On January 27, 2010 Steve Jobs unveiled a new product that would revolutionize computing: The iPad.

Then on April 3, 2010 Apple finally launched the iPad 1 and I was there! Since I didn’t preorder one I went to the my closest Apple Store at the Brandon Mall in Florida. I arrived right before 7:00 a.m. and waited until the store opened at 9:00 a.m for the iPad 1 lauch. See my photo essay of this memorable moment in Apple history below.

The iPad 1 launch line forms

I was excited to be at the front of the line and optimistic that I would be able to buy an iPad on launch day. For the record, my goal was to get a iPad 1 Wi-Fi with 16 GB of memory.

Apple iPad 1 launch - Brandon, FL Apple Store
7:13 a.m. – I was lucky enough to be at the front of the line

Apple iPad 1 launch refreshments
7:28 a.m. – Starbucks provided fresh coffee for the line
Apple iPad 1 launch - Brandon Apple Store
7:56 a.m. – Apple Employees take a first look at the line
Apple iPad 1 launch line
8:08 a.m. – Everyone on their iPhones
Apple iPad 1 launch line forms
8:25 a.m. – Line on the right: Preorders & Line on the left: Purchases
Apple iPad 1 launch line
iPad launch line right before the store opened
Apple iPad 1 launch - line at store open
The line went right before the store opened 

Brandon Apple store opens for the iPad launch

After waiting in line for two hours, the moment everyone had been waiting on finally was here. The Apple Store opened for the launch.

Apple iPad 1 launch - store opens
8:56 a.m. – The Apple Store gate finally starts to open. And of course ,everyone cheers. This is a religious experience after all.
Apple iPad 1 launch - Employees are ready
8:57 a.m. – Apple Store Employees get ready to sell some iPads
Apple iPad 1 launch - Brandon Apple Store opens
9:11 a.m. – I’m finally at the front of the line 
Apple iPad 1 launch - Brandon Apple Store open
9:21 a.m. – Mission Accomplished. iPad 1 purchased. Time to head home.

After iPad 1 launch: Time to open the box

After completing the purchase, I ran a few more errands at the Brandon Mall. This meant I had to wait until around 10:30 a.m. to open my brand new iPad 1 after the launch event. The wit made the unboxing of the iPad even sweeter:

Apple iPad 1 launch - box closed
10:30 a.m. – The front of the iPad 1 box.
Apple iPad 1 launch - box open
10:31 a.m. – My first face to face with the iPad 1 after launch.
Apple iPad 1 launch - iPad box open
Contents of the iPad 1 box: iPad 1, USB charging cable, Wall charger, and instruction packet.

All photos were taken with my Apple iPhone 3G.