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The Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group said on Monday that it plans to launch the second version of its tablet computer LePad this year, as part of its efforts to catch up with Apple's latest iPad 2.

Yang Yuanqing, chief executive of Lenovo, said in an interview that Apple's latest upgrade of its tablet computer has set a new level for other computer vendors to catch up to.

But the Chinese company is "fully confident", it will outperform Apple's iPad in China, the world's second- largest computer market after the United States.

On March 2, Apple launched the second version of its popular iPad tablet computer, which includes a major hardware upgrade, and it cut the price of the first version of iPad. That has put greater pressure to catch up on rivals such as Samsung and Motorola, who reportedly considered a redesign of their competing products.

"Many Western Internet companies have difficulties in competing with Chinese rivals, which gives Lenovo a unique advantage in the home market," said Yang. He noted that a closer relationship with Chinese Internet companies such as Baidu and Tencent will make LePad more suitable for Chinese consumers.

According to the research firm IDC, Chinese consumers had purchased at least 800,000 iPads by the end of 2010. Wang Jiping, a manager from the research firm, estimates that about 2.5 million tablet PCs will be sold through official channels in China this year, more than doubling the number in 2010.

Lenovo said earlier that the LePad, an Android-based device that has a detachable screen, will be sold in the international market in June. The price of the product will be at $400 to $1,000 depending on their configurations.

On Monday, Yang also confirmed that Lenovo is working on the world's first eye controlled laptop, but refused to disclose when the company would launch the products.

Questions:

1. When did Apple launch the iPad2?

2. How many tablet PCs will be sold through official channels in China this year?

3. How much will the LePad2 cost?

Answers:

1. March 2.

2. 2.5 million.

3. $400 to $1,000.

去聽寫專區(qū)一展身手

（中國日?qǐng)?bào)網(wǎng)英語點(diǎn)津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.