The second-generation iPhone will be hitting Asia by storm. On July 11, Japan will be selling the much-awaited smartphone where thousands are expected to queue and buy the device. However, the 3G iPhone is not just in demand for all gadget fanatics but also in demand in Asia’s black market at the same time. The black market in Shanghai up to Bangkok has now a high demand for Apple Inc.’s latest smartphone.
Apple Inc. has no plans of bringing the 3G iPhone to Thailand. However, the dealers from the country where pirated goods are rampant are now boasting that they only need a little time (say, a few weeks?) to smuggle the phones and have the 3G iPhone unlocked so that it can be used on the user’s local mobile network.
A dealer from Thailand named Toew told the Reuters recently that he is now taking orders for the 3G iPhone. He also assured Reuters that he will be getting the 3G iPhones by the end of this month. Toew is offering the 8 GB model of the 3G iPhone for as much as 29,000 baht or $850.
Hong Kong, now a part of China, is also expecting the 3G iPhone in their legal market. However, in Shanghai, where the second-generation iPhone will not be distributed, gadget fanatics are also expecting the device. The unlocked iPhone will cost 3,000 yuan or $437. There are also Chinese-copied iPhones which is less expensive (1,000 yuan).
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08-03-2008, 01:30 PM
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