In case you missed it, Apple launched its iPad in the UK last Friday. But after having been on sale only a couple of months in the US, it seems dodgy tech tinkerers in China have already knocked out their own low-cost lookalike, going by this slightly bewildered-sounding Japanese news report.

The doppelganger tablet, called the "iPed", apparently runs Android and shots from the Japanese report show a home screen with apps including MSN, Fring and Skype. The tablet also packs a 7" touchscreen, accelerometer, a USB port, expandable storage, and what looks like multiple language options including English. Being Android, we bet it does Flash, too.

----------------------------------------------------------------

More on the real iPad:

Apple iPad - The ultimate guide

Apple iPad: Ten things you need to know

Apple iPad UK apps: Download essentials

Apple iPad: T3's first impressions

----------------------------------------------------------------

The imposter-pad is is being produced in the Shenzhen province of China, which also just happens to be the site of the biggest Foxconn production plant - a company you may recognise as that which produces Apple's iPhones and iPads.

The iPed retails at a reasonable £72, compared with the hefty £429 asking price of Apple's tablet, although we're doubtful this latest entry into the tablet market will ever see a UK launch quite like that of the iPad any time soon.

Via: Kotaku