Japanese Earthquake Could Hinder Apple iPad 2 Production

Demand for the iPad 2 is even higher than Apple expected; the device is basically sold out everywhere, and current delivery estimates for online orders of the tablet are at 4-5 weeks. Now it appears that this delay could get even longer in the coming weeks as Apple begins to feel the effects of the Japanese Earthquake, which has affected production of some of the tablet’s key components.

After performing a teardown of the iPad 2, iSuppli identified at least five components that were sourced from Japanese suppliers. Now, not all of the factories which build these components were damaged, but aftershocks combined with rolling blackouts serve to reduce their operating capacity. On top of that, Japan is currently experiencing problems with its transportation systems, meaning that even when the aftershocks drop to a level that doesn’t set off the factories’ automatic shut-down systems, and even when constant power is re-established throughout the country, there will likely be problems getting the produced supplies out of the country.

Speculation is that Apple has enough iPad 2s already built to help smooth over the reduced production capacity, but there’s no firm word on how long there stock will last, nor any way to gauge how long the factories will remain affected.

via eweek.com