iPad 3 Launch Ruined by High Gas Prices?

If gas prices remain high, only fanboys will show up on launch day, one analyst predicts. “If gasoline prices continue to remain at these level...we don't think people will be lined up to buy iPad 3,” Trip Chowdhry, the Managing Director of Equity Research at Global Equities Research, said in an e-mail update on Apple AAPL. “[It] may be extreme of the extreme fans only.” Further, Chowdhry wrote, “In our opinion, iPad 3 launch, no matter how good the product may be, needs to be taken in context of gasoline prices of $4.60 per gallon. And our observation is that iPad 3 will get a subdued reaction, until and unless gasoline prices fall by 25% immediately.” Hmmm. I'm not really sure what to say about this one. I don't think consumers are going to avoid the iPad 3 launch because it costs more to drive to the store. Some have speculated that Apple might charge more for the iPad 3 because it costs more to ship the device, but who in their right mind would believe that? It might be an excuse to raise the cost, but Apple is unlikely to go that route. Follow me @LouisBedigian