Apple’s new iPad is one of several new appliances which has been added to the shopping basket which calculates the rate of inflation on average goods in the UK.
Along with the Galaxy Tab from Samsung, the new iPad has been added in place of photo-processors as a sign of the times that are forever changing.
The decision was made by the Office of National Statistics who opted to choose the tablets due to their significant presence in the market.
Likewise the decision to drop camera-film development has been taken as more people have digital cameras and are less inclined to have their pictures developed.
Both the consumer prices index and the retail prices index are worked out using more than 180,000 quotes for prices of goods on a month by month basis. These include 700 goods and services which cover 150 locations across the country.
The inclusion continues the prolonged period of celebration for Apple who are still basking in the glory of the new iPad after its unveiling last Wednesday.
Just last year the ONS chose to include smartphones and apps on the list, replacing mobile phone downloads.
A spokesperson for the Office of National Statistics said: “As in most years, developments in technology influence the basket update and in 2012 tablet computers are being included for the first time.
“This mirrors the evolution of computer equipment through desktop personal computers, laptops and now tablets, and they are being introduced to capture price changes in this rapidly expanding market,” the spokesperson concluded.
