More doubt tossed onto iPad numbers
Apple manufacturer denies claims
A second report has surfaced claiming Apple is experiencing spotty overseas production of the iPad, due for release later this month.
ThinkEquity analyst Vijay Rakesh issued a note to investors on Thursday claiming checks with manufacturers suggested "some minor delays" in ramping up production for the tablet.
Apparently, a light flow of only 200,000 to 250,000 iPads per month is all that's possible at present, and production may not hit 800,000 to a million units per month until at least April.
"We believe this is just a minor hiccup in a longer-term entirely new revenue stream and product road map for [Apple]," he wrote.
Those unit estimates mirror a report earlier this week from Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek, who claimed that "unspecified production problems" will limit initial availability to about 300,000 units. He said Apple is poised to limit the initial iPad debut to only the US or even delay the launch until April.
The dual reports contradict a story yesterday by the Taiwan-based DigiTimes that denied the iPad will be arriving late. Foxconn Electronics (the trade name for Hon Hai Precision) told the publication that its component suppliers have reported their supplies are on schedule and should be able to ship between 600,000 and 700,000 iPads this month.
Apple is believed to have plans to begin selling the Wi-Fi-only version of the gadget beginning March 26. ®
COMMENTS
Excellent marketing!
It's good to see that stories of delays are doing the rounds. One very effective way to bump the already big demand for the new Apple toy. How much do you reckon one will be on eBay for a day after launch???
Expecting Apple to change their usual business model?
It's pretty unusual for Apple to drop the price of their kit or introduce a new revision within 12 months of launch, any stability improvements will most likely be via firmware, which (US legislation notwithstanding) will be free in the first year.
So by all means wait, but it'll probably be longer than 6 months.
I think you may be confusing them with HTC, who would have already announced the v2 and stopped work on the yet-to-go-on-sale v1 in my experience.
Mine the one with the Touch Cruise in the pocket.
I think you'll find
Nelson Muntz has been doing Steve Jobs laugh all along.
Just you wait Groening, Jobs will not sit idly by while people steal their audible expression or appearance of happiness!
Ha-Haaaa :D
The trick...
.... is to wait to buy.
There will be an initial delay due to limited supply, resulting in higher prices in the stores and even higher prices on ebay once the stores run out.
Wait 6 months, then it will be available at a much lower price (Possibly due to apple cutting their price) for a more stable version, and those who bought it initially will be trying to sell off the 1st generation at cut rate prices so they can recoup some money to buy the newer version.
Staying 1 generation (and in some cases 2) behind is my standard way of doing things.
