Pirated iPads Selling Like Hot Cakes In China
Though the international launch of iPad has been delayed till the end of May, it seems China has its own rules at least for electronic gadgets. Reuters has reported that Chinese consumers looking for knock-off versions of the iPad don’t need to look very far as they’re already available in electronics shops in the Shenzhen region of south China, near the Hong Kong border. Shenzhen is notorious for high sales of knock-off versions of popular gadgets like the iPhone, game consoles, Macbook Air, and now the iPad. A pirated version of the iPad can be purchased for about 2,800 Yuan or $410 USD, cheaper than the official Apple iPad.
Reuters confirms finding a knock-off version which had three USB ports and ran Windows. Taobao, China’s largest online marketplace, contains hundreds of listings for the iPad, many real but some dubiously labeled as “China goods,” with claims to have even better features than the real deal. Analysts believe that Chinese are smart enough to clone just about anything and everything so it’s not entirely surprising to see these iPad clones. Though manufacturers have urged the government to crack down on these fake products, the knock-offs continue to thrive in Chinese market. Many users have complained about the health hazards and potentially explosive batteries in the iPhone clones.
It’s a tricky situation for those living in China and wanting to buy an iPad. Should you buy the knock-off version from the grey market or wait for a month before the iPad officially ships to China. I’d rather stay away from the pirated version and prefer to wait for the official iPad. If a month’s wait sounds too long to you, you can always buy it from US and get it shipped to your country.
Happy iPadding!
