iPad Still On Track for March Release

Hon Hai Precision suppliers claim there's no delay in the iPad launch.

Earlier this week, a Canaccord Adams analyst suggested that a manufacturing problem at Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn) could delay the launch of Apple's new iPad tablet, moving the original March date back to April. Analyst Peter Misek speculated that the problem stems around a production bottleneck, or a shortage of components.

Misek also added that the issue could cut the initial shipment of 1 million units down to a mere 300,000 units. Because of the reduction, Apple would thus be forced to limit the launch region to the United States, or delay the worldwide release altogether, pushing the launch back an entire month.

However HEXUS reports that Hon Hai Precision's suppliers are now disputing the claim, indicating that the manufacturer is indeed set to release between 600,000 and 700,000 iPad units this month alone. An additional 1 million units is scheduled to ship in April.

An additional report from The Charlotte Examiner claims that the first wave of Wi-Fi enabled iPads will actually arrive sometime around March 26. The news is based on an unnamed Apple Store manager in Southern California who claims that training will begin on March 10.

The Examiner also said that commercials for the iPad device will begin their rounds on April 15, and will emphasize the device's capabilities as an ebook reader. There's also indication that fans who plan to camp out in lines for the device will receive a "special gift."