HP iPod Photo

[MacRumors]

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard, announced that starting later this year HP will sell a version of the iPod photo. Story (http://news.com.com/2100-7353_3-5517410.html) at CNET news.com.

The first HP iPod was discussed in this MacRumors news story: HP iPod To Appear September 5? (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/08/20040826005816.shtml).

[jimsowden]

I really don't like the whole concept.

[Dr. Dastardly]

Why are alot of people against the HP iPod, they had to give Apple a ton of money to do anything anyway. So the end result is the same is it not?

[hcuar]

I suppose it's going to be a normal iPod with an HP sticker? <nelson voice> haha </nelson voice>

[m-dogg]

This can only mean one thing:

G5 PowerBooks that dock into the new iHome Media Centre and bluetooth sync with 80GB video & satellite radio iPods @ MWSF!!!

Or then again, maybe it just means that HP will sell iPod photo's later this year...

[bousozoku]

I really don't like the whole concept.

What concept? You don't like the iPod photo or you don't like HP marketing them?

I think it's better that HP market them than Apple. I can finally get an extended warranty that works in Floriduh and there are so many more outlets where you can buy one and discounts.

[x86isslow]

interesting that hp skipped the U2 edition

[jholzner]

What concept? You don't like the iPod photo or you don't like HP marketing them?

I think it's better that HP market them than Apple. I can finally get an extended warranty that works in Floriduh and there are so many more outlets where you can buy one and discounts.

I don't think that's unusual...it's a limited time deal (the U2 iPod). I just wonder why they aren't selling the mini!

[vwcruisn]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

[WannaWiki]

ipodding by HP is def. a good thing. it will convince more people to buy the ipod, even if it confuses some of the dumber consumers. Better than having HP develop their own and compete I say.

[maya]

Why does this not come as a surprise. :)

[dsharits]

Heh, U2 probably didn't want the ugly HP logo below their signatures. :p

Daniel

[Koodauw]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

You should of. Its confusion like this that will hurt the "iPod will help sell more macs" idea. Apple does a good job of saying Mac or PC on their iPods. I dont see the need to have HP branded ones, other than it gets itunes pre-installed on al HPs now.

[dsharits]

A bigger problem is that she thought it was made by HP. If I had been there to hear that, I would've, well let's just say, straightened him out. Honestly, I love RadioShack, but the reps that push these PC products to customer who don't know any better, it just floors me. It's the same with all PC vendors, though.

Daniel

[sjpetry]

It will bring even more business. :)

[mrgreen4242]

A bigger problem is that she thought it was made by HP. If I had been there to hear that, I would've, well let's just say, straightened him out. Honestly, I love RadioShack, but the reps that push these PC products to customer who don't know any better, it just floors me. It's the same with all PC vendors, though.

Daniel

RadioShack, you've got questions, we've got blank stares.

[~Shard~]

Not surprising, and in the end, good for Apple. I wonder if HP will try and bundle the HP iPod photo with HP photo editing software for use with HP digital cameras? ;)

[corywoolf]

interesting that hp skipped the U2 edition

apple has an exclusive deal with U2 which means NO HP lol,

i am sick of all the kids who talk to me about their ipods they got for christmas and ask if i have heard of them? i have had 5 ipods, through the compusa deal of course! i don't like to brag. but damn, you guys know what i'm saying. apple markets their products towards these people so it was expected. most chicks that got a pink ipod mini, including my step sister, say "it's a cool fashion accessorie. well, if a $250 ipod mini is a fashion accessorie, at least it supports apple. i need apple to come out with something that is functional and that I can sport that isn't so mainstream. people ask me why i got the cheap ipod. i tell them it's bigger because it has a color screen and a heck of a lot more space. well, i just learned to go along with it, so lately i have told them that i am dirt broke so i could only afford this enormus ipod with a color screen and not that ultra expensive ipod mini. WoW ;)

[cheekyspanky]

Heh, U2 probably didn't want the ugly HP logo below their signatures. :p

Daniel

Or maybe HP didn't want those ugly signatures above their logo?! :p

[wileypen]

Awesome. A second manufacturer so I won't have to wait for a product I have absolutely no use for.

[virus1]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.
lmao..

imo think its good hp is selling the ipod.. brilliant marketing on both of thier parts.. since it is still apple branded, it should have the same effect on apple's success because hp is everywhere..

