iPad Launch Day: April 3, 2010

I worked at an Apple Store from 2009-2010 as a Specialist and later as a Business Team member.

In the weeks before the launch of the iPad I was asked by the store manager to develop and deliver a series of presentations to train my store's fellow employees on the features and benefits of the iPad. I also had to answer common questions, provide training on accessories, and give AppleCare details.

The only problem is that...Apple did not provide our store with any advance information on the iPad. None. Everything I trained the store on I had to garner from Steve's presentation on the iPad and subsequent leaks on the MacRumors forums I haunted at the time.

We were not allowed to even open the cases of iPads that arrived the days before until hours before we opened the doors early on April 3, 2010.

These are photos from that morning:

Arriving back at the Store after a couple hours of sleep. The mall entrances were all swamped with people wanting to get in line.

The view from inside the store just before launch.

This was Store employees first opportunity to handle the iPad.

These photos were taken in low light on an iPhone 3G.

My boss on the Apple Business team.

Staff meeting before opening the gate.

Final words of wisdom before launch.

Lines.

More Lines. Every single one of these people got an iPad. We did not sell out.

The front of the line.

We ran around and psyched up the crowd.

I knew the iPad launch of was going to be a big deal, so I snapped a selfie.

Buyers were taken to the back of the store to complete the transaction.

A lot of people just wanted to hold the device. We had a table for them.

Check out that vintage iPad signage.