There is nothing new about brand name knockoffs from China, but when seasoned Apple and technology followers turn their heads - we tend to pay attention.

In this case the seasoned watcher is our old friend Mike Clendenin, the director of Red Tech Advisors, Shanghai, who reports in the latest edition of The China Tech Letter that Apple's latest iPad design has already been cloned by China's notorious electronics pirates. It's a testament to the global nature of electronics design - and more.

"We knew it wouldn’t take long, but I have to admit that the speed with which the Shenzhen shanzhai have copied the iPad – and maybe improved upon it? -- is impressive," The China Tech Letter observed, adding some tantalizing details:

"So far we’ve seen the Epad (from Superman Industrial) and the TESO, both of which run Window’s 7 and use the Intel Atom platform. It’s a safe bet that both will be much cheaper than the iPad. Some companies in Guangzhou have been taking “pre-orders” for smuggled iPads, which will go for Rmb4,999 -- a 45 premium on the US pricing.

"Though the iPad will find some loving fans in China, it won’t only be the shanzhai that look to compete. Traditional Mobile Internet Device makers and e-reader makers will crowd into the same space" referring to a Hanwon (aka Hanwang) TouchPad iPAD knockoff device.

"It may not be as slick as the iPad, but it doesn’t need to be. Chinese consumers often want value, and Hanvon offers a decent price-performance trade-off. The specs: 10.1-inch ultra-thin screen (with backlit LED), WiFi, Bluetooth, body comprised of aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastic. Runs Windows 7, weighs between 600g-800g, with a thickness of only 14mm. Not bad, eh?"

You can read The China Tech Letter in its entirity and get more China insight and investment cues on China's electronics, telecom and the China media technology markes here.