Apple copycat 'hiPhone 5' sells for $31 in China

[OhioChick]

10 Aug, 2011, 04.03PM IST, Reuters

SHANGHAI: The newest version of Apple Inc's popular iPhone has already hit the Chinese market - the fake market that is. The 'hiPhone 5' is selling for as little as 200 yuan ($31) on China's top e-commerce platform Taobao, which is owned by Alibaba Group.
But one has to pay around 800 yuan for a more "genuine" one, according to some shop clerks at a mobile phone market in Shanghai.

"Look at this. It's not the same as the 300-400 yuan ones," Shanghai-based daily Metro Express quoted a clerk as saying, pointing to one originally priced at 850 yuan.

The 'hiPhone 5' is based on leaked images of the yet-to-be-launched iPhone 5 and is thinner and with less rounded edges than the existing iPhone 4, according to the newspaper. However, it is extremely light, almost like a plastic toy, like most pirated mobile phones, it said.

Western governments have repeatedly criticised China for widespread violation of intellectual property rights, but pirated goods from branded watches, to bags and computer software can be easily found in shops.

More: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/apple-copycat-hiphone-5-sells-for-31-in-china/articleshow/9553910.cms

[PoliticAverse]

1. I hope it's as good quality as my RQLEX and MALK. n/t

[nc4bo]

3. Don't forget the Cooch bags!! nt

[ChromeFoundry]

2. A real iPhone costs $120 bucks in China?

Why are they still $299 in the US?

Is Apple just telling the US consumers to suck-it or is there luxury tax on livers when you buy your way to the front of the line?

What happened to Apple's promise of lower priced goods from shipping all the jobs overseas?

Fuck Apple and their business practices - I'd rather use a Motorola StarTAC than buy their overpriced crap.

[Shagbark Hickory]

7. A star tac would cost less there too.

[FreakinDJ]

4. How is that "Outsoursing" working out for you

[physioex]

5. Yep......

Let the free market deal with its own intellectual property problems. We peons have more pressing issues like a roof over our shoulder.

[Safetykitten]

6. Well, that's a good deal, but the Hello Kitty screen cannot be changed.