[rhpenguin]

Well, i know what my next iPod is going to be.... Unlike Apple, HP actually offers a decent warranty on it. And seing as how i now work on the service line for the iPod+HP i can setup my own repairs and whatnot..

btw... If any of you out there have an iPod+HP and call for support and speak to a guy named Eric, thats me :)

[puckhead193]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

The only reason why they said that was because the sales person wanted to make a sale. They work off a commision so selling an ipod will be a nice lump of cash....
But why didn't u say something (not bashing you) i'm so noisey. I like to test sales people out to see how much they know... its really funny the stuff they come up with sometimes.. :p

[mox358]

RadioShack, you've got questions, we've got blank stares.

Hold on a sec... not ALL Radioshack associates are that bad. I work at a RS and am a HUGE Apple guy. I know lots about my iPod, and thus I can better inform people about what an iPod can/can't do and how it works. I have fixed a few in-store that just needed a reset, while other people who work there were clueless.

To further "educate" my co-workers, I burned them all copies of iTunes for Windows last week. :) I was surprised last week when a customer came in asking for a Macintosh computer however. Even though we have none, and I would probably be shot for not trying to talk them into an hp or Compaq, I informed them about the Apple Store in Keystone and told them to go check it out. :) So not all RS associates are dumbasses, just a few. Educate them, step in, tell them I said to :D

[mox358]

The only reason why they said that was because the sales person wanted to make a sale. They work off a commision so selling an ipod will be a nice lump of cash....
But why didn't u say something (not bashing you) i'm so noisey. I like to test sales people out to see how much they know... its really funny the stuff they come up with sometimes.. :p

True... we do work off commision, and yea, an iPod is a really good sale. :cool: There are always a few salesman who will do anything, even lie to make a sale, but thats business. I like to think of myself as an honest salesman (as much as that sounds like an oxymoron). I've given up many a good sale when I realized that the customer didn't really know what they were buying, or was buying the wrong thing. It all works out in the end though, rest assured; if we get something returned, it counts off your commision for the next day. Its alot harder to get commision when you start off the day $400 in the hole. :cool: But give SOME of us RS people a break.

( Sorry, I just really like my job - its an awesome place to work. This thread just seemed a little on the negative side towards RS and I'm trying to clear up any misconceptions, I apologize if I seem a little defensive.)

[plinkoman]

yea, it's great that they can sell more, with more marketing and more distributers, and its great that iTunes comes on all hp computers, but in the end i think it will hurt apple more then it will help. a year ago, i was the only person i know who had an iPod, but now most of my family, and most of my freinds have an iPod, most got them very recently for chritmas, or right after with money they got, but guess what, not a single one of them has an hp logo on them. apple can sell iPods just fine without the help of hp, hell, look at the mini, its the most popular iPod right now, and theres no hp version of it. but this definately hurts apple though, the whole iPod, then switch to mac thing is useless when the customer thinks it is actually manufactured by hp. i've heard people come up to me knowing i have an iPod and saying, "oh, did you know that the iPod is actually made by hp?"

and even if there is to be an hp version, i'd rather it be like it is now, just the regular iPod, no mini, and no photo, and no special editions. just enough to get iPods on the shelves of more stores, and iTunes on all hp's, but not enough to make too many people not think of apple when they think of iPod. people are frickin stupid sometimes, apple needs to keep that in mind if it ever wants the iPod to lead to mac sales.

[swissmann]

Are they going to do the mini as well I wonder?

[sushi]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.
Yeah, I hear ya. Stupid salespeople are out there.

But look at it this way, Apple just got another sale.

Sushi

[virividox]

i dont see the problem at all with hp selling ipods, as long as ipods get exposure and more apple stuff is bought then im all happy

[sushi]

apple can sell iPods just fine without the help of hp
True.

But Apple can sell a whole lot more with the help of HP. And that is good when you want to establish a standard across the computer market (PC and Mac).

i've heard people come up to me knowing i have an iPod and saying, "oh, did you know that the iPod is actually made by hp?"
Yep, people can be stupid at times.

Even the website says the "Apple iPod + HP".

Sushi

[nagromme]

Of course it's good that HP is selling the iPod. The more models the better. HP's a reseller of Apple iPods with Apple logos and the whole works. But they sell in LOTS of locations that never carried iPods before--and they reach blindered PC audiences that Apple doesn't directly touch much. That means a LOT more sales... and a lot of new people exposed to Apple quality.

The Photo model makes sense for HP too, since they like to tie photography in with their printer line too. And it's a great product--I couldn't be happier with my Photo.

[dontmatter]

Yet another piece of good news.... this is just great, this stream of good tidbits, growing and growing until.... huge macworld, gotta be huge with all these rumors from TS. And then finnancial results, which had better be huge too, with christmas and all.

It's a good day to be a mac user, that's for sure.

[GFLPraxis]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

You should have, man!

