Tablet PC vendors are expected to bring forward their launch schedules as early as the end of March in order to compete against Apple's iPad 2, according to sources from tablet PC players.

Since most vendors expected Apple to launch iPad 2 in the second quarter, Apple's strategy of launching the device in early March has messed up its competitors' plans for their tablet PCs, causing them to rush to launch their tablet PCs into the channel, the sources noted.

The sources pointed out that since Apple also reduced the price of its first-generation iPad by about US$100, even if the players launch their tablet PC models, they are likely to face a disadvantage over pricing.

With Apple already occupying most of the available touchscreen capacity, the sources believe the supply chain will face great competition from downstream players to secure touch panel supply capacity in the future

By: DocMemory
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