Two analysts are providing conflicting reports over whether or not there will be enough iPad 2 tablets for buyers at launch. Goldman Sachs said the new displays would see a bottleneck, or “yield difficulties”, but that’s par for course, as they say “almost all of Apple’s new iOS products start out with limited volumes”. They say the problem is process-related and will be fixed in due course, but FBR Capital’s Craig Berger was even more optimistic; he upped his expected iPad shipments this quarter to 5.5 million from 5.1, a solid 2 million of which would be the new iPad 2 (previously forecasted at 300,000). FBR estimates the second quarter will see 7.2 million Apple tablet shipments, the majority being the iPad 2.
The iPad 2 is going to be announced in a few short days, and though I’m expecting a modest iterative upgrade, the solid app market, the inclusion of a long-awaited camera, and Apple’s agressive marketing will likely hold the line against the onslaught of Android tablets coming down the pipe. We’re not quite sure what the specs will be like, but more RAM and a faster processor are both likely, and there’s the possibility of NFC support, but no SD card slot or Retina display as previously speculated. I’m curious – what would Apple have to include on the iPad 2 to get you guys to buy one?
[via Electronista]