[GFLPraxis]

Well, i know what my next iPod is going to be.... Unlike Apple, HP actually offers a decent warranty on it. And seing as how i now work on the service line for the iPod+HP i can setup my own repairs and whatnot..

btw... If any of you out there have an iPod+HP and call for support and speak to a guy named Eric, thats me :)

Great! I know where to direct all my friends with stupid questions that don't understand anything about computers! Have fun :D

[wPod]

um, so, when does the HP mini come out? i just dont see how this is advantageous to HP. im sure apple isnt giving them a very good price on the iPods b/c apple enjoys making a huge profit off of the iPods. so what benifit is it to HP? why dont they just sell iPods through their dealers? like being an apple certified dealer? business is a wierd thing, thats why im going into engineering :-)

[Doctor Q]

Today I talked to guy I (thought I) knew. He knows I like Apple products so he brought up iPods, saying "I don't have a Mac so I can't use an iPod." What th!? How could he go this long, with all those cross-platform iPod ads, and not know they work with a PC???

I explained the facts to him, but it made me think that having HP selling iPods is good for people who aren't paying close attention, and maybe even impulse buyers who don't research, they just react. Some of those people won't automatically think "some Mac thing, not for me" when they see an hPod, as they might do with an iPod.

[Trowaman]

Today I talked to guy I (thought I) knew. He knows I like Apple products so he brought up iPods, saying "I don't have a Mac so I can't use an iPod." What th!? How could he go this long, with all those cross-platform iPod ads, and not know they work with a PC???

I explained the facts to him, but it made me think that having HP selling iPods is good for people who aren't paying close attention, and maybe even impulse buyers who don't research, they just react. Some of those people won't automatically think "some Mac thing, not for me" when they see an hPod, as they might do with an iPod.

you sir just made a light go off in my head. IF there are more people like this thinking that the iPod only works on macs and they see a bunch of iPods out there, it must make them think, a lot of people actually have macs, which may lead them to checking one out. In short, the iPods may make the stupid look at macs b/c they are none the wiser. The halo effect working another way.

[logich]

I personally think that the development iPod photo may have been stongly encouraged by HP as part of inking the deal with Apple to resell iPods.

HP wants these devices to hook directly to printers and cameras to lower the barriers to digital photography... and thus sell more ink.

Preview photos on the iPod and then print them as 4x6 or 8x10. That's HP's kind of business incentive. :)

[Doctor Q]

The introduction of another HP-branded iPod is also a good sign that HP is happy with the previous deal and with their sales. If things weren't going well, they wouldn't be coming out with a new line.

[t300]

Do we REALLY need this? There is just no point, really...

[yukon8170]

Since HP is now coming out with iPod photos, dont you think the next logical step would be for them to develop accesories that transfer pictures from your HP digital camera to your iPod or from your iPod to your HP photo printer?

just thinking :rolleyes:

[CrackedButter]

I think it is a good idea that HP get one.

I don't understand why HP gets theirs 9 months from now, why not sooner.

People are certainly dumb after all this time if they think about the ipod the way they do, it shoudn't even be geek knowledge how an ipod works.

:rolleyes:

[bartelby]

[QUOTE=CrackedButterI don't understand why HP gets theirs 9 months from now, why not sooner.[/QUOTE]

Maybe it's to give HP time to design some more of those nice stickers they had for when they released their first iPods. ;)

[Poff]

It will bring even more business. :)

Why would you want to hide your porn just because Jesus is coming?

[asif786]

the fact that hp are both carrying on and expanding the ipod deal means one thing - it must be doing damned well..

the HP iPod sold 121,000 units in its first quarter, it's going to be interesting to see how many it sell in it's second quarter.

At this rate, Creative's $100m ad campaign is pretty much going down the drain! :D

/asif

[b-randomly]

So now there will be two sizes for Apple iPod+HP skins -- the regular, and the iPod photo+HP size.

But seriously, who cares? And why did this get demoed at International CES? If it's not coming out for half a year, it should make little difference -- although I am interested to see if they have any planns for connectivity to their printers (I think somone pointed this out before). Not that I'd get one, because I'm more than happy with my Apple iPod, thank you.

[c0n]

i reckon it will be between 500 and 600
in the uk it will probably be way over the exchange rate , like everything apple!



Jesus Is Coming Hide The Porn!

brilliant sig!!!!

[danny31292]

i would be embaresed buy my ipod from hp. seems so wrong :confused:

[dotmike]

The HP + Apple collaboration is an excellent thing IMHO.

It could even lead to a situation where, say, 3-5 years out, we see HP computers coming with Mac OS X 10.7 Lynx...

Reading between the lines of corporate activity, I have a feeling that Carly Fiorina doesn't like Bill Gates much. She was openly hostile to his promotion of the Tablet PC, and overtly supporting the very non-Microsoft music store could even be thought to be generating a bit of bad blood.

