The Apple iPad: Product Positioning, Component Supply Chain, and Impact on PC Products and E-Readers

Published by	Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC)
Published	February, 2010	Product code	114230
Content info	27 pages
Price	US $ 2520 PDF by E-mail (Single User License)

Introduction
Related Reports

The Apple iPad: Product Positioning, Component Supply Chain, and Impact on PC Products and E-Readers published by Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC) in February, 2010. This report consists of 27 pages and the price starts from US $ 2520.

Introduction

Abstract

On January 27, Apple announced its new iPad product. The product fills a gap that existed between the Mac PC and iPhone/iPod Touch product lines. The iPad features a screen size of 9.7" and a thickness of only 13.4mm, and Apple has emphasized the use of IPS panel technology and LED backlight module. Furthermore, the iPad features the iBook Store, and the product' s e-reader functions will pose a threat to the existing e-reader market. This report analyzes the product positioning of the Apple iPad, the component supply chain of the iPad and the product' s processor and display panel specifications. Furthermore, the report examines the cooperation model with AT&T, and looks at the possible impact of the iPad on notebook PCs, netbook PCs, smartbooks, and e-readers.

1. Apple iPad Announcement Puts an End to Market Speculation
2. Apple iPad Product Positioning
- 2.1 iPad Price Positioning Similar to iPhone; Significant Price Difference with iPod
- 2.2 iPad Positioned as a Portable Digital Multimedia Platform, Not as PC
3. Apple iPad Applications
- 3.1 First Wave of iPad Applications: E-Books and Games
4. Cooperation with Mobile Operators
- 4.1 No Bundled Service Contracts for iPad
- 4.2 iPad to Continue to Challenge Capacities of 3G Networks
5. Apple iPad Component Supply Chain
- 5.1 Panel Sources for iPad Changed; Taiwanese Suppliers Still Play Key Role in Touch Panels and Other Components
- 5.2 A4 Processor Offers Consumers More Options
- 5.3 Display Panel Features of the Apple iPad
  - 5.3.1 Focus on Display Quality
    - 5.3.1.1 Resolution
    - 5.3.1.2 Improvements in Wide Viewing Angle
    - 5.3.1.3 Touch Features
  - 5.3.2 Emphasis on Thin and Lightweight Features and Portability
  - 5.3.3 Industry to Closely Follow Future Development of iPad Display Panel Features
6. Impact of the Apple iPad on Notebook PCs, Netbook PCs, and Smartbooks
- 6.1 No Obvious Immediate Impact Expected on the Notebook PC (>10.4") Industry
- 6.2 Impact on Netbook PCs Expected to Be Limited Due to Differences in Pricing and Product Architecture
- 6.3 Impact on Smartbooks Expected to Be Significant
7. Impact of the Apple iPad on the E-Reader Market
- 7.1 iPad vs. Kindle
- 7.2 iBook vs. Amazon
- 7.3 Scenarios for the Future Cooperation and Competition between Apple and Amazon
  - 7.3.1 Scenario: Amazon Continues to Cooperate with Apple for Content
    - 7.3.1.1 Continue to Offer the Kindle App in the App Store
    - 7.3.1.2 Directly Cooperate with the iBook Store
  - 7.3.2 Scenario: In the Future, Amazon Will Only Support Kindle and PC Version
- 7.4 Future Development
  - 7.4.1 E-Readers, Featuring E-Paper Technology, Have Advantages in Niche Markets
  - 7.4.2 E-Paper Technology Seeking Development Breakthroughs in Order to Consolidate Market
  - 7.4.3 Digital Reading Is Taking Off
Appendix

List of Topics

Apple iPad product specifications and market positioning
Applications and usage model of the iPad
Apple' s cooperation strategies with AT&T for the iPad
Possible spectrum issues for the iPad related to the increasing number of devices making use of mobile broadband services
Analysis of the Apple iPad component supply chain, including changes compared to the iPhone and a comprehensive chart listing key companies in the supply chain by individual component
Apple' s strategies behind the adoption of the A4 processor and its implications for future development
Display panel specifications of the Apple iPad, including resolution, wide viewing angle, and panel characteristics in relation to the touch function
Role of the display panel in the thin and lightweight design if the Apple iPad
Development of the IPS technology adopted for the iPad panel
Impact of the Apple iPad on notebook PCs, netbook PCs, smartbooks, and e-readers
Comparison between the Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle in terms of product specifications and other features
Different possible scenarios for the future development of cooperation and competition between Apple and Amazon
E-paper technology development after the launch of the Apple iPad
Companies and organizations analyzed or mentioned in the report include: Acon, Advanced Group, Amazon, AMD, Apple, AT&T, AVY, Barnes & Noble, Bin Chuan, BOE, Broadcom, Catcher Technology, CBS Corp., Chaun-Choung, Coretronic, Cyntec, Darfon, Dynapack, E Ink, EA, Foxconn, Foxlink, FTC, GCE, Google, G-Tech, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Hitachi Display, HTC, Hynix, Infineon, Lagardere, Lenovo, LG Display, Macmillan, Maglayer, Microsoft, Namco Bandai, Nan Ya, News Corp., Novatek, Numonyx, NXP, P.A. Semi, Panasonic, Pearson Plc, Penguin, Qualcomm, Samsung, Seiko Epson, Sharp, Simon & Schuster, Simplo, Sintek, Sony, Sunrex, TMD, Toshiba, TPK, Tripod, TXC, Unimicron, USI, Wanshih, Wintek, Yageo