No More iMacs for Christmas? Apple Pushes Shipping Dates to January

Last minute shoppers may have missed their chance to order a 27-inch iMac in time for Christmas. Despite slipping stock prices for AAPL, consumer demand seems to be as vibrant as ever. Apple has pushed the shipping date for the desktop into January, leaving holiday shoppers with only two options: Settle for a 21.5-inch iMac, which is shipping in "7-10 business days", or hope the 27-inch iMac becomes in stock via a third party retailer before the holiday.

Apple iMacs 2012

The online product tracking service whohas.it is now monitoring both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac models. A quick glance at the iMac tracker reveals some retailers are shipping the 21.5-inch model immediately, however, shipping times for the 27-inch iMac at most retailers remain unclear. Some retailers suggest calling ahead of time for availability, while others list no estimated time of delivery at all. Users can "follow" the whohas.it iMac tracker in hopes the 27-inch model will become available with an expedited shipping option at one of the listed retailers. This may be a last minute hail mary, but it is the only option for those who hope to have a 27-inch iMac under the Christmas tree this year.

Apple fans who do not want to take the gamble on a 27-inch iMac should act quickly on the 21.5-inch model. Apple warned supplies of the new iMac would be limited this year, and it's safe to assume that shipping dates for the 21.5-inch iMac could slip into January too.