The Apple iPad’s runaway success may surely have competitors already thinking about rolling out their own rivals. They might find it easier said than done, however.
That’s according to a new report by iSuppli, which suggests that the specialty parts needed for the iPad make for low yields and few suppliers able to keep up. And that means that even if a PC or consumer electronics company wants to build an iPad clone using the same high-quality display, they may find it rough going. Nevertheless, iSuppli does expect the Apple tablet to have a dramatic influence on overall PD design. HardwareCentral takes a look.
The Apple iPad — and a tidal wave of wannabe devices that are sure to follow — will have a major impact on computer design and manufacturing, according to iSuppli. The market research firm said that tablet design and manufacture should be approached by supply chains as a unique market, distinct from PCs and smartphones.
The thesis from the supply-chain-oriented firm is built on the fact that the iPad is assembled in a very different manner: The user interface, not the motherboard, is the starting point, said Andrew Rassweiler, director and principal analyst for teardown services at iSuppli.