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

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.

At 7 a.m. there was a long line of folks waiting to purchase the new Apple iPad.

Wet conditions have not deterred these shoppers.

Apple fans come in all shapes, sizes, and military branches.

One baby is getting indoctrinated into the Apple way at a really young age. Yes, this line is family friendly.

The line continues down the street past the FAO Schwarz toy store.

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.

The line ends where this lucky street vendor is no doubt selling out of coffee and muffins.

The "plaza" is policed for possible protests. No press is allowed up around the Cube.

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.

The Apple staff does its usual morning routine to get pumped up. Even people in line can hear the cheers from below.

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.

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.

Customers are eager to escape the elements and enjoy the warmth of the store, probably as much as they want the next iPad.

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.

More customers follow as they eagerly make their way home, work, school, or some other destination to play with their new iPads.

Early Apple fans are mobbed by reporters and cameramen asking why they would wait in line for the new product.

Yet another Apple fan mobbed by the media.