The iPad 2 with a Smart Cover is shown in use in the demonstration area after the iPad 2 launch during an Apple event in San Francisco, California March 2, 2011
The iPad 2 with a Smart Cover is shown in use in the demonstration area after the iPad 2 launch during an Apple event in San Francisco, California March 2, 2011 Reuters

Even though iPad has become the most popular tablet in the world, China's Communist Party members are content using special red tablets to do their work.

According to Reuters, the special tablet is named as RedPad Number One and comes pre-installed with a bundle of software applications to satisfy the Chinese officials' every need for control. For instance, the applications will help them to stay up-to-date on news and monitor journalists.

RedPad sports a 9.7-inch display, Android 3.2 Honeycomb, 16GB storage, WiFi and 3G connectivity and comes in a leather case. Tech experts and industry analysts estimate the tablet costs about 2000RMB (approx. $317). However, the RedPad actually retails at 9,999RMB (approx. $1,600) or almost twice the price of Apple's most expensive iPad 2.

No wonder, the RedPad has triggered a lot of controversy and Netizens are wondering why the device is so expensive and who is footing the bill.

Whatever the leaders consume are always luxury, Ou Aimin wrote on Weibo - a Twitter equivalent in China.

Reuters indicated that it's possible that the taxpayers' hard-earned money is spent on the tablets. An online survey, conducted by Chinese Web site 91wenwen showed that more than 2,000 respondents thought the taxpayers could pay the bill, whereas over 3,148 respondents believe RedPad is a symbol of privilege.

The sale of the tablet is completely market driven, Liu Xianri, a spokesman for RedPad Number One, told the Southern Daily on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

When asked if the public funds are used by the government to pay for the tablet, Liu said, We are looking to compete against the foreign brands.

Liu also explained the reason of RedPad's high price. According to him, the tablets come pre-installed with many apps, which are specially made for the government officials.

With the help of the apps, the China's Communist Party members can easily to check the validity of a journalist's government accreditation and read state-run newspapers and microblogs.

Ironically, the slogan of RedPad reads, Using the RedPad Number One to serve people.

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