Samsung seems to have a supply issue with its newly released Galaxy Note 4. It looks as if US retail stores and carriers are having trouble keeping the device in stock since its release on Oct.17.

The Galaxy note 4, with its gorgeous Quad HD Super AMOLED 5.7 inch display, high-end 16-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), and hybrid plastic and metal premium build and feel, is Samsung's latest entry in the phablet wars, and in direct competition with Apple's new iPhone 6 Plus phablet and the upcoming Google/Motorola Nexus 6.

While preorders are reportedly arriving on time as promised, Samsung's carrier and retail partners are reporting very uneven stock and supply, especially on the white version, and on those for Sprint. Verizon, which finally released the smartphone on October 23, almost a week after all the other US carriers, does not have the white version on offer until Oct.31, which is also subject to change.

Costco has both the white and black for AT&T, the black only for Verizon, and nothing for Sprint at all. Best Buy , which is offering a special trade in deal until Nov. 1 on the Galaxy Note 4, also has both colors for AT&T, but no white versions for Verizon or Sprint. Amazon, which had previously been showing both colors as completely unavailable, is now showing the black in stock with a caveat that your purchase of the device "may require an extra 1-2 days to process". And if you're looking for the white version of Samsung's latest phablet at Amazon, you're still out of luck.

It's not clear whether the shortages are a result of unexpected demand, supply shortages, or a combination of both. Nor is it apparent how long the shortages will last as we prepare to enter the busy holiday shopping season. You can be certain, as always, that we'll bring you the latest availability, including deals, offers and discounts, on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 along with the other latest phablets and smartphones.