Disaster in Japan could affect iPad supplies

The human toll of the ongoing crisis in Japan has captured the attention of most of the world and dominated headlines.

While nowhere near the level of importance of the safety and well-being of the people in Japan, there is also an economic impact that will be felt from the disaster. As Japan is one of the world's top producers of electronics, many companies will be impacted as the country works to get back on its feet.

It seems that Apple will be one of those companies. A recent report from iSuppli suggests that the battery for the iPad 2 is produced in Apple's Japanese facility and due to its unique design, cannot be easilly fabricated elsewhere. With the iPad 2 already in high demand, the delay could put a serious squeeze on supplies.

The iPad 2, however, is far from being Apple's biggest concern. With a significant portion of Apple's employees either living in or from Japan, the company has offered its support to any staff impacted by the tragedy. Steve Jobs has issued a memo to all affected Apple employees pledging time off to visit with family and assistance with getting supplies out.

A noble gesture from the company, and hopefully one that Apple employees will take advantage of.