Apple delays international iPad launch as demand outstrips supply

Apple said Wednesday that it is delaying the international launch of the iPad by a month because it can't keep up with demand.

The company said in a statement:

Although we have delivered more than 500,000 iPads during its first week, demand is far higher than we predicted and will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks.

Toss in preorders for iPad 3G models by the end of April and Apple can't meet demand.

Given the supply situation, Apple said it won't launch the iPad abroad until the end of May. Apple plans on taking preorders for the international iPad May 10.

While Apple used its statement to describe the iPad as a "a runaway success in the U.S. thus far" there are a few missing elements that inquiring minds would want to know about.

To wit:

• What was Apple projecting in terms of demand?
• Are there component shortages that would prevent more iPad production?
• Apple's store isn't out of stock and iPads appear available. Is this a conscious decision by Apple to make ensure it can satisfy U.S. demand first? Or is this a case of a manufactured shortage?
• Are unit sales keeping pace with the first week's haul?

Rest assured Apple isn't going to answer these questions, but you have to wonder.