Expect lines for new iPad at stores

If you want the new iPad tomorrow and haven't yet ordered one, you'll have to get in line.

Apple has already stopped taking advance orders for Friday and said customers should expect a two- to three-week wait for purchases made Wednesday through its online store. That means those who haven't ordered yet have to visit a retail store in person if they want it on Friday. Sales begin at 8 a.m., and lines are likely to form hours ahead of opening.

Apple said the iPad will be sold at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Target, Walmarts, and Apple's own stores.

The basic iPad, Apple's third version -- sporting a faster processing chip and a sharper screen -- will retail for $499 to $699, depending on the amount of storage. Models capable of accessing the new 4G cellular network will cost $629 to $829. Those who want 4G iPads will have to choose either AT&T or Verizon Wireless ahead of time.

After it goes on sale Friday in the United States and nine other countries, Apple will make the tablet available in 25 additional countries a week later, mostly in Europe, the company said.

Besides the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, countries getting it Friday are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The company will still sell the previous model, the iPad 2, for $100 off the old price. The basic model now costs $399 and the cellular version, working with 3G networks, costs $529.