This article was written two and a half years ago, before the iPhone was introduced.

Ma points to cell-phone replacement cycles in China that run 6 to 12 months faster than those of Europe or North America as a reflection of the strong desire among Chinese to possess the latest and greatest. "The flashier an item, the more of a status symbol it is," says Ma. With its sleek appearance and raft of design awards, the iPod is probably the flashiest, most recognizable handheld digital device in the world today. Yet when it comes time to ship these beauties to fulfill waiting lists, consumers in the U.S., Britain, and other countries trump China.

This blogger leaves us this tidbit about rumors of China being the next major destination for Apple consumer electronics.

A Chinese look-a-like has surfaced. It is made by a company called Meizu and it is known as M8. At the time of this entry, the Apple China website was inaccessible.