RONALD MIZEN

THE Apple iPad 2 was recently launched to the elation of Apple fans around the world.

Shoppers queued for hours at the Perth city Apple Store to be among the first to buy the highly anticipated item on Friday, 25 March.

Committed Apple fans camped out from Thursday afternoon, securing their place at the front of the queue for the 5pm launch.

Sixteen-year-old Mitchell Short was among those who camped out.

“It’s been a really good atmosphere. Apple has been handing out water and umbrellas, and everyone is just really looking forward to getting their hands on an iPad 2,” he said.

Sixty-five-year-old Phillip Cass waited in temperatures reaching 36 degrees but said he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I don’t remember the first time I queued for an Apple product, it was that long ago.

“I’ve gotta have the latest thing, it’s like a religion but better.”

The line stretched for hundreds of metres from the Hay Street store, while security personnel watched overeager customers.

“Everyone has been really well-behaved; it’s been a pretty easy day,” said one security guard.

Similar scenes played out at Apple stores across the city.

At Next Byte in Nedlands, more than 100 people queued for the iPad 2, but many left empty-handed when the store sold out in less than an hour.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said the company was experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone.”

Apple claim the new iPad 2 is faster and lighter than the original and has new features including two inbuilt cameras and video conferencing functionality.

Apple staff remained tight-lipped about the launch, telling the media: “Today is all about the customers”.

There was some contention, however, when Apple told one Premium Reseller it wasn’t allowed to hold iPads for customers with existing orders.

Many customers, who thought they had guaranteed themselves an iPad, were surprised when staff told them their units had been sold.

“This is completely unacceptable and typical of Apple,” said one angry customer.

The exact number of units sold worldwide during the launch remains unknown. With wait times hitting six weeks at some stores, one thing is certain: the iPad has been a big hit with consumers.