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Preethi J.

Bangalore, Oct7 The grey market is also online. stores like Gadgets.in, Rediff Shopping and eBay.in offer gadget lovers ‘phoren’ maal at rupee value.

The Apple iPhone, for instance, is being sold online almost three months ahead of its official launch.

Earlier, Igadget freaks relied on friends to buy that Gameboy they wanted from Singapore, or a Nikon D3 professional SLR camera available in the US. Or at least a trip to the nearest grey market to buy imported gadgets for cheap.

Now, all that’s needed is a credit card and an Internet connection to click to buy an Apple iPhone or a Nintendo Wii, products that are not officially launched or sold through the company’s retail channels. The iPhone is a touch-screen handset with 8GB memory capacity. Many were dismayed when the company announced the iPhone would be launched in India only next year. A few bought it and paid ‘roaming’ charges for using it in the country.

Now, an ‘unlocked’ iPhone - one that can be used on any GSM network in any country - can be bought online. Discounts, auctions and EMI options make an online buy easier.

The original 8GB iPhone costs $599 (pricing has been cut down to $399 recently). Gadgets.in offers it for Rs 33,995, Rediff Shopping for Rs 31,975 and eBay.in for Rs 30,000.

Grey market shopping, even if it’s online, comes with inherent risks. In the case of the iPhone, the buyer is not warned of the update to the phone’s software. Apple Computers retorted to the unlocking spree by sending a patch that disables such unlocked iPhones, when the user attempts to update its software. Hence, the seller at Gadgets.in has a disclaimer – “Do not update or restore the firmware of this phone as it may lead to the phone becoming locked” and a “We will not be held responsible if the user re-locks the phone after purchase.”

An eBay spokesperson said, “The industry is aware of such trade. eBay sellers undergo verification and safety checks to ensure they sell original products. Brands and original equipment manufacturers are welcome to approach us to discontinue sales of their products.”

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