Apple's New iPad -- Pre-Orders Exceed Apple's Expectations

Updates

March 13, 2012: Already facing shortages, NYT.

The sell-out left Wall Street analysts guessing how many new iPads Apple sold since it became available for order on March 7, with Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray speculating that pre-orders exceeded one million and Ben A. Reitzes of Barclays Capital saying the figure was likely in the millions.

Apple frequently reveals first day or first weekend sale of new products, and sometimes pre-orders. In the case of the original iPad, Apple sold 300,000 during its first day on sale in April 2010. Apple sold its millionth iPad 28 days after the original went on sale.

March 12, 2012: AAPL trading at new all-time highs. 

Original Post

Shipments will be delayed slightly.

Earlier in the week, Apple had promised the newest tablet would arrive at customers' homes on the launch date.

Trudy Miller, an Apple spokeswoman, said the change was made because customer response to the new iPad had been "off the charts," quickly exhausting the supply set aside for pre-order and delivery by March 16.

Apple's new product releases are some of the hottest events on the tech calendar, scrutinized by investors, the media and industry insiders alike.

To the company's devoted fans, who vie to be the first to own the latest device, a three-day delay would be an eternity and could add to the crowds at the company's retail stores.

I can't wait to see the "Fast Money" folks talk about Apple "going forward."

Another article on this shortage here.  As a trader, I would hate to be short AAPL going into Monday. But, good luck to all.