paper launch

A release of a product, especially a computer component, in extremely limited quantities, making it very difficult for consumers to get their hands on. The purpose of this is generally for a company to be able to say "we have the fastest chip", before they can actually produce large numbers of them.

Thus, the product isn't really "launched" to the market, it's only launched in press releases, hence "paper" launches.

"Hey man, I can't find any vendors that sell the new, ultra-fast Intel chip. Have you found it anywhere yet?"

"Nope, nobody has it. It's just another paper launch."

paper launch by Jack September 12, 2005

paperlanche 

An avalanche of paper caused by disturbing a pile of newspapers and/or magazines stacked too high.

I got buried in a paperlanche when I tried to get the Sunday paper from the bottom of the pile.

paperlanche by drm310 January 27, 2009