Many lined up early for release of new iPad

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Apple’s newest iPad launched on Friday and lines formed outside local Apple Stores as people got ready for the next big thing from the technology company.

Doors will open, at 8 a.m. as stores are preparing for big crowds. Excited consumers have been camping outside apple stores in Boston, New York and far beyond.

In fact, the iPad frenzy started just after midnight Friday in Sydney, Australia.

"There's just a legion of fans out there that are really going to buy whatever comes out from the company," CNET.com executive editor David Carnoy said.

Some of those apple loyalists were camped Thursday outside the apple store in New York City, anticipating the store's opening Friday morning.

"I came for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s and now, I come for the iPad," Louis Mendes said.

"Doesn't really matter if it's worth it to me, I just like getting the new product," Joseph Cruz said.

One that comes with a high resolution retina display screen -- sharper than the average high-definition TV at home.

"For a lot of people, it's just going to pop out,” Carnoy said. “And when people see that screen, that's what they're going to want."

But David Carnoy says the iPad's new screen comes with a tradeoff: Developers also have to catch up and create high-resolution apps to capitalize on the screen -- apps that carry larger file sizes, which take up more memory on the tablet.

Still, voice dictation, an upgraded camera and faster networking are among other improvements expected to extend the iPad's dominance of the tablet market.

The price for the iPad's base model remains at $499. However, the company's also still selling its iPad 2 and has reduced that model's base price to $399.

The new product has already given apple a boost -- its stock reached more than $600 per share for the first time, Friday.

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