Michael Knutson
03-17-2011, 07:30 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.tuaw.com/2011/03/16/ipad-2-sells-out-in-usa-march-25th-international-launch-in-dou/' target='_blank'>http://www.tuaw.com/2011/03/16/ipad...-launch-in-dou/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Less than a week after its launch in the United States, the iPad 2 is simply gone. If you don't have one already, you're not likely to get one anytime soon unless you have equal measures of patience and perseverance. Apple's retail stores are occasionally (and sporadically) getting new shipments, but the lines outside stores in key markets like New York City and San Francisco are still huge. Shipping time for online iPad 2 orders has increased to 4-5 weeks. The picture is clear: demand for the iPad 2 is vastly outstripping supply."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1300343052.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Wait times for an iPad 2 here in the US have increased from (ships in) 2-3 weeks to (ships in) 4-5 weeks - for all models. Demand is far exceeding supply. Speculation is rife that Apple will either delay the international launch, or provide a token shipment to somewhat placate international users. Guesstimates range from 50,000 for the UK, to a whopping 500 for New Zealand, but analysts admit that these are wild guesses at best. One last guess is that Apple has held back inventory from the US market in order to have supplies available internationally, but this appears less likely. We'll see on March 25th. Based on this information, I don't feel so dumb for standing in line for three hours to get my iPad 2. Will this work to competitors' advantage? Will you buy a Galaxy Tab or a Xoom or some other tablet rather than waiting?</p>