I see everything good coming from this. As loyal Apple supporters, we should give far more encouragement to HP than we should to Dell.

And also, we should take all those ********** around here boasting about their 1680x1050 DELL monitors, and kick them out! Frickin' turncoats.

[mojohanna]

I think it is a good idea that HP get one.

I don't understand why HP gets theirs 9 months from now, why not sooner.

People are certainly dumb after all this time if they think about the ipod the way they do, it shoudn't even be geek knowledge how an ipod works.

:rolleyes:

I havent read the whole thread yet but there is one point that everyone seems to be missing..... In order for this to work, Apple needs to do one of two things.
1. port iPhoto over to windows. This may take the 9 months

2. update the iPod firmware/software so that it can use a 3rd party app to be able to sync photos from a PC. This could also take 9 months.

IMO, Apple will not dilute the message or the goal it is trying to achive and it wil port iPhoto over to PC's. Allowing a 3rd part app like a photo editor/syncer, would seem out of line with what they have done with music.

This also allows for time for HP to develop cameras that will be able to dump directly to an iPod photo and develop printers that will have the ability to have and ipod photo plugged directly into them. Now there would be no need for the stupid little screens for editing on a printer.

I can see this. Take iPod photo to grandmas house. She does not have a the savy to operate computer and pull photos and print etc. You plug your ipod photo into grandmas HP printer and select what photos to dump to printer. Print said photos for grandmas grand kid collection and move to top of grandma's inheritance list!!!!

(yes HP, I do charge a fee for advertising ideas!!!)

[BornAgainMac]

True.

But Apple can sell a whole lot more with the help of HP. And that is good when you want to establish a standard across the computer market (PC and Mac).


Yep, people can be stupid at times.

Even the website says the "Apple iPod + HP".

Sushi

Microsoft makes Apple computers, so what's your point.
:rolleyes:

[elo]

I havent read the whole thread yet but there is one point that everyone seems to be missing..... In order for this to work, Apple needs to do one of two things.
1. port iPhoto over to windows. This may take the 9 months

2. update the iPod firmware/software so that it can use a 3rd party app to be able to sync photos from a PC. This could also take 9 months.

IMO, Apple will not dilute the message or the goal it is trying to achive and it wil port iPhoto over to PC's. Allowing a 3rd part app like a photo editor/syncer, would seem out of line with what they have done with music.


You do realize that the iPod Photo has been compatible with Windows machines from the beginning, don't you, no iPhoto required?

[B_Gates]

I really don't like the whole concept.

This is great for everyone.
Apple sells more iPods.
More people get exposed to Apple software "itunes" & this creates interest in Apple products & this can result in "Switchers" that buy even more apple products.

[dsharits]

Or maybe HP didn't want those ugly signatures above their logo?!

Now wait a minute. When was the last time that HP cared about what any of their products looked like? :p

Daniel

[rhpenguin]

The introduction of another HP-branded iPod is also a good sign that HP is happy with the previous deal and with their sales. If things weren't going well, they wouldn't be coming out with a new line.

And I welcome it because its job security for me....

[rhpenguin]

1. port iPhoto over to windows. This may take the 9 months

2. update the iPod firmware/software so that it can use a 3rd party app to be able to sync photos from a PC. This could also take 9 months

they will probably build the functionaliy into HP Image Zone..

[TheMasin9]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"


God i hate stupid people.

[dsharits]

God i hate stupid people.

Hey, you sound like Bill Engvall. You know, "Here's your sign.":D

Daniel

[Mr.Bob]

HP is trapped in the M$ sphere. Limited to little innovation, closed standards, with virtually no differentation between the major players (including white boxes).

HP is probably the only PC company truly trying to separate from the Wintel crowd, but they are smart enough to know that profit margins will continue to be under pressure from the highly successful Dell business model.

Why not take advantage of the Apple innovation express (which eventually will include OS X) where the iPod, for example, produces a nice profit per unit with little or no development costs. As long as this is profitable for HP, additional items will be co-branded, i.e. iPod Photo, iPhone, iVideo,etc.

From Apple's point of view, HP has 20,000 additional sales outlets which are very important going down the road as the digital hub develops into its full potential, not to mention all the big things coming once Tiger is out in May/June timeframe.

So this is a deed of convenience for both companies and could result in many collaberative agreements going forward, a very promising scenario, indeed.

Apple stores will continue to increase, HP alliance will probably expand, new ventures with major parters as the next generation of technology evolves, more co-branded mass market initatives all point to new opportunites for Apple to grow its core businness.

