Hoards of gadget fans queue for latest iPad at Apple store in Bristol
HORDES of gadget fans braved the morning chill and queued through the early hours to be among the first to get their hands on Apple’s latest iPad.
More than 100 people queued outside the Apple Store in Quakers Friars so they could buy the third version of the tablet computer – known as “The new iPad” – which was launched in the UK yesterday.
Some had come from as far away as Birmingham to pick up the new model, which ranges in price from £399 to £659 and boasts a higher resolution screen than previous models, an improved camera and “voice dictation”, which allows people to dictate straight to their computer rather than type.
At the head of the queue was Symon Purnell, who after almost 15 hours was relying on adrenalin to get him through to the store’s opening at 8am, an hour earlier than normal.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Mr Purnell, a 35-year-old photographer from Emersons Green, had started queueing at 4.30pm to make sure he was the first there.
A self-confessed Apple fanatic, Mr Purnell already has an iMac, a MacMini, a MacBook Pro, an iPhone 4, an iPhone 4s and an iPad 1, equipment that he uses for his business, Photography Moments.
Mr Purnell said: “I have got everything. I am photographer so everything is a business tool that I use with my clients.
“All my photos are displayed on iPads as it is a good way of showing clients pictures and wedding albums. The new iPad has a high-retina screen, which means it has an ultra-sharp image, so it will be better for my business.”
Mr Purnell settled down for the night in a portable chair he bought with him, relying on moral support from passers-by and cups of tea and coffee from the Apple staff to get him through.
Before being welcomed through the doors to whoops and cheers at 8am yesterday, he said: “It is just about getting in before anybody else.
“I am getting the 64Gb version, which costs £559, and it will pay for itself eventually. If I can get started straight away and have a working sample to show my clients it will give me the upper hand.”
But he also confessed to being a true fan of Apple’s products. Smiling, he joked: “Without the missus knowing, I have spent about £10,000 on Apple products. It is the photographer’s choice.”
Comments
by roly12345
Saturday, March 17 2012, 3:34PM
“The people who paid thousands to own the first personal computers did everyone a service by helping nurture an industry that today can put a pc in the hands of the poor for peanuts.
That isn't happening with this device is it? The money spent today will help keep lawyers fighting for this trinket to remain expensive and elitist for ever.”
by scott_s9
Saturday, March 17 2012, 9:02AM
“I don't understand why people have to be the first to get the new iPad which is basically the same as the old one but a HD screen and better camera. I noticed in Bath yesterday at least 30/40 people queueing for one. I went in to the store on my break to look at it, and there were still iPads lined up for sale at the back. Those who waited hours simply wasted their time! It's not like it's the first iPad. There'll only be a better one next year... Perhaps the same but slimmer probably?”
by A_Mushroom
Saturday, March 17 2012, 12:28AM
“You lost me there, KNIGEL, when you started talking all technical about your long laptop and taking tablets to get you done on the internet. Or something.”
by KNIGEL
Friday, March 16 2012, 11:44PM
“No idea A_Mushroom but is long as my laptop or tablet gets me on the internet, that will do me. Why pay £ 600 when you can get something quite decent and doing 90% of the same as its dearer models for £ 200 - £ 300? Just because the new one has a prettier picture (more pexals?) so what!? lol”
by A_Mushroom
Friday, March 16 2012, 11:15PM
“Do these Apple things come with an App that replaces sense with money?”
by PJB_1972
Friday, March 16 2012, 9:48PM
“Come on Symon, you're not fooling anyone. You don't really have a missus do you. Or did you mean you mum?”
by KNIGEL
Friday, March 16 2012, 7:31PM
“I must have the latest gadget....I must! I must! I must!
So what happens in 6 months time when the new I-Pad is out? Do they throw out the one they have just bought? Mad.”
by SpinyHedgehog
Friday, March 16 2012, 6:56PM
“I wonder if the "voice dictation" (can there conceivably be any other kind?) will cope with Bemmie and Patchwegian?”
by swisser
Friday, March 16 2012, 6:52PM
“Seriously? Whats it all about 1,2,3 have all come out and I'm still on the same computer........ #BRAINWASHED”
by yand12
Friday, March 16 2012, 4:27PM
“It's not Hoards it's Hordes.”