This morning, I thought I would drop by the Grand Opening of Apple's new store at the Carlsbad Forum before heading out to show properties.

As I pulled into that large parking lot, I couldn't believe my eyes.  There was a line four-deep that stretched from one end of the Forum to (and around) the other.  There were young and old and every age in between.

Black-coated security guards maintained crowd control, and Jimbo's Market from around the corner offered crisp organic apples to those waiting in line.  Everyone seemed in good spirits, and I heard cheering in  the distance coming from within the store, which had not yet opened. Orange-shirted Apple employees were lined up ready to greet excited customers, one group at a time.

When asked, one of the security guards volunteered that the queue had started before 4 a.m.--and I was astounded.

Why?

Because most people I know use PC's--if only because Windows-compatibility is require for our San Diego MLS and some other real estate programs--and I thought most everyone already had an i-Pod:-)

The long lines were a definite surprise, but then I recall hearing some background buzz on CNBC this past week about Apple overtaking Google.

Thoughts?