Expensive RedPads for officials spark controversy
Source: Agencies |
January 20, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA'S Party and government officials can now carry a tablet PC to verify identification cards, read the blogs of cadres and manage state-owned firms.
Enter RedPad Number One, an Android-based tablet computer filled with software applications (apps) catered to a Party official's every need. Delivered in a leather case, it costs 9,999 yuan (US$1,580), almost twice the price of Apple's most expensive iPad 2.
The eye-popping price has set China's microblogs alight with chatter over why the device is so expensive and who is footing the bill. "Is it the god of toys? Why don't they throw in a free iPad with it?" was one comment on Sina.com's microblogging platform.
RedPad spokesman Liu Xianri told the Southern Daily newspaper that sales of the tablet were market driven. "We are looking to compete against the foreign brands," Liu said in response to a question about public funds being used to buy the RedPad.
The RedPad's price was high, Liu said, because of the number of pre-installed apps catering to officials and state-owned company managers.
But an online survey yesterday showed that more than 2,000 people believed the RedPad was meant as a symbol of privilege, while 1,500 thought its purpose was to fleece taxpayers.
"After reading all the articles about this, I am impressed," said microblogger Xixizhiniu. "What an honor it is for you, the taxpayer, that you place a 9,999 yuan device into the hands of the leaders!"
Enter RedPad Number One, an Android-based tablet computer filled with software applications (apps) catered to a Party official's every need. Delivered in a leather case, it costs 9,999 yuan (US$1,580), almost twice the price of Apple's most expensive iPad 2.
The eye-popping price has set China's microblogs alight with chatter over why the device is so expensive and who is footing the bill. "Is it the god of toys? Why don't they throw in a free iPad with it?" was one comment on Sina.com's microblogging platform.
RedPad spokesman Liu Xianri told the Southern Daily newspaper that sales of the tablet were market driven. "We are looking to compete against the foreign brands," Liu said in response to a question about public funds being used to buy the RedPad.
The RedPad's price was high, Liu said, because of the number of pre-installed apps catering to officials and state-owned company managers.
But an online survey yesterday showed that more than 2,000 people believed the RedPad was meant as a symbol of privilege, while 1,500 thought its purpose was to fleece taxpayers.
"After reading all the articles about this, I am impressed," said microblogger Xixizhiniu. "What an honor it is for you, the taxpayer, that you place a 9,999 yuan device into the hands of the leaders!"
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