Little lost iPad arrives home: From Italy to Australia to the US

Remember our lost iPad story? Greg from Australia was vacationing in Italy. He found an iPad in his hotel room. He tried to send it back from Italy, but when that fell through he brought it home to Australia with him.

When Apple said they wouldn't help repatriate the iPad and Greg discovered the insane shipping charges involved due to the unit's built-in battery, he turned to TUAW for assistance. TUAW put out a call for help, and soon offers were pouring in.

We can't tell you how many people opened their hearts and offered to donate to help see the unit on its way. The most promising offer came from Brisbane-based Michael Williamson. He wrote that he supplied parts to Epilog Laser, a Colorado company that manufactures laser engraving and cutting systems. Many of their laser tools are used to custom engrave the backs of iPhones and iPads.

We put Michael in touch with Greg, who handed off the unit for its trip home. It arrived back via a couriered shipment of tech parts. Here in Colorado, James Stanaway of Epilog contacted the owners of the iPad, who picked it up and brought it home. The picture above is of Dave, the husband of the original owner.

Dave told James that they assumed the iPad had been stolen in Italy. They didn't realize it had been left behind in the hotel. Now, thanks to Greg, Michael, and Epilog, the iPad has returned to its owners, ready to pick up in their daiily lives.

This was a very happy ending indeed, and one where TUAW was privileged to play a small role.