John Gruber as the Atlantic Monthly did. Long story short, the number that Apple “missed” is the average of Wall Street analysts’ made-up numbers. They have no real idea what Apple’s going to announce; they’re making a guess based on second- and third-hand information. In a rational world, no one should have to explain that Apple is under no obligation to meet Wall Street’s estimates. What people should be concerned with is whether Apple improves on its own numbers. Which it did. Handsomely.

So, no surprises from Business Insider, but it is a little surprising to see call iPad sales “something of a disappointment” (tip o’ the antlers to ).

12 million iPads is a disappointment on Planet Nutball because it wasn’t , which is what everyone’s come to expect from Apple.

Well, this kind of thing is no big deal because what’s important is , which astounding.