Newest Apple gadget goes on sale in Modesto

MODESTO -- Apple’s newest gadget, the iPad Mini, went on sale this morning.

Several news agencies reported smaller than usual lines for a new Apple device, and the same appeared to be the case in Modesto, where the crowd shortly after 8 a.m. appeared typical. Employees said there was a line of folks eager to get the tablet, which features a 7.9-inch screen and starts at $329. They had coffee and water on hand to offer those waiting in the cold morning hours.

Randy Kennedy picked up the iPad Mini on its first day. He said he doesn’t have a regular iPad, but the size of the smaller tablet appealed to him.

“It feels good, and I can carry it around,” said Kennedy, who works in technology for CrossPoint Community Church. “And for what I do for work I don’t need a big computer.”