[Nebrie]

Originally posted by mcsharick:
I'm afraid Steve's become a little spoiled with the unexpected success of the first 3 generations of iPods and their higher margins. Because now its altered his perception of business realities. Let's say that there was actually 2 iPod-minis to choose from; a 2GB and 4GB for $150 and $250 respectively. The mere fact that the 2GB exists, this would have improved the 4GB sales alone. Why, because there would have been a sweet spot acheived and a real comparison in choice. Now the next closest comparison to the 4GB is the 15GB? And only a $50 difference, not $100. This time Steve has blown it. I streamed his keynote, and GarageBand was building to a climax, and then the price point hit with the iPod-mini and you could've heard a pin drop in the Moscone (and that's not a good thing)! I expect there to actually be a 2GB later this year, and for the 4GB to drop at least $50 in price. But the opportune time to strike was now and this time Steve simply 'failed'.

Um, the 2GB drive goes for $70 in quantities of 100,000. If you can figure out how to sell an iPod for $150 through retail outlets with that drive, entire countries will worship you as their god.

[itai195]

Originally posted by PixelPete17:
The guy above that posted his suggestion about 2 Gig Flash memory mini-ipod for $149 is right on the money IMHO.

Well, you can't get 2GB of just flash memory for anywhere near $150, let alone a complete 2GB music player.

[ender2002]

Its not because Steve is greedy. It all relates back to the iTunes Music Store. Every song dowloaded gives Apple, I think, $.10. That is nothing. The iPods make up for the sales. That is the entire plan. Sell music online, and people will buy iPods to play the music.

I think the mini iPod will be very sucessful. This is the first time in a while that apple has come back to colors. The last was back in 2001 with the last iMac revision before the flat panel. Colors appeal to the younger crowd, and are under the $300 mark.

They will sell, and sell quickly.

Smart move apple!

[chrisutley]

If that were true, Apple would not exist today. If you want to buy a computer on price alone, build a PC or buy an eMachines. It's really that simple. Apple is not a charity, they offer premium products and premium prices, and as trite as it may seem ... you get what you pay for.

What is up with all the Socialists on this board?

Originally posted by PixelPete17:
I've said it a million times and as it's true every time...Steve Jobs is simply a greedo-maniac that tries to mask his money-gluttony behind the facade of cool techno-gadgets.

[chrisutley]

If that were true, Apple would not exist today. If you want to buy a computer on price alone, build a PC or buy an eMachines. It's really that simple. Apple is not a charity, they offer premium products at premium prices, and as trite as it may seem ... you get what you pay for.

What is up with all the Socialists on this board?

Originally posted by PixelPete17:
I've said it a million times and as it's true every time...Steve Jobs is simply a greedo-maniac that tries to mask his money-gluttony behind the facade of cool techno-gadgets.

[chrisutley]

Originally posted by ender2002:
Colors appeal to the younger crowd, and are under the $300 mark.

Yup. They will do great with the younger folks, and I think chicks are going to love them. They won't care about the storage as much as the size and color. Of course that's just a huge hunch, but I bet it's an accurate hunch.

[talisker]

Originally posted by FTrain:
...It's tailored to teenagers who aren't old enough or musically sophisticated enough to have 4000 songs...

In fact there's two types of people who will find the 4GB sufficient: those people who just don't have that much music, and those of us who do, but don't need to have it all on their iPod at one time.

The large amount of storage available on the existing iPods have led many people to put their entire music collection on them, which admittedly is pretty cool, but unless you're planning a world trip and won't be near your computer for months, there's an arguably more elegant alternative.

Why not actually use the powerful features of iTunes and fast syncing to keep a more frequently updated, smaller collection of songs on the iPod? Use smart playlists to capture recently ripped or downloaded music, highly rated songs, ones you havent listened to in a while etc etc. This'll in effect give you the same listening experience from your iPod but require much less storage.

The iPod mini's 4GB equates to around 40-50 albums at a decent bitrate, which should be more than enough to last between syncs. Once you adopt this methodology there's no benefit in having more storage. All you worry about is the size, weight, design and price of the player. And that makes the iPod mini look very good compared to the current models.

Obviously I'm just talking about music here - if you use your ipod as a drive then it's a different story.

