The news sent shares of Apple surging as much as 4.3 percent to an all time high of $219.70 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the speedy international rollout could help build sales momentum. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from Apple since the iPhone in 2007. Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply. There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. 
Share:  The news sent shares of <span class="company">Apple</span> surging as much as 4.3 percent to an all time high of $219.70 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the speedy international rollout could help build sales momentum. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from <span class="company">Apple</span> since the iPhone in 2007. Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply.<span class="sent"> There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span>...<span class="sent">There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Resource Library: ..... Cross expects the iPad to be a major growth driver for <span class="company">Apple</span> eventually. She estimates the company will sell 4 mil Tweet this 

The news sent shares of Apple surging as much as 4.3% to an all time high of $219.70 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the speedy international rollout could help build sales momentum. The 9.7 inch touch screen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from Apple since the iPhone in 2007. Chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply. There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. 
Share:  The news sent shares of <span class="company">Apple</span> surging as much as 4.3% to an all time high of $219.70 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the speedy international rollout could help build sales momentum. The 9.7 inch touch screen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from <span class="company">Apple</span> since the iPhone in 2007. Chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply.<span class="sent"> There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span>...<span class="sent">There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Cross expects the iPad to be a major growth driver for <span class="company">Apple</span> eventually. She estimates the company will sell four million to five million units in the first year, which will add $1 to earnings per share. The 3 April unveiling date means <span clas Tweet this 

The news sent shares of Apple surging as much as 3.8% to touch a high of US$218.69 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the announcement eased the concerns of some investors that a manufacturing bottleneck could delay launch. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from Apple since the iPhone in 2007. Chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until yesterday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U. K in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply. There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. 
Share:  The news sent shares of <span class="company">Apple</span> surging as much as 3.8% to touch a high of US$218.69 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the announcement eased the concerns of some investors that a manufacturing bottleneck could delay launch. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from <span class="company">Apple</span> since the iPhone in 2007. Chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until yesterday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U. K in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply.<span class="sent"> There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span>...<span class="sent">There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Ms. Cross expects the iPad eventually to be a major growth driver for <span class="company">Apple</span>. She estimates the company will sell four million to five million units in the first year which will add US$1 to earnings per share. The Tweet this 

The news sent shares of Apple surging as much as 3.9 per cent to touch a record high of $219.85 (U. S.) on the Nasdaq stock exchange, as analysts said the announcement eased the concerns of some investors that a manufacturing bottleneck could delay launch. The 9.7 inch touch screen iPad, which is designed to surf the web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from Apple since the iPhone in 2007. Chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U. K in late April. ``I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply. There's always so much speculation around a launch and this alleviates those fears,'' said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. 
Share:  The news sent shares of <span class="company">Apple</span> surging as much as 3.9 per cent to touch a record high of $219.85 (U. S.) on the Nasdaq stock exchange, as analysts said the announcement eased the concerns of some investors that a manufacturing bottleneck could delay launch. The 9.7 inch touch screen iPad, which is designed to surf the web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from <span class="company">Apple</span> since the iPhone in 2007. Chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U. K in late April. ``I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply.<span class="sent"> There's always so much speculation around a launch and this alleviates those fears,'' said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Tweet this 

The news sent shares of Apple surging as much as 4.3 percent to an all time high of $219.70 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the speedy international rollout could help build sales momentum. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from Apple since the iPhone in 2007. Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply. There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. 
Share:  The news sent shares of <span class="company">Apple</span> surging as much as 4.3 percent to an all time high of $219.70 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the speedy international rollout could help build sales momentum. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from <span class="company">Apple</span> since the iPhone in 2007. Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. "I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply.<span class="sent"> There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span>...<span class="sent">There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Cross expects the iPad to be a major growth driver for <span class="company">Apple</span> eventually. She estimates the company will sell 4 million to Tweet this 

There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. Cross expects the iPad to be a major growth driver for Apple eventually. She estimates the company will sell 4 million to 5 million units in the first year, which will add $1 to earnings per share. The launch date means Apple won't likely book any iPad revenue in the current fiscal second quarter, which closes at the end of March. Nonetheless, Barclay's analyst Ben Reitzes said the launch plans added some "welcome clarity.". "Not only is the device available in the U. S., but we believe availability in nine other countries by the end of April is likely quicker than many thought, lending potential upside to consensus estimates into mid year," he wrote in a research note. 
Share:  <span class="sent">There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Cross expects the iPad to be a major growth driver for <span class="company">Apple</span> eventually. She estimates the company will sell 4 million to 5 million units in the first year, which will add $1 to earnings per share. The launch date means <span class="company">Apple</span> won't likely book any iPad revenue in the current fiscal second quarter, which closes at the end of March. Nonetheless, Barclay's analyst Ben Reitzes said the launch plans added some "welcome clarity.". "Not only is the device available in the U. S., but we believe availability in nine other countries by the end of April is likely quicker than many thought, lending potential upside to consensus estimates into mid year," he wrote in a research note. Tweet this 

