Japanese disaster could leave Apple with shortage of five key iPad 2 components

Japanese disaster could leave Apple with shortage of five key iPad 2 components
AppleInsider | Japanese disaster could leave Apple with shortage of five key iPad 2 components

Investment and research firms this week continue with their efforts to quantify the effect the recent Japanese earthquake will have on Apple and its capacity to manufacture its top-selling products, with the latest report identifying five core iPad 2 components likely sourced from the region.

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So many companies are being hit by the destruction in Japan, that I don't even think we've seen the whole tip of the ice-burg yet. My dad works in engine manufacturing/refurbishing, and even they have had their parts orders postponed indefinitely. Not good!

These types of reports from AppleInsider whether news worthy or not, are just adding fuel to the fire. Reports of shortages always lead to higher prices and artificial gouging. Most (maybe all) of those parts the article mentions are probably outsourced by the Japanese to other parts of Asia. It's very unusual nowadays to find anything totally "Made in Japan". For example, just because it's Toshiba doesn't mean it comes from their factory in Japan. It's likely made either in China or Taiwan where the labor costs are much lower.

Now if we're concerned with automobile and heavy equipment parts which do come from Japan, there's probably some cause to worry.

I thought China provided these, but I suppose not.

• NAND flash from Toshiba Corp.
• dynamic random access memory (DRAM) made by Elpida Memory Inc.
• an electronic compass from AKM Semiconductor
• the touch screen overlay glass likely from Asahi Glass Co
• and the system battery from Apple Japan Inc.

I thought China provided these, but I suppose not.

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On the contrary, I bet they are provided by China or possibly Taiwan, Korea.

I would like to think that despite being a website about Apple products, AI could focus on the more important issues in Japan. The productions issues that Apple may encounter are utterly irrelevant right now. Perhaps AI should abstain from commenting at all on the terrible conditions in Japan. End rant.

The article does demonstrate how far reaching this earthquake and tsunami are. Let's hope for a speedy and safe recovery and rebuilding.