Apple launched its Retina
display-sporting iPad in China on Friday to orderly lines, a scene
contrasting the company's most recent product launches in the country
which were marred with unruly crowds and scalpers.
A pre-sale reservation system
instituted by Chinese Apple Stores appeared to be effective as the
third-generation iPad launch went off without a hitch, perhaps
uncharacteristically so for such a substantial release.
The scene came as a surprise to Apple customers, reports Reuters,
as many have become used to long lines and overnight waits to purchase
the new products. Scalpers were also an issue as demand sometimes
drastically outweighed supply. Apple in January was forced to halt sales of the popular iPhone 4S on launch day as a large group of customers became unruly upon hearing that the handset was sold out.
"I'm very surprised that there is no line," said Sun Xufei, an IT worker
who was first in line at the Shanghai Lujiazui Apple Store. "I thought
there was going be a long line so I came over a bit earlier to pick it
up." The line Xufei was standing in was reportedly only about 20 people
deep.