When the number of iPods sold by HP this past quarter is revealed next week, all of this will make sense to those that are looking at the big picture.

[Redpoetsociety]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

you should have ..while the women was still there!! don't be shy!!

[puckhead193]

I like the fact apple is making a boat load of money from ipods. Its just that when i first got my ipod i felt special to own one... Now everyone has them

[nagromme]

In order for this to work, Apple needs to do one of two things.
1. port iPhoto over to windows. This may take the 9 months

2. update the iPod firmware/software so that it can use a 3rd party app to be able to sync photos from a PC. This could also take 9 months.

...Allowing a 3rd part app like a photo editor/syncer, would seem out of line with what they have done with music.

Just to be clear for anyone who hasn't looked up the iPod Photo at Apple.com--the Apple version ALREADY works on Windows, photos and all, including 3rd-party software. Yes, they allow choice :) iTunes handles photo synching from whatever your source is, and Apple now makes a version of iTunes for Windows.

Even on Mac, iPhoto is optional--which (along with speed/convenience) is why having iTunes handle photo AND music synching is a good thing. I use a Mac, but I don't sync to iPhoto, I sync to a folder with my photos in subfolders. Those are my albums. Same thing works on PC, plus iPod Photo also supports Adobe Elements and Adobe Album.

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/autosyncphotos.html

Even if you're like me (until iLife '05!) and don't use ANY compatible photo software, you still just drag your photos into a folder and they auto-synch. You still have control over which albums/subfolders synch and which do not. It's pretty flexible--and if I used Adobe Elements (PC) or iPhoto (Mac) it would be even better: no drag-and-drop step needed.

[JGowan]

This should come as NO SURPRISE.

The whole HP partnership is about getting ipods in a lot more locations to sell a lot more ipods. Wow. What a concept.

The iPod photo is a top seller for Apple and needs to branded as HP to get into HP's locations, just as the other HP ipods are.

Catch a clue, people. Of course, YOU wouldn't want an HP-branded ipod. You're a Mac Enthusiast! None us want anything than 100% Apple! Plus who wants to go to the trouble of getting one of these only to have to reformat it to work with a mac.

However, what about the PC users who never would be exposed to the iPod because they just don't go into an Apple store or there isn't one close to them? How about an impulse buy for those people?

I'm simply amazed at all the negativity on this thread about Apple wanting to extend its BEST IPOD out to the PC community to make some serious coin.

[nagromme]

I've got a WORSE Radio Shack story, from a few weeks ago...

A woman was talking to the sales guy about the iPods, and another woman came up to pay. The second woman said, "My son wanted an iPod for Christmas, and I found them for $100 at another store!" The original iPod shopper was quite excited to hear this.

And then somewhere out there, TWO people opened up their Christmas iPods :( to discover no-name 60-song flash players that will never get used.

So there you have it--the price of success--a lot of people think "ipod" is not a brand, but a general term for music players. Now, these generally aren't the people who WANT a music player anyway... but when Christmas or birthday time arrives, you have those people shopping for OTHER people who may know better.

Thank goodness for returns! And just in time for Apple's flash player. (I wonder if HP will sell flash and Mini iPods too? Now that the holiday rush is over, maybe they can make enough Minis for HP to have some too.)

[macridah]

HP want's to increase the number 2 market share :D

[GFLPraxis]

I've got a WORSE Radio Shack story, from a few weeks ago...

A woman was talking to the sales guy about the iPods, and another woman came up to pay. The second woman said, "My son wanted an iPod for Christmas, and I found them for $100 at another store!" The original iPod shopper was quite excited to hear this.

And then somewhere out there, TWO people opened up their Christmas iPods :( to discover no-name 60-song flash players that will never get used.

So there you have it--the price of success--a lot of people think "ipod" is not a brand, but a general term for music players. Now, these generally aren't the people who WANT a music player anyway... but when Christmas or birthday time arrives, you have those people shopping for OTHER people who may know better.

Thank goodness for returns! And just in time for Apple's flash player. (I wonder if HP will sell flash and Mini iPods too? Now that the holiday rush is over, maybe they can make enough Minis for HP to have some too.)


That's just sad.

[ASP272]

No real surprise there. Just a plain old iPod Photo with HP stuck on the box. It would have been a lot better if HP had actually changed the color or something (when they started with the iPod). Who knows if they will do anything different with the Photo.

[dejo]

Just to be clear for anyone who hasn't looked up the iPod Photo at Apple.com--the Apple version ALREADY works on Windows, photos and all, including 3rd-party software. Yes, they allow choice :) iTunes handles photo synching from whatever your source is, and Apple now makes a version of iTunes for Windows.

