Softbank Mobile suspends order-taking for Apple's iPad

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TOKYO, May 13 Kyodo -
Softbank Mobile Corp. said Thursday it suspended the previous day taking orders
for Apple Inc.'s iPad tablet computer in Japan due to a supply shortage
worldwide.
The suspension came two days after Softbank Mobile, a mobile phone service unit
of Softbank Corp., started taking orders ahead of the launch of the product in
Japan on May 28 under a partnership with the U.S. firm.
In addition to Softbank Mobile's own outlets, consumer electronics retailers
also suspended taking orders for a basic iPad model with Wi-Fi wireless
Internet access and a model which can use both Wi-Fi and 3G mobile network
service.
It is not known whether Softbank Mobile will resume taking orders. Apple's
retail outlets in Japan are still taking basic model orders.
Softbank Mobile was chosen as Apple's partner for the iPad sales in Japan as it
has been serving as the exclusive provider of Apple's iPhone in Japan.
Apple said it has sold over 1 million iPad units in the United States since its
debut in April. The iPad will also be available on May 28 in eight other
countries, including Australia, Germany and Italy.
==Kyodo