According to component suppliers Amazon could struggle to launch a tablet computer this summer because of Apple’s existing orders for touch panels.
There have been rumours for some time that Amazon, the online retailer, plans to launch its own tablet computer. Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s chief executive, told reporters to “stay tuned” when asked recently about his company’s plans.
Recent reports suggested that Apple planned to launch two tablet devices, on codenamed the Coyote and the other known as Hollywood, perhaps as early as August.
However, DigiTimes quotes sources who say that at least two major component suppliers, TPK and Wintek, have warned that they might not be able to supply Amazon with touch panels because of existing orders.
The paper says that Amazon wants up to two million touch panels by September. Apple, meanwhile, is said to be planning to ship between 12 and 14 million iPad 2s in the third quarter of this year.
Apple’s iPad has been dominating the market since it launched last year, though more competitors have launched their own products. HP’s tablet computer, the TouchPad, launches in Britain tomorrow.
While Amazon has not confirmed plans for a tablet of its own, the company has recently launched its own Android app store. Its experience with the Kindle ebook reader and its cast catalogue of ebooks, MP3s and streaming films suggests that Amazon would be well-placed to enter the tablet market.