Even on Mac, iPhoto is optional--which (along with speed/convenience) is why having iTunes handle photo AND music synching is a good thing. I use a Mac, but I don't sync to iPhoto, I sync to a folder with my photos in subfolders. Those are my albums. Same thing works on PC, plus iPod Photo also supports Adobe Elements and Adobe Album.

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/autosyncphotos.html

Even if you're like me (until iLife '05!) and don't use ANY compatible photo software, you still just drag your photos into a folder and they auto-synch. You still have control over which albums/subfolders synch and which do not. It's pretty flexible--and if I used Adobe Elements (PC) or iPhoto (Mac) it would be even better: no drag-and-drop step needed.

Hear, hear, nagromme! How come so many people are misinformed about the photo synching capabilities of the iPod Photo? There were a bunch of posters on the Apple Discussions griping that iPhoto should have been bundled with the iPod Photo since it's required. That just not true. It's almost as bad as the many people who think Apple iPods won't work on PCs. And not only are they misinformed, they pass on that misinformation to others and don't educate themselves with the facts. It's quite disappointing.

[codycartoon]

I haven't read this entire thread, but am I the only one who doesn't understand this?

It seems stupid, and all it does is confuse people. Why doesn't HP just sell ****ing iPods? You don't need to call it an HP iPod especially when it's exactly the same product.

Doesn't make any sense if you ask me.

-cody

[obeygiant]

I haven't read this entire thread, but am I the only one who doesn't understand this?

It seems stupid, and all it does is confuse people. Why doesn't HP just sell ****ing iPods? You don't need to call it an HP iPod especially when it's exactly the same product.

Doesn't make any sense if you ask me.

-cody

it is a travesty.

[bdkennedy1]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

Ummm.... you should have had the courage to speak up. Now how many more people is he going to do that to?

[ruud]

This also allows for time for HP to develop cameras that will be able to dump directly to an iPod photo and develop printers that will have the ability to have and ipod photo plugged directly into them. Now there would be no need for the stupid little screens for editing on a printer.
Why go through an ipod (photo) if you can print directly from the camera to the printer? (google for PictBridge)

[k2k koos]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

I think you should have said something, the world is full of misconceptions, and with a fully working APPLE iPod, bringing a smile to her face, she could have been a potential switcher, which will never happen now.... too bad.... :(

[JGowan]

... You don't need to call it an HP iPod especially when it's exactly the same product.

Doesn't make any sense if you ask me.HP sells computers (among many other things). A person buying one of theirs might not even consider an iPod because, in their minds, it is APPLE. They don't know about it working with PCs. The HP brand breaks down that type of misconception. It gives the sales staff something to easily convince the customer when they are thinking of accessories to buy with their HP computer:

"You'll need external speakers, perhaps an extra monitor and, Ma'am, how about an HP iPod that works wonderfully with the computer you're getting?"

Also, while there are a few places now selling iPods, many stores just don't have them. Out of sight, out of mind. "I'll take the iRiver MP3 player, sir".

HP has been negotiating with store chains for years -- they're in vast numbers of retail spaces that would take Apple forever to try and get into on their own.

It's about breaking down misconceptions and getting the iPod into those vast retail spaces. And from there, getting those iPods into the customers hands.

[kingtj]

All I can say is, the retail world needs a LOT more like you.

The mere fact that you'd be made to feel like you'd "probably be shot for not trying to talk them into an HP or Compaq" illustrates the whole problem.

I truly believe that the single best way to ensure future sales for yourself and your place of business is to give helpful, honest advice to your customers. If that means sending them elsewhere to purchase what they're asking for, so be it! In the long run, they'll remember you as the "helpful sales guy/gal" who told them where to find what they needed - and they'll be back to buy other things from you.

If you did the opposite and convinced them to take an HP or Compaq from you, they'd likely feel cheated at some point, when they discovered that they were originally told to ask for a "Mac" for a good reason, and now they blew their money on something that doesn't best meet their needs.

(Who knows? Maybe she asked for a Mac because she wanted to do video editing or digital photo retouching, and the "iApps" and tools like GraphicsConverter were just what she needed?)


Hold on a sec... not ALL Radioshack associates are that bad. I work at a RS and am a HUGE Apple guy. I know lots about my iPod, and thus I can better inform people about what an iPod can/can't do and how it works. I have fixed a few in-store that just needed a reset, while other people who work there were clueless.