[mo]

Originally posted by SimeyTheLimey:
I just saw the iPod mini. What a relief! I bought a 20GB pod for my partner for Christmas. The mini is nice, but not that nice. And not that cheap. For once I don't feel ripped off buying the old model.

Which isn't good for the mini.

Where'd you see it? Did they have them at Tyson's Corner or Clarendon?

[fado]

So many complaints... give it six months, around September and it will be $200. However a majority of you are missing the point. The new iPod shows new improved technology with reduced size for a harddrive based mp3 player, and at the same time it continues to maintain the identity aspect of an iPod. Everyone will recognize it as an iPod because the screen and wheel set up and be marveled by its size.
Now for all the flash players that are usually bought by uncertain buyers will be drawn to the colors. Additionally, why not pay $50 more for a mini iPod then a $200 flash drive.
Finally, when am I going to see the ipod mini's pairing up with the mini coopers?

[nebben123]

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
The thing is, for many of us, we'd rather have no player than one that costs $250.

If it had been 2 gigs and $150, I would've ordered one today. For me, it's just not worth $250 to take my music with me.

I want a nice, easy-to-use player that works with iTunes and AAC and costs less than $200. I'm sure I'm not the only one. $150 is low enough that I can just buy one on an impulse. $250 is not.

my sentiments exactly. i was crossing my fingers for a $150 2GB. would have bought one today, in fact. but $250 i can't afford. all i want is to be able to take 24 hours of music with me at a time. i don't need 30 days worth in my pocket.

[Boondoggle]

I like it.

I have a 20 gig old style iPod with about 1700 song on it, and whatever Audible.com book I'm currently listening to. My only complaint of the iPod is the size. I use it primarily at the gym, and it is a bit large.

Since I usually end up listening to the same 300 or so songs anyway at the gym, and I usually only have the book I'm currently listening to on the iPod, the mini is a VERY attractive product for me.

I could get the 15gig but I don't need another Firewire drive since I've already got the 20.

and the Brushed aluminum will look BOSS next to my new 15" Al book...

[OreoCookie]

Just for your information: Rio's competing 4 gig mini `iPod' (with worse navigation) also costs $249.

I like it, though. But it's not about the price, it's about size here. Most people seem to miss it. I remember the discussion when the iPod was first introduced: too expensive, too big. But it was a huge success. So I think there's more to that device than sheer size, we really should take a look at it �_

[Phat Bastard]

I'm sorry, the iPod mini is fugly!! It's all out of proportion--it's too tall. And it isn't sleek and curvey like the iPod, its corners look too sharp.

Come on, was the regular iPod not small enough for people? What's the deal here?

[SplijinX]

I agree that the going price for the iPod mini is a bit shocking and that it does seem like quite a deal to add $50 and get the 15GB iPod, but if you look at the competition and compare it with the Apple mini, it really isn't that bad.

Rio offers the Cali with 256Mb and the Nitrus with 1.5Gb for $199, neither of which comes close to Apple's 4Gb and the latter is a HDD, not flash memory.

I may be repeating myself since I skimmed over a good chunk of posts in the middle since everyone was essentially agreeing upon the same thing, but I feel that everyone is overlooking the fact you can go out and jog and workout with this thing. No harddrive, no moving parts, nothing to corrupt or break.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but with its aluminum body and lack of moving parts I'd say it can take a beating better than its iPod predecessors. If nothing else the aluminum body has to be more resilient to bangs and scratches compared with

Like Jobs said, they were aiming for the upper end of the flash mp3 market, and comparing with current offerings in this market, I�d say Apple is still in the game. Since development and production costs are usually higher than profits before and during the introduction of new products, I wouldn�t be surprised if the cost came down as things get rolling and the guys with money have cashed in on some shiny new toys.

[Too Artificial]

I just showed them to my gf. She's 32, only makes mid-30's for salary as she just changed careers, non-geek. She has the first gen 5GB model.

She LOVES the mini. In fact, her exact words were "Oh the pink one is sooooo cute!! How much is it?" When I told her it was $249 she replied "That's it??!?"

So I asked if she'd rather have a new white 15GB iPod or the pink mini, even though it only had 4GB and costs only $50 less. She wants the mini because it's "cute".

