Notes :
recession: 不景気，不況;
mainstream:（情勢などの）主流，主潮;
fad: 気まぐれ，一時的流行;
statistic: 統計値;
Inc.:［企業名に後置］incorporated（株式会社の）;
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Merry Christmas!
Despite the recession that has seriously affected the American economy, iPads are at the top of shoppers’ lists, becoming more mainstream than other gifts. Bob Cardina, 26, plans to buy one for his parents for Christmas. His parents live in Tampa, far from him, so he is excited to be able to video chat with them ― them on their new iPad and him on his iPhone. But is this just a fad? It seems not. According to statistics nearly 64 million tablets will be sold worldwide by the end of the year, and 73 percent of them will be iPads. Apple Inc.’s iPad in particular is being used as a learning tool in schools, a digital cash register in shops and a menu at restaurants. Which means that if you don’t have one this year, don’t worry; you will probably get one soon! (by Prof. Simon Smith)
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