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Thursday, January 6, 2011

Samsung to Supply LCDs for iPad 2

Amid all of the industry speculation about the size, features and launch date for the second generation Apple iPad, one thing seems certain.  As reported in The Korea Times, Samsung will provide some 8 million LCD panels for the new device.  The display panel is the single most expensive item in a tablet computer and the whole deal is reportedly worth $500 million, with the possibility that there could be additional orders. 
According to an industry executive, speaking anonymously, Apple turned to Samsung to expand its procurement channels for displays when LG display failed to keep up with an initial order.  Apple produced 16 million iPads last year and industry officials say the next model will see even bigger annual sales of around 40 million. 
I would not be surprised to see that sales projection reached or even surpassed, especially if the new iPad is thinner and lighter in weight so that it feels much like a clip-board when in use.