Personally, even thought I don't think I'll buy one because I do need more space and the white iPod's size is fine for me, I really like the product and can't wait to see one in person. That said, I'm curious to see how well they sell. I know some people have compared it to the Cube, but that was a $2000+ product. $250, while still not cheap cheap, is a dollar amount I wouldn't spend much time agonizing over and I don't make but mid 50K/yr.

I'm leaning towards the "they'll sell really well" side the more I think about it. Looking forward to seeing how they do.

[cbutter]

_

Originally posted by SplijinX:
I agree that the going price for the iPod mini is a bit shocking and that it does seem like quite a deal to add $50 and get the 15GB iPod, but if you look at the competition and compare it with the Apple mini, it really isn't that bad.

Rio offers the Cali with 256Mb and the Nitrus with 1.5Gb for $199, neither of which comes close to Apple's 4Gb and the latter is a HDD, not flash memory......

.........Like Jobs said, they were aiming for the upper end of the flash mp3 market, and comparing with current offerings in this market, I�d say Apple is still in the game. Since development and production costs are usually higher than profits before and during the introduction of new products, I wouldn�t be surprised if the cost came down as things get rolling and the guys with money have cashed in on some shiny new toys.

Just to back up SplijinX, here are some more figures I got from CNET.

iRiver iFP-390T
Released: 05/04/2003
8.7
Very good
$199
We were hard-pressed to find anything wrong with this top-notch flash MP3 player.
_
Rio S35S
8.3
Very good
$102-$149
from 15 stores
This well-designed MP3 player makes a great gym companion.
Specs: Radio / digital player , MP3 , WMA , 1 x Alkaline AAA type Standard battery
_
Cowon iAudio CW300 (256MB)
8.3
Very good
$173-$221
from 11 stores
This slim and elegant player is easy to use and sounds great.
Specs: 256 MB, Digital player , 1 x
_
Rio Cali (256MB)
Released: 08/07/2003
8.0
Very good
$133-$199
from 17 stores
Rio once again delivers one of the spiffier sports-style MP3 players.
Specs: 256 MB, Digital player , MP3 , WMA , 1 x Alkaline AAA type Standard battery
_
Samsung Yepp YP-55 (256MB)
8.0
Very good
$147-$199
from 12 stores
The encyclopedic feature set of the YP-55 makes up for its slightly larger size and its awkward USB dongle.
Specs: 256 MB, Radio / digital player / voice recorder , MP3 , WMA , ADPCM , 1 x AAA type Standard battery

These are the players, along with the ones SplijinX mentioned, the iPod mini is competing with. Apple probably wants them displayed among players of this price range because people will look at these players and say, "Hey I can pay $50 dollars more and get 4 gigs instead of 256megs". People like you or I who are in the know are going to compare and say, "For fifty dollars more than an iPod mini I can get a 15 gig iPod that will hold close to 3700 songs". That way Apple has ratcheted the consumer up to the $299 price point and made even more money.

I don't think Apple could keep up the quality of the build or offer as many features for $150. Most of these cheaper mp3 players are made out of plastic and then painted to look metallic. Apple has spent some time designing these iPods to look and feel great. I mean when you are holding an iPod you are definitley saying to yourself, "This thing feels like its worth a lot of money." Your investment was justified. There are a lot of mp3 players out there that feel just the opposite. I say this price point sticks maybe with room to lower it some with the next upgrade.

[Morenix]

apple you're fu**** again!
now in colors.

[Too Artificial]

Originally posted by cbutter:
_

Just to back up SplijinX, here are some more figures I got from CNET.

cbutter, thanks for posting this info. After seeing this, it looks like it's positioned pretty well. I'm curious to see if they'll make retail agreements to offer this in the same space as the players you listed. The mini stands up pretty well side by side with this line of players and it's pretty much a no-brainer if someone has a 256MB player in one hand, and the mini in another, with only $50 separating them.

[Wiskedjak]

This thread suggests to me that the people who have alot of disposable income will buy the mini. Those of us who will be srimping and scraping to buy an iPod will be scrimping and scraping $50 more to get the 15GB.

[turtle777]

Originally posted by Proudest Monkey:
apple blew it

they're too greedy.

I'd like to know the profit margin on these bad boyz...

-t'

[turtle777]

Originally posted by chrisutley:
You guys crack me up. Apple does not have a huge margin on these devices. The storage devices gobble up a huge portion of the cost.

max. $140 for 2 x 2GB Cornice drives.

