iPad 2's China Launch Draws Throngs Of People (PHOTOS)

iPad's China Launch: Lines, Lines, And More Lines

Apple's iPad 2 went on sale in China Friday and was greeted by long lines, scalpers, and clamoring crowds.

According to Bloomberg, Apple's white, 16GB iPad 2 sold out "within hours" at the Lujiazui store in Shanghai, while Apple Insider remarks that "anecdotal evidence" suggests the white models may have been more popular.

The lines started around 5PM the day before the iPad 2's official Friday launch. Scalpers showed up for the tablet's debut, as well. Notes Apple Insider, "Dozens of scalpers congregated outside the retail store, offering to sell the device, which starts at 3688 yuan ($568), for a markup of just 200 yuan ($30)."

By the end of the year, Apple plans to open 25 new stores in China. Sales in the PRC have been booming for the Cupertino company: annual revenue from sales in China increased threefold in 2010, rising to $3 billion in 2010 up from $1 billion in 2009.

Apple COO Tim Cook has also called China Apple's "top priority"

See pictures from the iPad 2's China debut below:

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