But after the closing bell, Apple reported a forecast-busting rise in first-quarter net profit, following a jump in iPhone sales.

WSJ: Weaker Yen Lifts Tokyo Exporters

When the iPad Mini was released in November of last year, there were few opening-bell lines at Apple stores, few foaming-at-the-mouth fanboys crossing out the days on their calendars, and few folks who viewed the device as much more than Apple getting in the seven-inch tablet game because, well, they pretty much had to at that point.

FORBES: How The iPad Mini Became A Stealth Success

Local maker NEC still accounts for one of every two computers sold in the country, but according to one estimate, foreign brands such as Compaq, Apple and Packard Bell now have 40% of the market, up from 10% a few years ago.

CNN: Getting Ready for Asia's PC Wars