Is the iPad launch really delayed-

Is the iPad launch really delayed?
Peter Misek, an analyst with Canaccord Adams, wrote in a note to clients on Monday that production problems could limit Apple's launch of the iPad. The production issues could be bad enough to even delay the launch for a month, according to a report on AppleInsider."The upcoming iPad launch may be somewhat limited as a manufacturing bottleneck has impacted production of Apple's newest device," Misek wrote. "An unspecified production problem at the iPad's manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the U.S. 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."While Apple is being quiet about the rumored production delays, Wired.com said an Apple spokeswoman told it that the "iPad will be available in late March." In other words, there is no change in the shipping schedule.Apple representatives were not immediately available when contacted for comment by CNET.It's hard to tell if the iPad is facing any challenges or not. One analyst claims to have knowledge of production problems, but Apple says everything is on track. We have less than 30 days to know for sure.

Is Apple trying to bury Microsoft under a product avalanche-

Is Apple trying to bury Microsoft under a product avalanche?
Can Microsoft crawl out from under the stack of Apple products announced today?I don't think I'm the only one stunned by the crush of new Apple products.What, a fourth-generation iPad already? New Mac Minis? Then the new iMacs on top of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro?Apple seemed to throw everything but the kitchen sink out there today. But that's only because the rest of the kitchen sink -- the new iPhone and iPod -- was already out there. Maybe Apple just felt it was time to do a mega-upload of new products.Or maybe, just maybe, Apple wants to crush Microsoft and Surface and Windows 8.So far, though, that's not happening.As I look at my news feed Tuesday evening, Windows 8 product news is dominating.(Though Microsoft Surface reviews are not very positive).And count me among those just as focused on Windows 8 as Apple. Products like HP's Envy x2 hybrid or laptops with gorgeous touchscreens like the Spectre XT TouchSmart have got my attention. Not to mention Microsoft Surface. (I'm holding out for the next Surface, i.e., the Intel-based Surface Pro.) And, come to think of it, my "new" Retina iPad -- as CNET's Roger Cheng aptly pointed out -- is now obsolete, thanks to the newer fourth-generation iPad.October 26 is almost here.Related storiesCNET's Microsoft Surface review.

Is Apple putting the arm on ultrabook contract manufacturers-

Is Apple putting the arm on ultrabook contract manufacturers?
MacBook AirAppleThe Asus Zenbook looks enough like the MacBook Air that Apple is pressuring a contract manufacturer to cease production of the Zenbook, an Asia-based report claims. Taipei-based Pegatron, an original equipment manufacturer, will not make the Zenbook for Asus due to pressure from Apple, according to a report in the Chinese-language Commercial Times. Asus did not respond to a request for comment. The report couches Apple's demand as a choice: either stop making the Zenbook or lose Apple as a customer.Pegatron has been assembling iPhones since last year and would prefer to keep that business, according to the report. Pegatron's production run for the Zenbook will end as soon as March, forcing Asus to source the ultrabook from Compal or Wistron, the paper said. Apple announced the original MacBook Air design in January of 2008 and revamped the design in October of 2010 (see photo above). This report raises the obvious question, is Apple becoming uneasy about the crush of Windows ultrabooks hitting the market? It's possible, as some appear to take design cues from the Air.And more models coming out this year will be priced well below the least expensive Air. Via Digtimes