Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek wrote in a research note this week that Apple may delay or limit the size of the launch of its anticipated iPad. Misek the delays might come about because of an "unspecified production problem".

While the tame Apple press has been attacking Misek and calling his comments a rumour, there is nothing actually new about them. Ever since Jobs' Mob finally announced that its iPad really existed we have been reporting that all is not well in the Far East. Misek said Apple's Taiwan-based supplier Hon Hai Precision could be facing a production bottleneck or a shortage of components.

This will limit the launch region to the U.S. and the number of units available to roughly 300,000 in the month of March, far lower than the company's initial estimate of 1 million units. The delay in production ramp will likely impact Apple's April unit estimate of 800,000. Leaving aside the fact that Apple is unlikely to be able to sell a locked in netbook without a keyboard at twice the price of what an open machine would cost, what Misek is saying is absolutely true.

There is a shortage in the Far East among component makers some of this is caused by a shortage of parts but others on a shortage of labour, particularly amongst those who depend on Chinese plants. Apple has managed to double book many components in advance but some of its suppliers might be having problems delivering.

So far Jobs' Mob has managed to get around confirming that there will be release problems by not announcing a release date. Misek said said that the only material impact from the iPad delay could come in the form of frustrated consumers.