The news sent shares of Apple surging as much as 3.8 percent to touch an all time high of $218.69 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the announcement eased the concerns of some investors that a manufacturing bottleneck could delay launch. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from Apple since the iPhone in 2007. Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April."I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply. There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors. 
Share:  The news sent shares of <span class="company">Apple</span> surging as much as 3.8 percent to touch an all time high of $218.69 on the Nasdaq, as analysts said the announcement eased the concerns of some investors that a manufacturing bottleneck could delay launch. The 9.7 inch touchscreen iPad, which is designed to surf the Web, play video and games, and read digital books, is the most anticipated product launch from <span class="company">Apple</span> since the iPhone in 2007. Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the tablet in late January, but the company did not announce any international markets until Friday, when it said the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April."I think it eases concerns that were circulating about supply.<span class="sent"> There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span>...<span class="sent">There's always so much speculation around a launch, and this alleviates those fears," said Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Shannon Cross</span>, adding that the breadth of the international launch should reassure investors.</span> Cross expects the iPad eventually to be a major growth driver for <span class="company">Apple</span>. She estimates the company will sell 4 million to 5 million units in the first year which will add $1 to earnings per share. There has been some debate on h Tweet this 

Elliott, which already owns 8.5 percent of Novell, offered to pay $5.75 a share, or a premium of 21 percent over Tuesday's closing price for the company that has been hurt by competition and struggled to boost sales. Shares of Novell shot up to $6.10 in extended trading, as investors bet on a higher bid for the company, which has nearly $1 billion in cash. "The deal price is on the low side compared to recent deals that were transacted in the enterprise software space," Cross Research analyst Richard Williams said. "So we would expect to see either a higher bid down the road and or other bidders coming in.". 
Share:  Elliott, which already owns 8.5 percent of <span class="company">Novell</span>, offered to pay $5.75 a share, or a premium of 21 percent over Tuesday's closing price for the company that has been hurt by competition and struggled to boost sales. Shares of <span class="company">Novell</span> shot up to $6.10 in extended trading, as investors bet on a higher bid for the company, which has nearly $1 billion in cash.<span class="sent"> "The deal price is on the low side compared to recent deals that were transacted in the enterprise software space," Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Richard Williams</span> said.</span> "So we would expect to see either a higher bid down the road and or other bidders coming in.". Tweet this 

Elliott, which already owns 8.5 percent of Novell, offered to pay $5.75 a share, or a premium of 21 percent over Tuesday's closing price for the company that has been hurt by competition and struggled to boost sales. Shares of Novell shot up to $6.10 in extended trading, as investors bet on a higher bid for the company, which has nearly $1 billion in cash. "The deal price is on the low side compared to recent deals that were transacted in the enterprise software space," Cross Research analyst Richard Williams said. "So we would expect to see either a higher bid down the road and or other bidders coming in.". 
Share:  Elliott, which already owns 8.5 percent of <span class="company">Novell</span>, offered to pay $5.75 a share, or a premium of 21 percent over Tuesday's closing price for the company that has been hurt by competition and struggled to boost sales. Shares of <span class="company">Novell</span> shot up to $6.10 in extended trading, as investors bet on a higher bid for the company, which has nearly $1 billion in cash.<span class="sent"> "The deal price is on the low side compared to recent deals that were transacted in the enterprise software space," Cross Research analyst <span class="analyst">Richard Williams</span> said.</span> "So we would expect to see either a higher bid down the road and or other bidders coming in.". Tweet this 

Scott Tagliarino, a spokesman for Elliott, declined to comment beyond the company's official statement. Richard Williams, a senior software analyst at Cross Research in Livingston, N. J., said that the offer could "turn out to be a very smart deal.'' If the market reacts well to the recent purchase of software maker Sun Microsystems Inc by database giant Oracle Corp over the next year, Williams said, it could cause a realignment in the network software industry that will make "Novell's assets, which now have indeterminate value, much more valuable.'' Williams added that Elliott's bid could trigger more buyout offers from companies such as Cisco Systems Inc. , Hewlett Packard Co. , and Microsoft Corp."If nothing else, I would think we'll see a higher bid,'' Williams said. Hiawatha Bray can be reached at bray@globe.com . Material from Globe wire services was used in this story.. 
Share:  Scott Tagliarino, a spokesman for <span class="company">Elliott</span>, declined to comment beyond the company's official statement.<span class="sent"> <span class="analyst">Richard Williams</span>, a senior software analyst at Cross Research in Livingston, N. J., said that the offer could "turn out to be a very smart deal.'' If the market reacts well to the recent purchase of software maker Sun Microsystems Inc by database giant Oracle Corp over the next year, Williams said, it could cause a realignment in the network software industry that will make "Novell's assets, which now have indeterminate value, much more valuable.'' Williams added that <span class="company">Elliott</span>'s bid could trigger more buyout offers from companies such as Cisco Systems Inc. , Hewlett Packard Co. , and Microsoft Corp."If nothing else, I would think we'll see a higher bid,'' Williams said.</span> Hiawatha Bray can be reached at bray@globe.com . Material from Globe wire services was used in this story.. Tweet this