A 2 GB version for $160-$170 would have been possible.

They blew it.

-t

[turtle777]

Originally posted by MusicalTone:
All you Americans should consider yourselves very lucky.

In Europe we have to pay 349 � for the 15 Gig when really if you look at the Dollar/Euro exchange rate we should only be paying 249 �.

What gives>?

That's right.
Apple Europe is CRAZY.

They charge $443 !!! (incl. VAT) for it.

AGAIN, no joke: $ 443 (at today's x-rate of 1.27)


-t

[Tarabella]

Maybe what they have in mind is the exact same strategy as they used with the original iPod family.

The original was 5GB and was $499. Now the whitePod is $299 and has 15GB.

Apple will probably sell every one of the miniPods that they can make at the $249 price point, and then start the slow price reduction to $149 by next Christmas.

[chrisutley]

You have no idea what you are talking about. I'm not trying to be rude, just being honest.

Originally posted by turtle777:
max. $140 for 2 x 2GB Cornice drives.

A 2 GB version for $160-$170 would have been possible.

They blew it.

-t

[x user]

I like it.

[Minty Fresh]

There's all this complaining...and whining...but, when I get mine in the mail, and post up pics! You all will be jealous...and you know it! HAHA

[urban]

I thought the miniPOD was ugly

[zoe77]

Originally posted by PixelPete17:
Yeah, I watched the broadcast as well here and there....never realized what a fluff and puff nerd-mercial those things are..heh

Anyway...I saw the same reaction you did...complete silence...COMPLETE.

i would be completely stunned in silence too.

(If i were an apple fan who prayed with all my heart that Jobs would release a mini iPod at the price of my dreams $99 as those rumor sites had been saying for the past month it had to be true - all this while waiting at 5:30am in line for the Moscone Center to open to get a seat to watch the keynote.)

[hagheid]

Some good ole' reasons for not buying this latest WMD
(1) @ the age of 96, I'm far too old to buy anything that is brightly colored because I live in the Land of Grey.
(2) It will not be possible to attach this flimsy product to my zimmer frame.
(3) I don't think it is possible to kill anyone with it so why buy it?
(4) These new fangled phone thingys will not fit my ear trumpet.
(5) It 'looks' like it is aimed @ a yoof market & we all know they are all shallow lazy frivolous retards.
(6) It will probably not play sad songs.
(7) In my day we had to make our own music on gas powered pianolas, worked 37hrs a day & had no time for frivolities like leisure & food.
(8) If my pacemaker came in this form I would refuse to wear it & happily die as a result.
(9) I will NEVER buy this until my neighbour gets his, then I'll sell blood to buy two.


I have to go for my treatment now & find it difficult to type with this jacket that buttons up the back

[ZeroKoolNess1]

Is it just me or does this thing look huge on this woman?

I mean how is she suppose to run with that?

Photo

[slider]

Originally posted by cbutter:
_

Just to back up SplijinX, here are some more figures I got from CNET.

iRiver iFP-390T
Released: 05/04/2003
8.7
Very good
$199
We were hard-pressed to find anything wrong with this top-notch flash MP3 player.
_
Rio S35S
8.3
Very good
$102-$149
from 15 stores
This well-designed MP3 player makes a great gym companion.
Specs: Radio / digital player , MP3 , WMA , 1 x Alkaline AAA type Standard battery
_
Cowon iAudio CW300 (256MB)
8.3
Very good
$173-$221
from 11 stores
This slim and elegant player is easy to use and sounds great.
Specs: 256 MB, Digital player , 1 x
_
Rio Cali (256MB)
Released: 08/07/2003
8.0
Very good
$133-$199
from 17 stores
Rio once again delivers one of the spiffier sports-style MP3 players.
Specs: 256 MB, Digital player , MP3 , WMA , 1 x Alkaline AAA type Standard battery
_
Samsung Yepp YP-55 (256MB)
8.0
Very good
$147-$199
from 12 stores
The encyclopedic feature set of the YP-55 makes up for its slightly larger size and its awkward USB dongle.
Specs: 256 MB, Radio / digital player / voice recorder , MP3 , WMA , ADPCM , 1 x AAA type Standard battery

These are the players, along with the ones SplijinX mentioned, the iPod mini is competing with. Apple probably wants them displayed among players of this price range because people will look at these players and say, "Hey I can pay $50 dollars more and get 4 gigs instead of 256megs". People like you or I who are in the know are going to compare and say, "For fifty dollars more than an iPod mini I can get a 15 gig iPod that will hold close to 3700 songs". That way Apple has ratcheted the consumer up to the $299 price point and made even more money.

