Apple’s iPad 2 will not be available in stores until 5:00 pm PT on Friday, but the company said on Thursday that it will start selling it online much earlier.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]According to Apple, you will be able to order the iPad 2 through its online store beginning at 1:00 am PT. Of course, the advantage of purchasing online is that you won’t have to stand in any line ups, which could be a factor if you live in a colder climate.

Apple said that everyone who purchases an iPad 2 will also be offered a free Personal Setup service. The service includes customizing the iPad 2, setting up email, loading new apps from the App Store, and other things that the staff can help with.

In addition to the online store and its own retail stores, Apple will be offering the iPad 2 at AT&T, Best Buy, Target, Verizon Wireless, Walmart and select Apple Authorized Resellers.