Apple iPad Sales Hindered By Display Shortages

Apple's iPad is moving off the store shelves. Both on the digital front, and in the brick-and-mortar locations all over the world. It's a hot item. Even if you don't like Apple or the iPad, there's no denying that the public wants it. And, up until now, the magical and revolutionary tablet device from Cupertino has been free to fly off the shelves, with not a care in the world. But a new report from the Wall Street Journal says that sales would still be going strong, if not better, if it weren't for the fact LG can't keep up with production demand.

Right now, the iPad's sold 3.3 million units around the world. But, according to this new report, those numbers could have been even bigger, and the sales would still be rocketing forward if it weren't for one big issue. LG, as it stands right now, is unable to keep up with the production of flat panel displays for Apple. As demand increases, LG Display Co. is struggling to produce enough units for everyone to enjoy the product.

As a result, iPad sales have slowed dramatically. But, what makes it interesting, is the comment from LG about when production will be able to meet demand without a hitch. "by the second quarter of next year." That's the second quarter of 2011, for the record, and seems like forever from now. Something worth noting, though, is the fact that LG plans on investing upwards of $512 million in a brand new production line that should be up and running by the fourth quarter 2011, which should also help with production. So, we've got fixes planned for the future, but nothing on the short-term. It's better than nothing.

[via Wall Street Journal]