I don't think Apple could keep up the quality of the build or offer as many features for $150. Most of these cheaper mp3 players are made out of plastic and then painted to look metallic. Apple has spent some time designing these iPods to look and feel great. I mean when you are holding an iPod you are definitley saying to yourself, "This thing feels like its worth a lot of money." Your investment was justified. There are a lot of mp3 players out there that feel just the opposite. I say this price point sticks maybe with room to lower it some with the next upgrade.

Hmmm, you guys are making me understand, damn you all. I guess I just kinda feel like the $199 price, well, feels right; perhaps it's because of the $300 model. Of course, when the 5GB came out I definately felt that was way over priced for what you got, still do I guess. But then I don't know what those drives cost back then either, they were after all brand new.

[Graymalkin]

I was pretty surprised with the price of these and I've been pondering the reason for it all day. Realization finally struck when I thought about one of my friends. She just got a new Sony-Ericsson T610 with a chrome blue faceplate as blue is her favorite color. Said phone is one of many things she has that is blue. She's also in the market for an MP3 player because she jogs and commutes to school making CDs a pain in the butt to lug around. I think that sort of customer is exactly what the iPodmini is targetting.

Compared to other hard drive based MP3 players the iPodmini is not idealy priced by the gigabyte. As said many times, against solid state players and other miniature drive based players it actually competes rather well in dollars/GB. Against players like the Creative MuVo, Rio Chiba, iRiver iFP-x, and Samsung Yepp families the price per GB is pretty good. Besides the total amount of storage there's the fact it's got the iPod's interface and firmware. Having used A MuVo and Chiba before I think their interfaces are vastly inferior to the iPod's.

This morning I didn't think Apple would sell but two of these things but the more I've thought about it the better of an idea it seems. More technically conscious buyers will opt to invest an extra $50 in the 15GB iPod. The people who want a less expensive MP3 player to carry around their favorite CDs will opt for the iPodmini. People like my friend with some disposable cash and a penchant for music will very likely love the iPodmini.

I also don't think it will be too long before third parties start offering iPodmini accessories like are available for the 3G iPods. The firmware for the two will be pretty much the same as is the dock connector interface. I see accessories like a digital camera add-on, color matched car adapters, etc..

[hagheid]

I'm wondering how she's supposed to run @ that age?
Is she a mothballed extra from Star Trek? One of Kirk's lurrvve interests; Miss Beamed?
Note that she is wearing the really really New pod that does'nt require 'phones.
No, I think what we have uncovered here is an example of an elusive WMD:- the iRaq-sported here by a member of the gray clad suicide bomber elite.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by turtle777:
That's right.
Apple Europe is CRAZY.

They charge $443 !!! (incl. VAT) for it.

AGAIN, no joke: $ 443 (at today's x-rate of 1.27)


-t

#


How many times do we need to go through this? How many times?

Take away all taxes and government levies and you'll see that the prices in the US and in the EU are virtually identical.

[kovacs]

I hope this hasn't been posted before...

[newcomer]

I like the look of the new mini iPod but it doesn't appear to be available yet here in the UK.

249 USD is 137 GBP which is about �100 cheaper than the smallest normal iPod.

Is the normal iPod really only 300USD in the US? Now I know the dollar is falling right now but we Brits are getting ripped off for our iPods.

I could get the smallest normal iPod with education discount for �230 = 417 USD - what a rip off!

Might have to get my buddies in NYC to buy me an iPod and post it to me. Btw if I did that would it be OK to plug a US iPod into UK mains supply using a power adapter?

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by newcomer:


Is the normal iPod really only 300USD in the US? Now I know the dollar is falling right now but we Brits are getting ripped off for our iPods.

I could get the smallest normal iPod with education discount for �230 = 417 USD - what a rip off!

