Israel bans imports of Apple iPad

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has banned imports of Apple Inc.'s hottest new product, the iPad, citing concerns that the strength of its wireless receivers and transmitters are incompatible with national standards and could disrupt other wireless devices.

Customs officials said today they have already confiscated about 10 iPads since Israel announced the new regulations this week.

The blanket ban prevents anyone — even tourists — from bringing an iPad into Israel until officials certify that the computers comply with local transmitter standards.

Presently, the iPad is only available for sale in the U.S. Apple announced on Wednesday that it would delay international pricing and sales until May 10 — a date that is expected to include several European countries, but not Israel.

The iPad is a lightweight tablet combining the features of a notebook computer with the touch-pad functions of the iPod. It went on sale in the U.S. on April 3.