Israel recently announced a new regulation which bans imports of the iPad, Apple Inc.'s latest product, citing concerns that the gadget's wireless signals could disrupt other devices. Customs officials have recently confiscated about 10 of the lightweight tablet computers. The ban does not allow anyone, including tourists, to carry iPads into Israel unless certified by officials that they comply with local transmitter standards.
The US Federal Communications Commission allows devices with Wi-Fi capability to broadcast at higher power levels than are allowed in Europe and Israel. According to Nati Schubert, a senior deputy director for the Communications Ministry, the iPad's stronger signal could throw off others' wireless connections. Some Israelis however successfully got the popular devices into Israel before the ban was imposed. Amnon, a software developer who legally brought an iPad into Israel, said that he and other high-tech businessmen need the iPad to develop new applications for the device.
The iPad combines the features of a notebook computer with the touch-pad functions of the iPod. The product went on sale in the US on April 3, 2010. iPad's international launch has been delayed until May 10, citing heavy sales in the US.
Israeli officials have said that the ban is simply a precaution to assure that the iPad doesn't affect wireless devices already in use in the country. Though Israeli standards are similar to those in many European nations, Israel is the only country so far to officially ban imports.
Search for more e-Reader applications
More News in this Theme
