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Reservations needed for new iPad

Shanghai Daily, July 19, 2012

• The price of the new iPad starts at 3,688 yuan (US$585) for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model to 6,288 yuan for the 64 GB 3G iPad.  [File Photo]

  Chinese customers will have to first make an online reservation today to get their hands on Apple Inc's new iPad, which will debut in the domestic market tomorrow.

  The online reservation will be open from 9:00am to 12:00pm today.

  After making their reservations, customers can pick up their new iPad at Apple's retail stores. Without the reservation, the new iPad will not be sold on-site tomorrow.

  Apple will kick off a new iReserve system on its Chinese mainland website today. The system, which has already been used in Hong Kong, aims to improve consumers' purchase experience, Apple said yesterday without providing details.

  The new system is designed to prevent scalpers, who often appear in the crowded queues around Apple stores during new product releases. They sell the products at a much higher price to consumers who are not willing to wait several hours in the line, industry insiders said.

  In January, Apple stopped selling its new iPhone 4S at its China Apple stores after unruly customers led police to seal off part of a mall in Beijing's Sanlitun shopping district.

  The price of the new iPad starts at 3,688 yuan (US$585) for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model to 6,288 yuan for the 64 GB 3G iPad.

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