To further "educate" my co-workers, I burned them all copies of iTunes for Windows last week. :) I was surprised last week when a customer came in asking for a Macintosh computer however. Even though we have none, and I would probably be shot for not trying to talk them into an hp or Compaq, I informed them about the Apple Store in Keystone and told them to go check it out. :) So not all RS associates are dumbasses, just a few. Educate them, step in, tell them I said to :D

[david_r_p]

I think the Apple/HP iPod and iPod Photo is a great thing, and I'd like to see more of it. I think making the iPod as ubiquitous as possible should be the goal, and let's face it, HP has much more marketing and distribution muscle than Apple. In fact, Apple should create private-label iPod players for any "pee cee" maker who wants to buy it.

If the iPod is perceived as a closed, proprietary system (much like the Apple OS already is) the iPod will eventually become a niche player (much like the Mac computer). By forming startegic partnerships, Apple is getting as many people as possible to adopt the iPod, and hopefully a few switchers along the way.

I'm shocked that anyone is against Apple selling as many iPods as possible.

[MontyZ]

If Apple wants all of their products to appeal to PC users or general consumers, I think they would be better off shifting their own marketing as needed rather than "outsourcing" this task to other companies, like HP, if that's what this deal is all about. Remember what happened when Apple decided years ago to allow other companies to make Mac clones? Apple would do better to instead find more stores to sell the iPod under their own name.

[nagromme]

There were a bunch of posters on the Apple Discussions griping that iPhoto should have been bundled with the iPod Photo since it's required. That just not true. It's almost as bad as the many people who think Apple iPods won't work on PCs. And not only are they misinformed, they pass on that misinformation to others and don't educate themselves with the facts.
Even more amazing is that even though they don't OWN the product (or they wouldn't even think it was an issue), they still get themselves worked up enough to bother posting on Apple support boards... but not enough to bother, say, looking at the iPod Photo page on Apple's site, full of handy info :D


Why doesn't HP just sell ****ing iPods? You don't need to call it an HP iPod especially when it's exactly the same product.
Because the deal is of great benefit to Apple, BUT like most deals, it ALSO benefits the other party. HP wanted to get into the business and grow their image in consumer electronics--they chose the route of selling iPods customized with HP branding, and Apple found it worth agreeing to. Both parties gain income AND mindshare. And consumers who fear Apple but trust HP now have something they can buy without tossing and turning in a cold sweat all night :)


If Apple wants all of their products to appeal to PC users or general consumers, I think they would be better off shifting their own marketing as needed rather than "outsourcing" this task to other companies, like HP, if that's what this deal is all about. Remember what happened when Apple decided years ago to allow other companies to make Mac clones? Apple would do better to instead find more stores to sell the iPod under their own name.
HP iPods are NOT clones and NOT outsourced. They are made BY Apple for HP. And because of the volume HP can sell for Apple, it was worth Apple's while to agree to customize them with an HP logo. This is nothing like cloning.

As for Apple finding stores on its own--that's neither free nor easy! The HP deal, in one fell swoop, put iPods in THOUSANDS of places they would never otherwise have been sold. Apple could have tried (and sometimes failed) to get into those stores directly, but it would have taken forever, and lots of money/effort. It's much easier to leverage an existing distribution relationship than to try to create a new one.

Plus, many PC users actually LIKE the HP "stamp of approval." Then they find themselves exploring Apple quality when they might never have done so before.

And of course, HP has paid for a TON of iPod advertising as part of the deal. Far better those TV and magazine ads show iPods (and the Apple logo next to HP), than show whatever Microsoft WMA player HP would be selling if Apple hadn't partnered with them!

This is nothing but good for the iPod, for Apple, for consumers, and ultimately for the Mac itself. (And it's been going on for a while now, selling TONS of iPods for Apple. What downside has reared its head? So a few people think the Apple-brand iPod is Mac-only... so what? They ALREADY thought that regardless of HP, and now they can buy the same iPod despite their ignorance.)

[carlos700]

I guess it makes PC people more comfortable with the HP logo on it. I think that the iPod + HP is not compatible with Macs. HP lists nothing about Mac compatibility on their website.

[AidenShaw]

HP lists nothing about Mac compatibility on their website.

Of course not, they want the "iPod+hp" "halo effect" to sell more Pentiums !!!

Remember that 98.2% of the market is for Wintel PCs, it isn't worth the price of the ad copy for HP to say that their digital music player works with Macs.

[Xtremehkr]

I've been underwhelmed by the whole iPod/iPhoto concept. Though it is useful for those who can connect their iPhotoPod to a large enough screen (most Big Screens I am assuming) to share it with others. At the same time, it does open a new and larger market since HP does have a larger market share. But the idea of subjecting others to slide shows of your vacation/slide show (/fill in the blank) seems to be an old idea given new life. It won't be a cliche until it hits sitcoms though I guess.

