iPad debut draws large crowds

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The iPad finally went on sale Saturday, and hundreds of eager buyers waited in long lines at the the Apple store at The Domain .

They wanted to be the very first to take home the new iPad .

"There are some Apple diehards, and they were here," said Scott Spencer, who lives in the Domain.

Spencer walked out of his condo early Saturday morning and was amazed at what he saw.

"When I got up there, they were doing the wave," said Spencer. "This was probably an hour before they opened."

Michelango Rodriguez has been looking forward to the release for months.

"I'm thrilled about the iPad release, and I believe it will be a new theatrical experience for me," said Rodriguez.

By the way, Rodriguez is a very busy 13-year-old.

"Basically, I believe the iPad will help simplify my life," said Rodriguez.

Advance orders are sold out. Analysts expect another 200,000- to 300,000 iPads to be sold during its debut weekend.

The Apple store at The Domain has more than 500 people registered to pick up their iPads, which start at $500.

Even though there are a lot of tasks the iPads will not do, these Apple fans do not seem to mind.

"I'm usually one of the earlier adopters," said Alex Suarez, who was waiting in line. "I'm usually in these long lines, enjoying what comes out."