Earthquake Theory
th all respect to the devastation in Japan and the perspective it puts on my bratty impatience for my iPad 2 I had some thoughts:
The Tokyo earthquake did two things for the iPad release:
1. Stole most publicity for the long lines at stores
2. May have delayed certain shipment lots headed to the U.S.
In regard to #2, I had an experience with that scenario two years ago. I ordered a custom built MBP and waited anxiously for its delivery. I was ecstatic to get my FedEx tracking number. I checked status like a possessed Apple disciple.
According to FedEx, it departed China, stopped in Hong Kong and then posted a status of “Delivery Exception”. What did that mean? I called FedEx and they told me about this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7958367.stm
Shoot. My MBP. Shoot. Why me? Then I remembered that two men piloting that plane died. In the end, Apple rushed everything and all was OK in my world, but said perspective on my priorities was instilled.
I learned that some planes leave China with a stop in Alaska for fuel and directly to Memphis for sorting. Alaska is not listed on the status, because planes are not on the ground long and are packages are not sorted or distributed. All roads must lead to Memphis for sorting to all U.S. locations
My plane stopped in Hong Kong and Tokyo to drop off OTHER Apple products in demand there. Yes, Apple is still selling computers and iPods to other countries. Many Tokyo flights head through L.A. or S.F. for refueling.
I suspect the earthquake caused delays in the shipments of some inventory lots. Who know, the ATT 3Gs could have been all schedule to go through Japan or loaded on planes arriving from Japan. The airports there were closed for almost two days.
If this is the case, the delay is quite acceptable in my book. What is not acceptable is any news release or communication from Apple as to what is causing sporadic fulfillment of on-line orders.
has stepped up to the plate 