Did you read any of the above posts? Take into account taxes, levies and Apple Care (you'll get 1 year warrantee included in the UK, 2 years in other parts of Europe) and the prices are virtually identical.

Apple is not ripping you off. It's simply not true.

[SimeyTheLimey]

Originally posted by mo:
Where'd you see it? Did they have them at Tyson's Corner or Clarendon?

Sorry, I meant I just saw the announcement on the web site. I have no idea if they are in the stores or not. On past experience, I'd guess not.

I hope this didn't cause you to run all over N. Va last night.

[newcomer]

Originally posted by Mastrap:
Did you read any of the above posts? Take into account taxes, levies and Apple Care (you'll get 1 year warrantee included in the UK, 2 years in other parts of Europe) and the prices are virtually identical.

Apple is not ripping you off. It's simply not true.

Dude - like I'm going read 130 posts! Why count Applecare? - do you get that for free in the US? Surely not?

[mo]

Originally posted by SimeyTheLimey:
Sorry, I meant I just saw the announcement on the web site. I have no idea if they are in the stores or not. On past experience, I'd guess not.

I hope this didn't cause you to run all over N. Va last night.

Nah -- I was in the middle of Missouri when I posted that question, so I had only made it as far as Illinois when I checked the forums and read your reply, and then turned around and ran back home. Now I'm completely out of breath, though.

[i am yujin]

Originally posted by PixelPete17:
Yeah, I watched the broadcast as well here and there....never realized what a fluff and puff nerd-mercial those things are..heh

Anyway...I saw the same reaction you did...complete silence...COMPLETE.

I've never actually been to an expo but do people cheer after they hear Steve Jobs introducing a new product or something?

Like when he first introduced Mac OS X or something? Were people cheering?

I always think that one is supposed to be quiet in these kinds of presentations.

[mike one]

The Problem is This:

Who the hell trusts that they have an 8 hour battery life? or that the battery will last more than 10 months?

$250 for a toy that you can't buy an extra battery for.....

i read 8 hours and said to myself bullsheisse!

my 5GB ipod will play for about 3 hours if i'm lucky, real lucky. state of the art batteries, state of the art people.

[SplijinX]

Originally posted by turtle777:
max. $140 for 2 x 2GB Cornice drives.

A 2 GB version for $160-$170 would have been possible.

They blew it.

-t

Just a couple more things for your minds to chew on over the price point...

I have been hearing comments that a 2Gb iPod mini could be built for $150, and to that I say that it's doubtful at best. Keep in mind that this player is Flash Memory, not a Harddrive.

If you're price savvy and keep and eye out for deals, you could score a 120GB harddrive for less than $50! (http://slickdeals.net/#p4057) I'd be lucky to score a 256Mb Secure Digital (SD) card for my camera at that price.

Just doing a quick check on pricegrabber.com, the cheapest 2.0Gb Compact Flash (CF) card clocks in at $400! (http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...3cdbe5285b18a9) Granted that the costs are much lower in volume, but even half that would not get you to the $150 price point.

Referring the above quote, I find that the pricing states is reasonable: �The 1.5-inch GB drive, which has been in volume manufacturing since mid-April, sells for $65 in quantities of 10,000. � (http://news.com.com/2100-1011_3-5136151.html?tag=st_lh).

BUT it�s not a flash memory drive rather it is a harddrive, and having a sandwiched �2 x 2GB Cornice drives�would certainly add too much bulk, defeating the purpose of a �mini� iPod.

Let�s step back and pretend that this 2 x 2Gb drive is flash memory, is just as small, and is $140, there is still no way Apple can come out with an iPod for $170 and not be losing money. There�s the aluminum body, the solid-state scroll wheel, the LCD, the manufacturing, and engineering time. I really think a $200 price point is what they�ll eventually aim at once they recoup some of their investment into this new product.

I�m sure if someone were privileged enough to have access to apple parts at-cost they could build themselves their very own PowerBook and it would be much less than what Apple sells them for � all without the build quality, warranty, and support. And if everyone did this, no money would go back to Apple R&D � no more new toys.

I would love nothing more than to have a iPod at an even more affordable price, but lets face it everything has a dollar value and I think Apple has done a tremendous job with the iPod mini in terms of what you are getting for $250. On the flip side, I will say that the
iPod mini Arm Band is OVERPRICED at $29 for some plastic and neoprene? No thanks.

