China: The release of the iPad mini on Friday at its flagship store in Beijing “was missing the massive and unruly crowds reminiscent of some the company’s previous product launches in China, but scalpers were still out in force despite rules making it tougher for them to buy most of the stock,” reports “The Wall Street Journal.”

Apple is requiring Chinese customers to participate in an online lottery one day in advance to buy the Wi-Fi version of the small tablet at its seven retail stores in China. However, those chosen are limited to two iPad minis each and must bring photo identification.

“On Friday morning, Apple’s Sanlitun store opened to no crowds, but a large group of scalpers was standing a hop and skip from the store entrance collecting iPad Minis from Chinese customers in exchange for cash,” reports the “Wall Street Journal.” “Behind them, on a nearby bench, sat tall stacks of the devices.”

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