It seems that Apple has decided that it is probably not a good idea to try and launch a new product in Japan at the moment. Apple loves to generate a bit of hysteria for its product launches but has decided that it is probably not a good idea to try that in earthquake ravaged Japan.

There is nothing like a tragic disaster to focus people on what really is important. The iPad is completely pointless in any environment and any outfit that tries to get people to focus on buying one in such a climate will look incredibly daft.

"We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan, including our employees and their families, who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy," Apple was quoted as saying.

Sales of the iPad 2 were slated to begin there on March 25, along with 25 other countries around the globe.