iPad fans in Europe, Asia, and Australia were greeted with long lines and longer wait times as the international launch of the iPad hit today. In bursts of emotion usually reserved for those scoring the hottest Christmas toy of the season, consumers who were lucky enough to score one of the tablets were seen screaming and cheering in places like London and Paris.

The iPad was launched today in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, Spain and Switzerland. Lines started forming as early as 3AM in Frankfurt Germany with excited customers waiting to get their hands on the mobile device. Apple Stores worldwide opened an hour early for the event to accommodate the swarms of customers flocking to their stores. People were given numbered tickets for their shot at an iPad and most stores had extra security in place to try and avoid any trouble those leaving with their prizes might run into. "I'm a bit embarrassed to be part of the masses, but the thing is, tonight it's going to be sold out," one unidentified man told AP Television News.