Since the iPad launched earlier this year, Apple has had trouble keeping up with the demand for the device. Once again, the supply is not keeping up with the demand, and online orders for both Wi-Fi and 3G models are being pushed back. Whereas last week orders were taking 5 to 7 days to ship, today, Apple’s online store indicates that it will be between 7 to 10 days before the device leaves the warehouse.

What is the reason for this delay? According to Apple, the demand for the device has been much, much greater than the company anticipated. Thus, the original manufacturing order has not kept up with the surprisingly high demand. While this could be the case, it is also possible that the company simply failed to make enough of the tablets. After all, most of Apple’s newest gadgets have been hot, with waiting lines and overnight camping before launches, so the company should have anticipated the demand.

This is not the first time this happened. In fact, the initial US launch was supposed to be in March, but because Apple couldn’t meet its own shipping schedule, the launch was pushed back to April. Similarly, the international launch was bumped from April until May. In early May, just three days after the 3G model first launched, the device was sold out in 49 of 50 stores, according to an article on cnn.com. In fact, several stores sold out of the Wi-Fi only model as well the first week of may. Because of these delays in the US, many have been left to wonder whether or not Apple will be able to supply the necessary number of iPads for a successful international launch. Others wonder if the demand will be as high internationally as it has been here in the states.

So what does this mean to you, as a consumer? If you are in the US, you will just have to order online and wait a little longer to get your hands on an iPad, or you will need to go to an Apple store and hope that you get lucky enough to find one on the shelves. If you are in one of the international markets that is looking to get the iPad at the end of the month, then now is the time to preorder it online, as online ordering in select markets is now available. This will ensure that you get your device as quickly as possible when they are finally released in your market.