Will Weak Holiday Sales Bite the iPad Mini?

The iPad mini has largely been met with wide critical praise and high consumer demand. However, a report out today from DigiTimes hints that due to supply constraints, Apple might only be able to ship 8 million this holiday quarter. Amid hand-wringing over iPad mini sales, the company's shares fell another 1.4% today as Nokia edged upward 1.25% and Research In Motion surged 11%.

In the video below, senior technology analyst Eric Bleeker notes that investors should be cautious of any reports from DigiTimes. The company has had "sources" inside Apple's supply chain that were correct, but has also has whiffed badly on other reports. More to the point, Eric points out that tablets should continue showing robust demand for years to come. The iPad mini isn't a device to be measured this holiday season, supply constrains or not, but instead across the next five years as tablet sales are more than set to double. From that standpoint, he says Apple investors should be pleased with reception so far to the newer, smaller iPad.

There's no doubt that Apple is at the center of technology's largest revolution ever, and that longtime shareholders have been handsomely rewarded with over 1,000% gains. However, there is a debate raging as to whether Apple remains a buy. The Motley Fool's senior technology analyst and managing bureau chief, Eric Bleeker, is prepared to fill you in on both reasons to buy and reasons to sell Apple, and what opportunities are left for the company (and more importantly, your portfolio) going forward. To get instant access to his latest thinking on Apple, simply click here now.

The article Will Weak Holiday Sales Bite the iPad Mini? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Eric Bleeker has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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