An analyst at Canaccord Adams has claimed that initial availability of Apple’s overhyped iPad may be limited by an “unspecified” production problem.
According to Peter Misek, the enigmatic manufacturing issue may be serious enough to restrict the number of shipped iPads to just 300,000 units.
“The upcoming iPad launch may be somewhat limited as a manufacturing bottleneck has impacted production of Apple’s newest device,” Misek wrote in a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider.
“An unspecified production problem at the iPad’s manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the US and the number of units available to roughly 300K in the month of march, far lower than the company’s initial estimate of 1,000K units.”
Misek explained that the production ramp delay will “likely impact” Apple’s April unit estimate of 800K units.
“It is also possible that, given the limited number of units available in March, the launch will be delayed for a month,” opined Misek.
Nevertheless, Misek projected that Apple would sell 1.2 million iPad units in its 2010 fiscal year, with the number rising to 3.5 million in 2011.
“We believe that the only material impact from the iPad delay could come in the form of frustrated consumers and some modest loss of luster for the company’s product launch,” he added.
