Apple said earlier this week that online sales of the iPad 2 would begin at 1 am Friday in 25 new countries, and the second gen tablet has already gone on sale in New Zealand and Australia.

Apparently, those who want to be among the first to get their hands on the iPad 2 have begun to line up across the globe. “AppleInsider” (http://www.appleinsider.com) reports that it has received reports from readers who have witnessed long lines in Australia, Germany, the U.K. and more.

Meanwhile, Apple has shortened estimates for U.S. iPad 2 orders to 3-4 weeks from the earlier 4-5 week period.