Apple iPad UK launch one month late?
Production problems may delay iPad launch
By Nick Spence | Macworld.com | Published: 10:15, 03 March 2010
Production problems may delay the availability of Apple's iPad in the UK according to a new report.
A research note by Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek released on Monday claims Apple is suffering a "manufacturing bottleneck" when it comes to iPad production.
The note claims Apple may only have 300,000 iPads ready at launch, rather than the one million hoped for. Those iPads which will be available, may only be on sale in the US, with customers outside Apple's home market having to wait.
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"An unspecified production problem at the iPad's manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the US," Misek claims in the note.
"It is also possible that, given the limited number of units available in March, the launch will be delayed for a month."
Officially, the Wi-fi enabled version of the iPad is meant to go on sale at the end of this month, with the more expensive 3G and Wi-fi version to follow in April. Apple has yet to announce UK pricing or who might be partners for 3G data plans noting: "3G data plan may be sold separately."
Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek also predicted Apple will sell around 1.2 million iPads in fiscal year 2010 and 3.5 million in 2011. Additionally, the analyst raised his forecast for iPhone sales in the current quarter to 7.9 million units, up from his previous prediction of 7.2 million.
