NEW YORK ��" Apple Inc's iPad hit stores on Sunday after months of buildup, igniting excitement and kicking off a critical sales period that will determine if the sleek tablet computer becomes the next blockbuster. At Apple's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, cheers went up from employees as shoppers entered the shop at 9 a.m. (1300 GMT), emerging a few minutes later carrying the devices touted as a bridge between a laptop and smartphone. As Wall Street gauges the device's popular appeal, an infectious energy permeated the crowds at many stores. Tim Bajarin, president of consulting company Creative Strategies and a long time Apple watcher, said lines at the stores "were long and enthusiastic." "The device lives up to its hype, this really has the potential to reset people's expectations for how you use a computer," he said. Buyers whooped and pumped fists as Apple employees applauded and high-fived the first customers. Hours after the doors opened, the store remained loud and bustling. Some customers, like Simon Cox, immediately cracked open their new toys for a trial run. Cox, a math teacher visiting from Manchester, England, said he sent a quick email to friends and family. Noting that the iPad was smaller than he expected, he said: "It's easier to carry around. I certainly know I'll use it when I'm out and about." Technology experts also rushed to have a firsthand look, taking apart the gadget to examine its components and workings. One firm, iFixit, an Apple parts and repair specialist, revealed the iPad includes chips from Samsung Electronics, Broadcom, and Texas Instruments. Wall Street wants to see if the device, which went on sale at the company's more than 200 US retail outlets, along with many Best Buy stores, can win a mass following. If so, it could provide another boost to Apple, whose stock has been hitting record highs, as well as companies that provide parts and components. Crowds built steadily, with shoppers waiting at stores in New York, Washington, Boston and San Francisco. But the lines were noticeably shorter than those that ushered in the iPhone in 2007.
