iPhone scalpers in China on the decrease as Apple resumes online sales of iPhone 4S, shipping by March 2

Jordan Kahn

Last week we told you about a new online lottery system for reservations that Apple setup for iPhone 4S sales through its Hong Kong stores to combat scalpers after it was forced to suspend sales of the device in various locations throughout Mainland China. Unfortunately, until this week, Apple’s online store for China has been out of stock since the overwhelming launch.

After implementing the new reservation policies on Tuesday, and in Beijing on Wednesday, Apple has now resumed online sales of the device with shipments arriving to customers no later than March 2, reported ChinaDaily. Apple’s online store for Mainland China now lists the iPhone 4S with an expected delivery time of “February.” Customers are limited to two devices with all three models currently available in both black and white. An Apple employee confirmed the March 2 date to ChinaDaily:

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Snoozing = losing? iPhone 4S now only available in some stores by reservation

Jake Smith

Update: the report appears to be incorrect.  We have updated information from a reliable source.

MacRumors points us to Apple’s how to buy page, where it has been updated saying that the iPhone 4S is now only available in retail stores by reservation only. The page says an iPhone 4S can be reserved after 9:00 PM each day, and will be available for pickup the following day.

An Apple representative told MacRumors that supplies are beginning to disappear, and are pushing customers to the reserve page to ensure they get a device rather than leaving the store empty handed.

It seems highly unlikely that Apple would push away a customer who would come in to buy a device. Perhaps they’ll be selling the remaining stock to those who walk-in. Customers can also order the iPhone 4S online.

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Refurbished iPad 2′s now available in Apple’s Online Store

Jordan Kahn

It looks like Apple has just started offering refurbished iPad 2s via the Apple online store, as noted by Dealnews and MacRumors. We aren’t going to jump to any upcoming iPad 3 conclusions just yet, but the discount is definitely a welcomed entry price point for new iPad owners in the midst of tablet makers looking to go after the low-end tablet market.

The only iPad 2s currently available include the 32GB and 64GB Wi-Fi+3G models going for $679 and $779, and the 64GB Wi-Fi only model going for $649. It looks like both black and white models are currently available as well as all four carrier options for the 3G models. If you can get your hands on one before they’re gone, it’s listed as shipping in 1-3 business days.
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