The arrival of the iPad in pictures – Part 1

Saturday morning revealed an around-the-block line of people anxious to get their hands on the “magical” iPad at the Stockton Street Apple Store in San Francisco. The masses did their best to relax, chill out, catch a few laughs and blog real-time as the clock wound down to the moment all had been waiting for: the opening of the doors.

Apple staff was easily recognizable by their blue T-shirts.

The line around 8.15am, Saturday morning. “It’s either amazing, or very sad, or both,” said a voice in the crowd.

Max Ackermann, first person in line.

As usual, with lines like this, some people know how to take it easy in the meantime.

Some took advantage of the Apple Store Wi-Fi while waiting.

The end of the line, on O’Farrell street.

Jason Kincaid, TechCrunch, streaming live with his Nexus One (but he has an Apple sticker over the logo, so as not to incite the wrath of fanboys.)

At 8.35am, the first countdown sounded before the Apple staff pulled down the black curtain covering the store windows.

And, behold: The iPad has arrived.

[Photos by JP Manninen]