Israel reverses iPad ban

(Apple)

Israel on Sunday reversed a ban on Apple's new iPad after initially confiscating the devices at its airports because the wireless signal was 40 times stronger than the legal limit.

"After verification, we found that the iPad operates on a constant signal to the standards required," communications ministry spokesman Yechiel Shavi told AFP, adding that confiscated devices would be returned to their owners.

The touchscreen gadget is so far only on sale in the United States, where federal regulations allow much higher Wi-Fi signal strength than the European standard followed in Israel.

Earlier this month Apple said that because of strong US demand for the device it would not go on sale internationally until the end of May.