iPad Launches Internationally to Long Lines

[MacRumors]

Apple's Regent Street Store / Photo by Rob Smith
Apple's iPad officially launched internationally overnight in 9 countries. Long lines were reported in many locations with photographs posted from Paris, Sydney, Italy and a video from Japan. According to Reuters, Apple's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza had a line of over 1200 people waiting to buy an iPad.

"I wanted to touch it as soon as possible. I felt real excitement when it was finally in my hands," said Takechiyo Yamanaka, 19, who camped out in front of the Ginza store from Wednesday evening to be the first in line.

The iPad's international launch was delayed due to high demand in the U.S.

Article Link: iPad Launches Internationally to Long Lines

 

[noservice2001]

im glad i got this stateside!

 

[DylanLikesPorn]

I wonder if it'll be busy in Canada. I haven't heard of too much interest here.

 

[macduke]

Good to see the Apple fans around the world are heading out in droves to support the iPad. This device really is a game changer. I love mine, but I haven't been able to find the camera connection kit anywhere!

 

[eastercat]

I'm really surprised about the lines. For some reason, I thought people would have the option to mail order an iPad.

 

[GoodWatch]

I'm really surprised about the lines. For some reason, I thought people would have the option to mail order an iPad.

True, but some want it in their hands right away and also love the atmosphere and buzz in those queues. I was that way too, a long, long (cough, wheeze) time ago I'm more patient now and besides, my country isn't served yet.

 

[allmIne]

I'm really surprised about the lines. For some reason, I thought people would have the option to mail order an iPad.

They do. But a lot of people enjoy the queuing up part. Additionally, those who pre-ordered late will have to wait until mid to late June for delivery.

On a completely unrelated note, I must ask again - who neg reps a story like this?

 

[gmanist1000]

I find it funny that Apple haters thought this device would fail.

 

[talkingfuture]

Was a nice surprise to get mine a day early, wouldn't fancy queueing for so long.

 

[BillyBobBongo]

Sucks that it's not being released in the Netherlands yet, and to add insult to injury I was in Berlin last weekend and not this one.

Oh well...and excuse for another 'jolly' across the border!

 

[cdodsworth]

went past it this morning on my way to work (reagent street that is ) and there was so much whooping, yelling and hollering that I thought I was in the US somewhere

 

[-=XX=-Nephilim]

Crazy people

I wouldn't refuse it only if Steve himself comes to my door and gives it to me free of charge.

Saying that, even then I still wouldn't know what exactly to do with it...

 

[krustofski]

about 700 people lined up in munich.

 

[Elloise]

Currys and PC world have UK stock

Strolled into Currys at 8.15 this morning. Purchased 3G 64 gig iPad. Strolled out at 8.17.

If you tell them you don't want a microsim they will give you a 3 one free.

 

[LikeAPossum]

Please be gentle, Takechiyo, it's delicate like a flower.

 

[manu chao]

In my small town (20000 people + 50000 in the catchment area), the local reseller had received about 25 iPads at 2 AM this morning. Reportedly, other resellers in other towns had received about the same number (my local shop is part of small chain).
They opened at 10 AM, I walked into the shop ten minutes later. There was no queue but a handfull of people inquiring about the iPad with at least one other person looking very much like buying one.
There were still about 20 boxes stacked behind the counter (+ about three iPads on a presentation table). When they tried to scan the barcode, it did not work, which they explained to me was because it was not yet in the system. From this I would guess, I might have bought the very first one.

The shop assistant told me, they had much preferred to receive 250 instead of the 25 they got.

 

[eastercat]

True, but some want it in their hands right away and also love the atmosphere and buzz in those queues. I was that way too, a long, long (cough, wheeze) time ago I'm more patient now and besides, my country isn't served yet.

Wanting to be immersed in the atmosphere is understandable, but there was an article on the front page that said that pre-orderers had gotten theirs a day early.
Personally, I have no interest in waiting in line for the iPhone again. If I can get it pre-order, I won't be waiting in 100 degree weather ever again.

 

[gazzrenn]

So glad I a) don't live in a city and b) pre ordered my iPad.

 

[Cloudane]

"I wanted to touch it as soon as possible. I felt real excitement when it was finally in my hands," said Takechiyo Yamanaka, 19, who camped out

Ooer missus :limpwrist:

(To be fair, I'll be camping out this weekend. Only thing I want my hands on though is beer!)

 

[tobyw7]

I find it funny that Apple haters thought this device would fail.

Haters always fail.

 

[naujoks]

London doesn't look all that busy?

 

[Philsy]

"Long lines"? These look like long queues to me.

 

[Thex1138]

The only queue I was in was to the mail room for mine this morning along with two other dudes..

Synching and installing stuf right now

 

[Cydonia]

Crazy people

I wouldn't refuse it only if Steve himself comes to my door and gives it to me free of charge.

Saying that, even then I still wouldn't know what exactly to do with it...

Surf the web, check your email,tweet, chat, watch some movies - podcasts- YouTube clips, play some music, play some games, do a little word processing - geez man where you been in a cave?

Once you've got to grips with those Modern concepts you'll be ready for multi-tasking in Q4.

 

[robrobin10]

They are coming..............it's great .....i am excited about it .......