Disaster in Japan Could Cause Supply Problems for iPad 2

iSuppli has issued a report which finds that the disaster in Japan could cause supply problems for the iPad 2.

The aftermath of the Japanese earthquake may cause logistical disruptions and supply shortages in Apple Inc.’s iPad 2, which employs several components manufactured in the disaster-stricken country—including a hard-to-replace electronic compass, the battery and possibly the advanced technology glass in the display, IHS iSuppli research indicates.

The IHS iSuppli teardown analysis of the iPad 2 so far has been able to identify five parts sourced from Japanese suppliers:
● NAND flash from Toshiba Corp.
● Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) made by Elpida Memory Inc.
● Electronic compass from AKM Semiconductor
● The touch screen overlay glass likely from Asahi Glass Co
● The system battery from Apple Japan Inc.


iSuppli notes that while some of these suppliers reported that their facilities were undamaged, delivery of components from all of these companies is likely to be impacted at least to some degree by logistical issues now plaguing most Japanese industries in the quake zone.

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