By  John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — There were long lines and big smiles at area Apple stores, where the iPhone 5 went on sale today.

At an Apple store on Walnut Street in center city Philadelphia, those waiting in line got a number and waited for hours this morning.

But when they came out of the store with a new iPhone 5 (see related story), they were all smiles.

“Basically, it’s all about getting it today,” said one young man, “because you could have ordered it online but it’s like a three-week backorder at this point.  So most people are, like, ‘I just want it now.’ ”

Which did he get, the white or the black?

“Black, because the white iPhones tend to get dirtier — white products in general.”

Many say that when all was said and done they spent about $300 on the phone and accessories.

Some visitors to the store preordered the new smartphone rather than purchase one on the spot.

“I didn’t want to wait in line for five hours, so I figured if I preordered, as long as I have one of the coolest phones, I don’t mind waiting,” said one customer.

(McDevitt:)  “So you don’t have to be the first kid on the block to have one?”

(Customer:)  “No. As long as I have one, that’s all that matters to me.”

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