Apple's Ipad 2 sees high demand in the afterlife

IN MALAYSIA Apple's Ipad 2 has become a popular gift in the afterlife, leading to shortages for those who have passed on, according to a report by Reuters.

A Chinese festival in Malaysia, dubbed Qingming, sees families offer paper replicas of the tablet computer to loved ones who have died. These are burned as part of the "tomb sweeping" festival, along with paper cars, paper designer bags and fake money.

The unusual mix of old and new has resulted in an Ipad 2 craze for the ancient Confucian-based rite. Shopkeeper Jeffrey Te ordered 300 Ipad 2 paper replicas for the festival, but they have sold so quickly that he is struggling to keep up with demand, a situation that echoes those in Apple stores around the world in this life.

Celebrators of the festival might have to make do with paper versions of the original Ipad, Te said, or they could buy and burn a paper Iphone or Samsung Galaxy Tab, suggesting that Android might be just as popular in the afterlife.

Some people are not so keen on giving an Ipad 2, as they believe older generations won't know how to use it when they have passed on. Simpler necessities like clothes are a popular consideration for these people.

The Ipad 2 has many uses. Some people read books on it and browse the Internet. Others smash theirs with a hammer on Youtube. Now we know that some set fire to theirs as gifts to the dearly departed. µ