Shropshire gadget fans cool on launch of new iPad3

It's the high-tech gizmo that saw hundreds of people queueing through the night in big cities – but take-up of Apple's new iPad3 seemed more than a little slow across Shropshire this morning.

Gadget fans arrived days ago on London's Regent Street and for more than 31 hours outside Apple's flagship store in Covent Garden so they could grab the third version of the tablet computer.

And there were also queues outside the Apple store at Birmingham's Bullring from 5pm yesterday.

But in Shropshire, gadget fans were cooler in their welcome for the super sleek machine, which operates without any moving parts.

Staff at AT Computers in the Darwin Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury said they had about 100 new iPads in stock but had not had anyone queuing this morning.

Abdul Safi, manager, said: "We have enough in stock to satisfy demand but we only had a couple of people here this morning. We expect the majority to come tomorrow."

The latest model, which has a higher resolution screen than previous models and a five megapixel camera with auto focus and auto exposure, ranges in price from £399 to £659.

Despite competition from cheaper rivals, such as Samsung's Galaxy series, the iPad remains the most popular tablet computer.

Apple has sold more than 55 million iPads since its launch in 2010, including 40 million last year.

For many customers, part of the attraction in visiting the store in person – instead of ordering online – gives them a chance to meet other die-hard Apple fans.