The iPad is set to go on sale internationally next week and Apple does not have enough supplies in the US.
If you don't have your iPad yet, get in line. A new seat-of-the-pants survey by the research firm Piper Jaffray finds that Apple's popular tablet computer is in short supply. The analysts called 50 Apple stores and found a "very limited" supply of iPads. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has issued a research note outlining his findings when he called 50 Apple Stores to see which iPads they had in stock.
74% had none available, and 26% had some Wi-Fi models, but no stores had the 3G iPad in stock for immediate purchase.
Fortune magazine's web site reports. Specifically:
- 37 stores were sold out.
13 stories had only Wi-Fi models.
All 50 stores were out of the 3G model.
Customers are however able to reserve an iPad and collect it 4-7 days later or order online and receive it 7-10 days later.
The sales of the iPad might have even hurt the sale of Apple's own iPod. The only reason for this short supply seems to be Apple's iPad launch in 9 more countries on the 28th.
It is also being reported that all Apple stores are getting new units everyday but new reservations outnumber shipments.
If there are any other reasons let us know in the comments section of this post.
