Rumor: iPhone 5 will be in very short supply when it launches

The iPhone 5 is one elusive smartphone. It'll either be very similar to the iPhone 4, with just a spec-bump or come with a completely redesigned body. Our bet is Apple will take the wraps off both models, but it seems the iPhone 5 might see a shortage.

9to5Mac is reporting that it's heard the iPhone 5 — the slightly taller, wider and thinner version "is seeing continued design and production delays, at least on one assembly line (Apple has multiple production sources - Pegatron, Foxconn, etc).  We therefore think that iPhone 5 will be delayed slightly at the very least and may see shortages all the way into 2012."

A shortage? Is that really a surprise? Not really. Whether it's a production problem or a consumer one, Apple's mobile devices hve historically managed to sell out — as was the case with the iPhone 4 and iPad 2. Shortages are to be expected. The problem is, Apple just won't be able to meet demand.

Meanwhile, Case-Mate who "accidentally" posted pics (since removed) of cases for the iPhone 5 online also backs claims that the device will sport a new form factor, going as far as to say that the screen will be 4-inches, the home button will elongated, camera will jump up to 8-megapixels, and will feature wireless charging.

Case-Mate claims both an iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 model will be launching in early October. The New York Times also says an iPhone 5 is on its way in the next few weeks.

For sure, iPhones are en route — two of them — but what's the hold up? We've heard nothing about Apple's annual September music event, that usually brings with it redesigned iPods. Maybe those production problems are real. The only way to guarantee you get an iPhone 5 will be to pre-order one as soon as Apple and its wireless carrier partners all buyers to do so.

HTC Holiday's 4.5-inch Prototype Makes its First Appearance [Photo]

HTC’s upcoming Android-based smartphone Holiday’s prototype has just revealed itself for the first time.

The new Android smartphone has a large ‘CALIFORNIA’ sticker on its cover or on the back which may mean that the device will be released in different parts of the United States with different cases.

If the rumored specifications are true, then the device will arrive with a 1.2GHz processor, a 4.5-inch qHD display at 960 x 540 pixel resolution and could possibly look forward to an AT&T release. Previous rumors said that the device will also have 1GB RAM and an 8 MP rear and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera.

Nothing much in known about the device at the moment but the HTC Holiday may also arrive with conductive charge port on the back, according to a XDA report.

Sprint Offers Cheaper WiMAX 4G in Samsung Conquer 4G Android Smartphone

Sprint has made the availability of WiMAX 4G connectivity cheaper, teaming up with Samsung to launch Conquer 4G Android smartphone at $99 only.

The Samsung Conquer 4G will join the growing list of mobile devices that support Sprint’s WiMAX 4G

network, which started with the HTC EVO 4G, the best-selling smartphone in Sprint history.

Nearly one and a half years have passed since Sprint offered its first WiMAX 4G-capable Android smartphone, and including the Samsung Conquer 4G, the roster increased to seven smartphones, excluding 15 other devices that include hotspots, netbooks, USB modules, and tablets during the one year anniversary of EVO 4G’s launch.

However, the previous Sprint offerings, including EVO, EVO Shift, EVO 3D, Photon, Epic, and Nexus S, launched at hefty prices, considering 4G connectivity is an expensive feature and the smartphones had high-end specs.

The Samsung Conquer 4G is set to change that though, launching at only $99, with a new two-year Sprint contract and $50 rebate.

The $99 offer is also the current price for Samsung Nexus S, which launched at $200 last May.

The Samsung Conquer 4G touts a 3.5″ 320 x 480 HVGA touchscreen display, 1 GHz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 3.2-Megapixel camera with flash and a 1.3 megapixel front camera for video calling, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity, stereo Bluetooth support, and WiMAX hotspot capability for up to five devices.

The Samsung Conquer 4G will hit the shelves of Sprint retailers on August 21.