We really can't answer that question - we know how many we're building, but we can only guess about the demand.

Because the chumby is something that is actually manufactured, there's a long pipeline for ordering parts, getting them to the factory, building the units, testing them, etc.  The parts for the currently manufactured units were ordered several months ago, based on projections we came up with at the time.

It's a tough problem - if we order too few parts, then we sell out, and if we place a new order, it take several more months to get them.  If we order too many, then we're stuck with a *lot* of cash tied up in stuff that's not selling.  Both situations can be fatal to a startup company.

One thing to think about is that like say I get one in my room. My roommates are both like "dude that's awesome! where can I get one?" and suddenly there's a demand that wasn't necessarily there on the release. I assume that chumby doesn't have too much capital to put towards an advertising campaign so I think that the word of mouth process and general cool and technolust factors are key to the success of such an awesome product. Just by sheer guess (I'm not a statistician or basing this on cold facts) but I'm going to say the release demand will be somewhere around 2000-2500 units (again just a guess, duane could definately give you better numbers than I can). Anyways, I expect that as the release cycle progresses, a steady increase in demand will pop up, based purely on coolness, utility, and the fact that it's only $150-180 US-ish (as opposed to laying down $600 for an iPhone or $3-400 for a nokia internet tablet). So the problem is that spending too much on initial production will cause problems as you're in debt, not enough production and you're not keeping up with the demand increases which almost invariably decreases demand (yes I know I'm just repeating what was said earlier in different words) Anyways, I'm sure that the people at chumby are pretty sure in what they're doing and I really want to see them do well with such an awesome product.

haha, good for you dude. Sorry about the long reply with no real content whatsoever. I was feeling economist-y there for a second ^^; Anyways I'm still just psyched that it will be released so soon (september-ish?) I can't wait to get my hands on one (but who can?). Please oh please release it soon!

I am shocked! It is a tradition, I say a tradition to sell out! This creates a sense of anxiety, and desire! Look at Cabbage Patch Kids; Furbys; and most new video game systems. Do you think news articles will be made if there is plenty of anything in stock!!! This is consumerism at its finest.