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Apple Reportedly Planning Orders for 65-70 Million iPad 3 Displays in 2012

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sharp ipad 3 panel
Electronista reports on a new article [Google translation] from Taiwan's Commercial Times claiming that Apple is planning for production of 65-70 million iPad 3 displays in 2012, paving the way for a significant boost to Apple's tablet sales.

Shipments for the new LCD panel, believed designed by Sharp but being manufactured by LG Display and Samsung, were said by the Commercial Times to be already booked to the order of 65 million to 75 [70] million units for the year. Versus production of about 40.5 million in 2011, it would represent 60 to 73 percent higher shipments than last year.

That 65-70 million number includes only iPad 3 displays, and with Apple having nearly one quarter's worth of iPad 2 sales ahead of the iPad 3 introduction and the company being rumored to continue offering the iPad 2 as a lower-cost option following the iPad 3's introduction, Apple's total iPad sales projections for the year appear to b even higher.

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Top Rated Comments

192 months ago
Wow, just wow! It's amazing how popular these things have become. I remember when I bought the first iPad and people told me how stupid and pointless it was. I guess they were wrong!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
*LTD* Avatar
192 months ago
This will be a huge year for the iPad. The sales we've been seeing for the last few quarters is nothing compared to what's about come.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
192 months ago
I guess well see. Emerging markets are going to have to be a major contributor...cause the iPad 2 sold SO well, and many folks simply cant make the upgrade. Hope youre having a great day sir.

I purchased an iPad 2 last fall. If iPad 3 has retina display, I'll buy another. If it has Siri, I'll give away the iPad 2 and replace it with a second iPad 3.

My only concern is that Apple is eventually going to be charged with Monopoly because no one else will be able to successfully compete with their advanced technology. The only advantage they will have is the ability to sell on price and make very little if any profit. (Or you can carry around three competetors products for the same price and still not have all the benefits one iPad provides)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
192 months ago
wow.. so this release is going to be nuts too then? (based on how much apple is predicting they will sell, and obviously not having all the stock at launch like they always do?)

crazy
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nagromme Avatar
192 months ago
That’s up to 661 trillion subpixels!

I'll say this: I, too, was not pleased with the back of iPad 2 compared to the first iPad, but that changed after I owned it for awhile. Definitely more comfortable to hold reliably, The scoop could almost cause you to drop it. Holding the iPad 2 is a lot more secure feeling -- and you don't have to open your hands up quite as much so it's more comfortable over a long period (late night reading).
Also, the iPad 1 was wobbly like a Weeble! The new ones can rest flat on a table—much better. Tablets should always have a perfect flat back. (At least both models are metal, unlike some plastic tablets I could name...)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JGowan Avatar
192 months ago
I already have the money for my iPad 3. I opt not getting the iPad 2 b/c I didn't like the design of the back. Yeah, hated it.

But Apple better bring it hardcore with this new iPad.
What if iPad 3's back is very similar to iPad 2's? Because I don't think it'll be that different. The following photo is not a definite and it doesn't show the back but it looks like it'll very flat like iP2 and not scooped like iP1...

MacRumors content image

I'll say this: I, too, was not pleased with the back of iPad 2 compared to the first iPad, but that changed after I owned it for awhile. Definitely more comfortable to hold reliably, The scoop could almost cause you to drop it. Holding the iPad 2 is a lot more secure feeling -- and you don't have to open your hands up quite as much so it's more comfortable over a long period (late night reading).

@nagromme -- correct about the Weeble statement -- I like the new back better!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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