Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair said recent retail checks point to significant end demand for the iPad (and other Apple products) reports “All Things D” (http://macte.ch/APDJ1).

“Even with a handful of tablet competitors hitting the market, the iPad remained the only game in town in our holiday checks largely because many of the tablets hitting the market are junk for lack of a better word,” he told clients. “They are underpowered, poorly constructed and largely not ready for prime time.”

The holiday season is always particularly kind to Apple, but this year it may have been even kinder than usual, notes “All Things D.” In addition to the iPad’s continued momentum at market, Blair observed stronger than expected holiday sales of iMacs, MacBook Pros and the new 11-inch MacBook Air.