Apple Inc's new iPad went on sale in Australia early today, greeted by throngs of fans hungry to get hold of the US consumer giant's latest, 4G-ready tablet computer.

While numbers were down on launches of earlier iPads, the still-solid turnout reflects demand for Apple products, even though analysts say the new version is a collection of incremental improvements rather than a major technological innovation.

The initial rush for the first new iPad sold globally was not at one of Apple's gleaming glass and polished wooden stores in Sydney but across the road at Australian phone company Telstra. Telstra opened two stores just after midnight local time to begin selling the iPad, stealing an eight-hour march on Apple.

David Tarasenko, a 34-year-old construction manager, who was the first to pick up the new iPad, said he couldn't wait ever since Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook revealed the third iteration of the tablet.

"When Tim Cook announced it, it sounded like such a magical tool. I just got hyped into it, I guess," he said.

The new iPad - which sports a high-definition "retina" display and comes with a better camera - starts at US$499. It is capable of operating on high-speed 4G LTE, or Long-Term Evolution network, although it is not compatible with Telstra's 4G network in Australia.

"The (lack of 4G access) is not a game-breaker. They've upgraded the 3G technology, which I've tried and it's pretty snappy," said Cameron Ing, a data storage administrator.

The new iPad is going on sale today in 10 countries and regions, including the US, Canada, Singapore, France and UK.

Among those in the queue outside Sydney's flagship Apple Store was Stephen Parkes, who was paid A$950 (US$990) to wait in line for four days by the founder of an odd jobs website.

"I get a high waiting in the line and picking up one of the first products being retailed," said Ryan Han, a student at the University of New South Wales, who had also queued for hours.