPad.
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3 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

These fanboys are waterproof

Wet conditions have not deterred these shoppers.
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4 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Military needs iPads too

Apple fans come in all shapes, sizes, and military branches.
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5 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Apple fans come in all ages

One baby is getting indoctrinated into the Apple way at a really young age. Yes, this line is family friendly.
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6 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

The line goes on and on...

The line continues down the street past the FAO Schwarz toy store.
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7 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

...And on

As with last year, the line wraps around another corner. This year's line seems longer than the one for the iPad 2. The Retina Display looks to be a killer feature for some people.
009apple_ipad_3_launch_nyc__2.jpg
8 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Finally, an end!

The line ends where this lucky street vendor is no doubt selling out of coffee and muffins.
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9 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Fanboys cordoned off

The "plaza" is policed for possible protests. No press is allowed up around the Cube.
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10 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Lucky No. 1

One lucky customer stands at the front of the line. He's clearly no stranger to Apple products; he is using an iPad as he waits for the store to open.
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11 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Apple staffers at the ready

The Apple staff does its usual morning routine to get pumped up. Even people in line can hear the cheers from below.
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12 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Entering the Cube

The woman in heels leads the first guy in line through the high fives into the store. You'd think he just won a sporting event of some kind the way they carry on.
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13 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Walking past a sea of blue

The blue-shirted Apple employees were up by the entrance of the Cube to greet every customer who comes in, creating a love fest atmosphere for the shoppers, with nonstop clapping and smiling.
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14 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Eager to get out of the rain

Customers are eager to escape the elements and enjoy the warmth of the store, probably as much as they want the next iPad.
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15 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Emerging from the Cube

One lucky individual was the first to exit from the store with his new iPad, much to the delight of Apple employees, and to the interest of the surrounding media.
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16 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Escaping with the new iPad

More customers follow as they eagerly make their way home, work, school, or some other destination to play with their new iPads.
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17 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

The media descends

Early Apple fans are mobbed by reporters and cameramen asking why they would wait in line for the new product.
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18 of 18 Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

Your 15 minutes of fame

Yet another Apple fan mobbed by the media.

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