North Texans Line Up For New iPad 2
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - If you build it, they will come... and they did, by the hundreds.
It was just one year ago that Apple launched its much anticipated iPad. In only 80 days, three million were sold. Friday, the iPad 2 was released to much fanfare and enthusiasm at the Apple Store in Dallas. Pumped up tech fanatics were lined up around the building. Some had been camped out for five days.
One Dallas man brought a tent, sleeping gear and enough supplies to get him through the long wait because, as he said, it's an event he didn't want to miss. This was the fourth time he got the coveted first in line spot for a new product release, and he was thrilled to receive the tickets Apple employees handed out 30 minutes before doors opened at 5:00 p.m., guaranteeing him his treasure.
The man sitting in the number two spot had other motives, however. He had waited in line not to buy the iPad 2, but to sell his position to the highest bidder. Moments before the doors opened, he made a deal for $250 with an older man who stated that he did not have the time to get into line, but wanted a guarantee that he would be able to purchase the updated iPad. The seat filler did not get back in line to purchase anything -- he took the money and left.
There were four males to every female in line, and when asked why they would wait for days or hours for the new technology, most said "for bragging rights" to be the first to own the product, which ranges in price from $499 to $999. They cited the slimmer look, lighter weight, camera functions and faster technology as reasons to invest both time and money into the purchase.
The iPad 2 is also available at Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Target stores. And rumor has it that yet another version will be released in the fall. Stay tuned -- there will no doubt be the same frenzy surrounding that launch in just a matter of months. Get your sleeping bags and tents ready.
