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Purchasing a third-generation iPad in Paris (photos)

Hundreds gathered outside Apple's store across from the Paris opera to buy the newest iPad. Here's a look at the crowd.

Stephen Shankland

March 16, 2012 6:14 a.m. PT

Stephen Shankland

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Queueing next to the Paris opera

Apple has a store across the street from the Paris opera house, a flamboyant structure that offers something nice to look at while waiting in line for a third-generation iPad.

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LeKiosque promotion at the Paris iPad line

Balloon-toting women advertised LeKiosque, a company that sells digital magazines and newspapers, to French iPad customers.

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Third-generation iPad customer

Marieke Loppin waits in line in Paris to buy her fiance a new iPad. "It's his birthday gift. He's so excited to have it," she said.

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Unappreciated Parisian cafe-brasserie next to iPad line

Paris is famous for its sidewalk cafes, but this one had no customers--perhaps because of the free coffee people for the iPad customers in line.

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PInkasfeld's new iPads

iOS programmer Joseph Pinkasfeld carries a new third-generation iPad out of the Apple store across the street from the Paris opera house, visible in the background.

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Paris opera house scenery while waiting for an iPad

The copper-domed Pairs opera house across from Apple's store is adorned with sculptures of rearing centaurs, golden lyres, griffons, birds of prey, and other extravagances.

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Unheeded Amazon Kindle ad by Apple store

This advertisement for an Amazon Kindle stood on a bus stop a few feet away from the Apple store where hundreds had queued to buy a third-generation iPad tablet instead.