If you�re still worked up about the price, quit going to Starbucks, start ordering water when you�re at a restaurant. Not only is it FREE its healthier for you! Come March you�ll probably save up the difference you don�t have or didn�t want to pay. You cut back where you can if you really want something that bad.

If you�re still in the screw Apple mode try this on for size: Dell DJ 15GB Digital Music Player $219 shipped (http://slickdeals.net/#p4064) it�s $30 LESS than the iPod mini and 11 more GB! Better than shelling out $299 for the same 15GB, don�t you think?

[chrisutley]

Fugly? Too tall? It's freaking tiny! I've got bigger chunks of corn in my crap!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think you are going to be in the minority on this one.

Originally posted by Phat Bastard:
I'm sorry, the iPod mini is fugly!! It's all out of proportion--it's too tall. And it isn't sleek and curvey like the iPod, its corners look too sharp.

Come on, was the regular iPod not small enough for people? What's the deal here?

[Casper Crane]

Prediction: 2GB iPod Mini for $199 or less within 3 months. They have not filled out the market yet.

[turtle777]

Originally posted by chrisutley:
You have no idea what you are talking about. I'm not trying to be rude, just being honest.

I was going AGAINST the argument that Apple doesn't have a huge margin on the mini iPods. (read all the posts)

Apple MUST have a huge margin, since the drive "only" makes max. 56% of the price. (It's probably less, because I just learnd that the drives don't come from Cornice, but from Hitachi - a single 4 GB drive should be less then the 2 Cornice 2 GB drives).

Anyway, my second argument is that an mini iPod for around $ 160-170 would be possible including a nice margin (maybe not as high as now with $250)

Ah well...

-t

[turtle777]

Originally posted by SplijinX:
Just a couple more things for your minds to chew on over the price point...

I have been hearing comments that a 2Gb iPod mini could be built for $150, and to that I say that it's doubtful at best. Keep in mind that this player is Flash Memory, not a Harddrive.

(...)

BUT it�s not a flash memory drive rather it is a harddrive, and having a sandwiched �2 x 2GB Cornice drives�would certainly add too much bulk, defeating the purpose of a �mini� iPod.

Let�s step back and pretend that this 2 x 2Gb drive is flash memory, is just as small, and is $140...

Ok. to end all the speculation right here,
the drive used is NOT FLASH based, and it's NOT from Cornice:

http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5136124.html

Market price: "The 4 GB version will be available in November for a suggested price of $499 USD"
http://www.infosync.no/news/2002/n/3993.html

The big question is, how much is Apple paying when buying in bulk ?
Anyone ?


Cheers,
-t

[donaldrj]

I've read every reply up to this point and just about every point raised has been a valid one. It will sell to teenagers, people who want a smaller form factor, people who don't need 15 gigs of space, people who love colored tech gadgets, etc.

I just don't believe I will buy it right now simply because of the price. I was perplexed about the price difference between the ipod mini and the 15 gig ipod, but that is not the reason. The price is simply too high for me no matter the justification. Several of the people posting replies here stated they don't have an ipod and won't buy one until the price comes down, which translates to lost sales for apple.

I believe that Apple could have doubled the sales by selling it at $199. It would have sold to everybody that has been stated before and to people who haven't purchased one because of the price. So basically I'm saying that it will sell well, but with a minimal effort sales could be through the roof.

I actually had plans to purchase an ipod if they had introduced one at $200 when I purchase a new 12" G4 ibook in a few weeks. Now I will probably hold off for a little while as I will probably just use my new ibook to listen to my music.

[MusicalTone]

I was looking to buy a new iPod following the expo and looking at how things now stand I think I will go for the 15 gig. The mini is nice but for $50 more I get a whole lot more storage space and there really isn't that much difference between the 2 in terms of physical size. The 15 gig looks like the new sweet spot to me.

[SpeedRacer]

Just a reiteration of of the reaction when the iPod Mini was announced...

Name... cheering....

Specs... slight mumbling...

Price... total silence.

External competition (ie: Rio, etc) means nothing. It's ultimately internal competition with the existing iPod line that makes this product come across as so ridiculously over-priced.

When even the most die-hard of your user base cannot even say a word (quoting an over-played tech commercial)...

"That means something."

Speed