iPad Launch Brings Long Lines, Plenty of Stock

In previous years, iPads and iPhones have been resold on eBay EBAY for several hundred dollars more than their base value. But regardless of the potential windfall, Gilpin said he couldn't part with his new iPad. “If I'm waiting in line, it's for me,” he said. “I'm not selling it.” While only one person I spoke to admitted that he planned to sell an iPad on eBay (he was buying two and planned to keep one for himself), not everyone was waiting to buy the tablet for personal enjoyment. “I'm waiting for my boss, who couldn't be here because he had a trial,” said Penelope Kinzer, who works for a lawyer. “Our firm is really big on technology. We all got iPad certificates to get one this year because they want everyone connected, up-to-date.” While the Retina Display and 4G LTE connectivity intrigued most iPad buyers this morning, Kinzer said that her boss wants the device “because it's the newest one.” She got in line at 6:20 a.m. and planned to pick up the white AT&T T 64GB model. I asked if Kinzer would be willing to sell her iPad on eBay for the right price. “No, oh no!” she said, laughing. “That would not happen! He's [my boss] already e-mailed me and texted me and called me to make sure I'm here in line. That won't happen.” Kinzer describes herself as “someone who really wants their job in an office with a window,” not a diehard Apple fan. Don't expect to see her waiting in line to buy herself an iPad anytime soon. While Black Friday sales and concert tickets have gotten her attention, Apple products just aren't enough of a motivator. But don't tell that to Roscoe “Rocky” Truman, one of the many returning iPad owners. “I want to see the Retina Display,” said Rocky, who got in line 4:30 a.m. “I'm also gonna take my iPad 2, which I bought about six months ago, and pass it down to my son when I get the new one. So it's kind of a generation thing.” While many early adopters were springing for 4G LTE, Rocky chose to stick with a Wi-Fi model. “I'm getting the Wi-Fi 64GB,” he said. “I'm gonna get it in black. I think the white is sort of a lady's color. Plus, I asked all the guys here and they're all getting black. So I went with the majority.” Follow me @LouisBedigian