Some thoughts: Apple, Japan, and iPad 2 delays

Please, oblige me for a moment:

For those of you who may not know me on a personal/online-personal level, I’ve spent a lot of my life engaged in international studies on some level. It started in high school and ended with my graduation from college. It’s always been a part of me, but if I had to break down my interests, I’d argue that I’ve had three major interests in my life from the beginning: a great love a music, a deep passion for technology, and a strong predisposition towards helping others. Those three things led me to starting this blog, and frankly, it’s those things that keep me going throughout the week. But, with the current situation in Japan unravelling before us, it’s becoming increasing difficult to write about random Apple rumors and news articles this week. It just doesn’t seem right.

We’re not going to stop posting—t is my job after all—but I will be posting with a mindful eye on Japan. I think it’s important to gain some perspective on what we do here on the website, so I wanted to take a moment and point out some things that Apple’s doing in Japan.

Apple’s been doing some things that have made me proud to support them with hard-earned cash. Sure, the naysayers might argue that Apple could do more, and more is always better, but I think Apple, Apple Store employees in Japan, and the community as a whole should really take a short moment and be proud of what’s happening right now: people are putting the needs of strangers ahead of their own needs.

Here are a couple of things from Japan that have stood out to me over the last couple of days.

iPad 2 shipments headed for Japan have been delayed

Today Apple announced that they would be delaying iPad 2 shipments to Japan while the Japanese focus on rebuilding their country. It’s a smart move, and it’s the right thing to do right now. No new shipping date has been announced.

Donate to Japan in iTunes

Yesterday, Apple opened up a donation portal in iTunes so that people can donate to the Red Cross using their iTunes accounts. All donations will be made anonymously in $5.00, $10.00, $25.00, $50.00, $100.00, and $200.00 amounts. Again, it’s the right thing to do.

Apple Store employees in Japan are doing their part

But wait, even Apple Store employees on the ground in Japan are doing their part during this disaster. An email repost on Kevin Rose’s website is probably the greatest example of humanity that’s been linked to Apple in any way during this event. Humanity knows no borders, and these particular Apple Store employees went out of their way to make sure people could use their computers to make calls to loved ones both at home and abroad. It’s really a humbling story, and I’d suggest that you take a moment out of your day and read it.

Apple’s not the only tech company helping out: Google’s involved too

As you can see, Apple’s playing a part in Japan, and that makes me proud. But, others in Silicon Valley has taken up the cause as well. Google has also announced a program that will let people donate their money directly from their Adsense accounts to Japan, which, for the record, is something we recommend doing.  Take a moment and donate a day‘s worth of your Adsense revenue—it’s worth it.

It’s been absolutely amazing watching the technology community at large, and Apple specifically, respond to the disaster in Japan. I’m in awe of the outpouring of love from the technology community. It makes me proud to be a part of it in some minor capacity.

Anyway, I just wanted to give some props where they were due. Thanks for letting me.