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14-year-old camps out in Naperville for new iPad

Matthew Henick was so enthusiastic about upgrading to the latest iPad, he talked his dad into driving him to the downtown Naperville Apple Store Thursday night to get in line.

Arriving more than 12 hours before the store opened Friday morning, the 14-year-old from Western Springs was first in line. That was crucial, he said, because he hadn't reserved one. He plans to use his new iPad for “movies ... and homework.”

While Matthew sat on the sidewalk in front of the store all night, dad Artie preferred the comfort of their car several feet away, and stayed all night too. Asked what he thought about all the hoopla, Artie replied, “I'm crazy for doing this,” and admitted, “I'm just the chauffeur.”

Apple employees Friday morning walked down the line, which stretched for a block down Jefferson Street, and handed out reservation cards for everyone, whether they had pre-purchased their iPads or not. Store employees said there were enough iPads on hand for everyone in line, ensuring happiness for all.

Louis Dooley, from I Have A Bean coffee shop in Wheaton, offered those in line free coffee to add a touch of festivity. The coffee was catered by Apple. Then, when the doors opened at 8 a.m., staff members lined up inside to applaud and high-five the customers as they entered the store.

  Apple employees distribute reservation cards to people who stood in line for the new iPad in Naperville. They said there were enough to go around. Scott Sanders/ssanders@dailyherald.com
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