Apple may delay iPad launch

Almost a month ago, Steve Jobs, co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple, had announced its latest creation and said that the iPad slate would hit the markets in March.

Since March is here and the company has issued no information regarding pre-order options or specific date of release, it is being anticipated that the iPad fans will have to wait until April to get their hands on Apple’s tablet computer.

In a research note, Peter Misek, analyst at Canaccord Adams, stated that due to the limited number of units available in March, the launch will possibly be postponed.

Delay linked to manufacturing bottlenecks
Misek added that the cause of delay is production problem "at the iPod’s manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision.”

As a result, the number of iPads sold initially after the launch could be limited to some 300,000, as against one million units originally hoped to be manufactured before the scheduled launch.

Considering this, there is a possibility that the launch will be restricted to United States only.

How plausible is the analyst’s assumption?
Misek’s report about Apple delaying launch of iPad should be taken with caution as the analyst has not always been accurate with his predictions.

Misek had earlier this year claimed that Apple was planning to launch a new iPhone, tied to Verizon Wireless network, in an event in January. But later, Misek backtracked on his words.

Further, there has been no delay announcement by the company. As of now, the iPad delay report is nothing more than a rumor.

Readers’ reactions
The news about possible delay of the upcoming iPad slate has created quite a buzz online. Many readers have taken to blogs and forums to discuss it out.

Some say that the delay could be a tactic by Apple to increase demand as the device has been criticized for lacking basic features.

A reader named fretboard commented on All Things Digital, “Would the possible shortage of iPads be of Apple's own doing? It may make more people eager to get their hands on this hard to find device. It would definitely create a bigger buzz and more hype."

Another reader named Kristopher Saim Photography posted his view on mashable.com, “This is the first Apple device that I have not been uber-excited about. So, honestly, delay or no delay -- I still won't be purchasing it.”