Hundreds of Appleites spent their Friday afternoon patiently, or impatiently waiting for the release of the iPad 2, Apple’s highly anticipated follow up to the iPad tablet, at Bellevue Square’s Apple Store.

The device was set to be released at 5 p.m. Friday. With only two hours remaining for its release, more than 250 fans camped outside the store, stretching throughout the mall. Employees said people began showing up to wait for the device as early as 5 a.m. this morning.

The newest incarnation of the iPad will be both lighter and thinner. It will feature multiple cameras and the ability to video chat with others.

The iPad 2 retails for $499 and up.