Despite breaking tradition by launching an iPad that's smaller and just months after releasing the iPad 3, Apple continues to face overwhelming demand for its market leading tablets. Apple's iPad mini has already sold out online - just hours after preorders for the $329 gadget opened. The WiFi-only models of the 7.9-inch iPad mini are scheduled to arrive November 2nd - but those who signed pre-orders late are being told they will have to wait an extra week, or wait in line at the Apple Store this Friday. According to Apple's Web site, all 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, priced at $329, $429, $529, respectively, will only be available two weeks from now.
What Else You Need To Know
- Market-research firm DisplaySearch’s Richard Shim claims that one of the two companies making the iPad mini’s touchscreen is having production problems, limiting initial supply of the iPad mini.
- The white iPad minis became out of stock just minutes after pre-orders went live, suggesting that the white minis are on short supply.
- The iPad mini features a 7.9-inch screen with a resolution 1024 x 768 (163 pixels per inch), Apple dual-core A5 chip, iOS 6 operating system, the Siri voice assistant app, 1.2MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera, and 5MP rear iSight camera.
- The 4G LTE models are already available for pre-orders but are only scheduled to arrive mid-November.
- In March this year, Apple sold 3 million units of the iPad 3 in the first three days.
Other sources
Of course, you can always wait in line on November 2 to get your hands on one of the minis, though I suggest getting there extra early if you want a white model, which seem to be in short supply.- Juli, Pad Gadget
Without actual sales numbers from Apple, it’s hard to know exactly what’s happening with stock of the iPad mini.- Chris Davies, SlashGear
- TabletPC Review
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Apple iPad mini Demand Might Outstrip Supply Because of Screen Production Problem
AUO was reportedly only able to produce 100,000 units last month. Its plan is to make 400,000 units this month, 800,000 units November, and 1 million in December. By contrast, LG Display made 300,000 panels in September, and it plans to make a million in October, 2.5 million in November, and 3 million in December.
- Chip Chick
- iPad mini and 4th-Generation iPad announced, HTC Droid DNA Leaks & More – Pocketnow Daily
- Tech Radar
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Display supply issues to limit iPad mini stock
Richard Shim from DisplaySearch has claimed that even though Apple has broadened its supplier base for the iPad mini, some lower yield levels has meant that fewer iPad minis than expected are making it to final product.
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