Hundreds of shoppers lined the sidewalks outside Apple stores across the world on Friday to be among the first to buy the technology giant's latest version of its popular iPad computer tablet.

Some of the shoppers slept overnight or arrived hours before the Apple stores opened to sell the U.S. company's third generation iPad models. The third version of the iPad ranges in price from $499 to more than $800, and the company says it includes a chip that will enable better graphics and a wireless network that will deliver data faster.

The technology enthusiasts lined up outside stores in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, New York and elsewhere.

Many said they were excited to upgrade to the newer Apple model, including David Tarasenko, first in line at an Apple store in Sydney, Australia.

“I happen to be the first one to walk through the door today, it's quite amazing. I can't wait to get my hand on that new magical new iPad.''

In Paris, Yvette Amaraggi, said she was was buying a gift for her children.

“It's an opportunity. I want to get a present for my children. They already have the first iPad, so today I will of course get the upgraded version.''

Apple, one of the world's biggest corporations, holds about 60 percent of the worldwide computer tablet market, and is hoping that its new model will give it an even bigger share. The company says it has sold more than 55 million of its computer tablets.

One financial analyst predicted Apple — on Friday alone — would sell more than a million of the new iPad models.