New iPad Launch Draws Apple Store Crowds

New York City's flagship Apple store on Fifth Avenue an hour before the new iPad went on sale.

The pre-order line, on the left, and the much longer line for those who did not pre-order the device on the right.

Huntington, N.Y. resident Greg Packer, 48 proudly stands first in line.

Harlem resident Kobe Nunez, 20 (white hoodie, right) and friends wait in line.

Those on line braved the drizzle and chilly 40-degree New York City temperatures.

Many of those on line camped out for days.

The line extended down 58th street then rounded the corner onto Madison Avenue before making its way back up 59th street.

The line was "literally around the block," an Apple employee said.

Apple employees get ready to let people in.

Manhattan resident J.C. Bacquec, 23 (in khaki pants), who stood first in the pre-order line, makes his way into the store.

The crowd cheered as first customers made their way into the store.

A customer excitedly enters the Apple store on Fifth Avenue to purchase a new iPad.

More customers are let into the store.

Customers said they were excited about the new iPad's retina display and fast speeds.

Another group of customers is let into the store.

A customer excitedly enters the store.

Manhattan resident J.C. Bacquec is the first to emerge from the glass cube with a new iPad in hand.

A customer shows off his new iPad.

N.Y. resident Greg Packer, 48, who was first in line, shows off his new iPad.

Another customer holds up his two new iPads.

One customer unboxes his new iPad on the street.

The new iPad in action.