David Platt arrived at SouthPark mall’s Apple Store around 7 a.m. Saturday – two hours before it opened – planning to spend almost all of the money in his bank account.
Platt, a 17-year-old freshman at Clemson University, was among the throngs of people who waited hours to purchase or simply see Apple’s new iPad computing tablet.
“I am trying to justify why I am here,” said Platt, who said he planned to spend about $700. “I guess I can’t go out to eat as much. I will have to stay in on weekends.”
The iPad, which sells from roughly $500 to $700, was only available at Apple and Best Buy stores and was greeted by eager customers counting down to its release. Fans predict it will revolutionize wireless communication by giving users access to the Internet, books, movies and other information on a 9.7-inch touch screen – significantly larger than the screen for the popular iPod Touch that Apple sold.
