Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

No word on NZ release date for iPad

Updated at 11:32 pm on 5 April 2010

High demand in the United States for Apple's new iPad tablet computer has cast doubt over when the product will be available in New Zealand.

The iPad, which is like a simplified laptop, went on sale in the United States overnight on Saturdaym at a price of $US499. It is designed to surf the web, and can run films, books and games.

Apple's sole New Zealand distributor, Renaissance Corporation, says it is still in talks with the manufacturer to confirm a New Zealand release date.

Renaissance chief executive Richard Webb says the reason for the delay is not entirely clear, but he understands it may be due to heavy demand for the product in the United States.

Technology commentator Ben Gracewood says there is nothing to stop people importing the product.

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