Like the ending scene of the movie 'Titanic' the faithful Apple staffers clapped loudly and continuously as we entered the store. This was the view from the stairs. Pretty amazing feel, having 300 Apple employees, fellow Mac lovers, cheering you on. It felt really good, after having waited about 7 hours in line.

Apple Computer, Inc. launched its first-ever 24/7 retail store today, May 19th, in Midtown Manhattan. I waited on line to get into the store from about 10:30 that morning, and stayed past the grand opening until about 9:00AM the following day. I have never spent 23 hours of my life devoted to a store's opening. It was a historic, star-studded event.

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PHOTOS BY RICHARD AGUILAR.

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Richard Aguilar > Steve Jobs reacts to the first crowd of people entering the store. As I walked past him, standing at the door of the entrance to the glass cube, you could tell ... he couldn't be any happier. It was the smile of an accomplished man.

Richard Aguilar > Like the ending scene of the movie 'Titanic' the faithful Apple staffers clapped loudly and continuously as we entered the store. This was the view from the stairs. Pretty amazing feel, having 300 Apple employees, fellow Mac lovers, cheering you on. It felt really good, after having waited about 7 hours in line.

Richard Aguilar > The staffers in grey are something new to me. They're called 'Creatives' and they are part of the new Studio at the Apple Store Fifth Avenue. They'll help you on -- guess what? Being creative with your Mac (movie making, photo editing, etc.)

Richard Aguilar > The first wave of customers pours into the Apple Store Fifth Avenue, to much celebration and joy.

Richard Aguilar > Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Senior-VP of Retail Ron Johnson walk down the stairs into the new Fifth Avenue Apple Store for the first time since the grand opening.

Richard Aguilar > Steve Jobs and Ron Johnson are greeted by the masses inside the Fifth Avenue Apple Store.

Richard Aguilar > Kevin Bacon and his enterouge pose for a "Photo Booth" picture on a black-model Macbook on display inside the Apple Store Fifth Avenue. This is sure to be on his list of purchases.

Richard Aguilar > Steve Jobs mingles with the crowd of customers inside the Apple Store Fifth Avenue.

Like the ending scene of the movie 'Titanic' the faithful Apple staffers clapped loudly and continuously as we entered the store. This was the view from the stairs. Pretty amazing feel, having 300 Apple employees, fellow Mac lovers, cheering you on. It felt really good, after having waited about 7 hours in line.