Flash shortage, Apple

Research firm Gartner expects a shortage of NAND flash memory by the fourth quarter of this year, especially if Apple launches a flash-based iPod with 10-12GB of storage capacity in the fall. "We're expecting a more severe shortage," said Gartner analyst Joe Unsworth. Apple thus far has said nothing of a new player, but the top exec of an iPod manufacturer recently stated that Apple is close to unveiling the next generation of iPod that will feature a "none-touch" concept. It is still unclear whether the new iPod will feature more than 4GB of flash, however. Gartner predicts a shortage of flash supply of 5.8 percent by the fourth quarter, up from its previous expectation for a shortage of approximately 3-4 percent, according to MarketWatch. Gartner believes that hand-held music players led by Apple's iPod will drive growth of the NAND flash market in the second half of this year.

by MacNN Staff