Apple iPad 2 demand exceeds supply

Apple UK has sold out of its initial allocation of iPad 2 tablets just three days after stock went on sale, and the major network operators are taking pre-orders only for new units.

"Demand for the next-generation iPad 2 has been amazing," Apple told V3.co.uk. "We are working hard to get iPad 2 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible."

However, the firm refused to talk actual numbers and would not confirm that stocks had been depleted.

The iPad 2 went on sale on 25 March after some shoppers spent 30 hours queueing to buy the device. Some are on sale on eBay, but the Apple web store is only promising to ship units in the next three to four weeks.

A call to the sales helpline also offered the three- to four-week shipping date, while a call to the Regent Street store confirmed that units were out of stock but may be replenished within the week.

Three, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile are selling the tablet in the UK, but are currently out of stock and warned of delays of at least one to two weeks.

The original iPad sold over 300,000 units on the first day, and opening weekend sales of the second generation device in the US were estimated at 500,000.

Commentators have previously speculated that the post-earthquake power supply issues affecting many Japanese component manufacturers could have a knock-on supply chain effect and hold up further iPad 2 stock.