The line stretched around the long city block, matching the huge line from last April, when the first iPad became available. The thinner and lighter iPad 2 has attracted buyers because of its faster performance and new features such as back and front cameras.

"I knew this second one would have cameras," said Jay Narang, a student and New York resident who was 460th in line and had been standing for more than three hours.

Narang originally planned to order the 16GB black iPad 2 online, but worried about the potential for shipping delays. Instead, he decided to stand in line to buy one as quickly as possible.

The smaller size and camera are big features for Nagahisa Kubota, who was visiting from Japan and standing in line.

"Maybe I can use FaceTime or Skype now," Kubota said.