The updated and yet cliched situation; a bunch of relatives being subjected to slide shows of the Hawaii Vacation via an iPod and not a projector using film negatives. Yawn, American Pie as it is.

[blybug]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.
I overheard and attempted to intervene on a similar conversation at CompUSA before Christmas while I was looking at iPod accessories...

Customer: "I'm looking for an iPod for my daughter."
(This caught my attention and I immediately thought "This guy has no idea what an iPod is except that his daughter will kill him if he doesn't get her one.")

CompUSAGuy: "Do you want the HP iPod or the Apple?"

Customer: "What's the main difference?"

CompUSAGuy: "Well, is your computer a PC or a Mac?"

Customer: "We have an eMachine, which is that?"
(I'm ready to rumble...clenching fists...)

CompUSAGuy: "That's a Windows PC, you'll want the HP then."
Assuming his daughter may be hip enough to notice the difference, I decide it's time for me to step in and provide some enlightenment in order to perform my constitutional duty as a Mac zealot as well as save this guy from forever being labelled a dork by his daughter after Christmas morning...
Me: "Actually they'll both work with your PC, the HP is simply a rebranded Apple unit. You should just get the Apple iPod."

CompUSAGuy: "Are you sure about that? I thought the HP came out for PC compatibility."

Me: "Take a look at the box...Apple makes them, HP rebrands and sells them. They're exactly the same."

Customer: "Well if they're exactly the same I'll just get the HP since he's sure that will work with our computer."

CompUSAGuy: "Great, I'll ring that up for you. And would you like to protect your daughter's iPod by purchasing our protection plan...."

At that point, having been unprepared for this sudden skirmish, I realized that I didn't really have any further arguments, other than that the Apple iPod was "cooler." What else was there to say?

This run-in with the Average Joe consumer and the stereotypically imbecilic CompUSAGuy mad me realize that these encounters must happen every day, without any knowledgeable person on either end of the conversation. But in the end, an iPod is sold one way or another. I suspect that Apple teamed with HP because they knew that despite the incessant "Mac + PC" iPod ads, that Average Joe and CompUSAGuy could never get it through their thick heads that something from Apple would actually work for them.

Go Apple + HP! :D

[MontyZ]

HP iPods are NOT clones and NOT outsourced. They are made BY Apple for HP. And because of the volume HP can sell for Apple, it was worth Apple's while to agree to customize them with an HP logo. This is nothing like cloning.

Yes, you and I may know this, but, the general consumer may just think HP came out with an iPod clone. As you mentioned, they (the consumers) are dumb enough not to know that the iPod works on both PCs and Macs even though this is clearly indicated in all advertising for the iPod, so, how will they figure out that HP is not cloning the iPod?

I looked at the way HP advertises it in their online store: "Apple iPod from HP" and "(Apple icon) iPod + hp" -- In the marketing world, that's called Brand Confusion. What is this thing called exactly? The HP iPod? The iPod+hp? The Apple HP iPod? The HP+Apple iPod? And does it only work on Windows? Only on HP computers? Does it only play iTunes music? Will it work on the Mac? I think this marketing deal -- that was supposed to clear up any questions by consumers -- only creates more questions and more confusion, IMO.

I also think that this will make it much easier for companies like Microsoft or Sony to come out with their own iPod-like players in the future to further confuse consumers. And if they're sold for $100 cheaper with 3-year warranties, it'll end up hurting the iPod, not helping it. Because in the end, if the consumer thinks they can get basically the same thing for less money, that's where they'll go. Apple then loses the cache and waters down the incredible branding they've built for the iPod, which has taken the world by storm.

Now, I could be totally wrong and Apple could have a larger strategy in mind, such as selling more digital music from the iTunes Store. They probably make a ton more money from the iTunes Store than they do iPods. So, if the goal is really just to make the iTunes Store THE de-facto standard in digital music, then maybe this is a good idea for Apple and iTunes. But, I don't think it's a good idea for iPod.

[rhpenguin]

I overheard and attempted to intervene on a similar conversation at CompUSA before Christmas while I was looking at iPod accessories...

Customer: "I'm looking for an iPod for my daughter."
(This caught my attention and I immediately thought "This guy has no idea what an iPod is except that his daughter will kill him if he doesn't get her one.")

CompUSAGuy: "Do you want the HP iPod or the Apple?"

Customer: "What's the main difference?"

CompUSAGuy: "Well, is your computer a PC or a Mac?"

Customer: "We have an eMachine, which is that?"
(I'm ready to rumble...clenching fists...)

CompUSAGuy: "That's a Windows PC, you'll want the HP then."
Assuming his daughter may be hip enough to notice the difference, I decide it's time for me to step in and provide some enlightenment in order to perform my constitutional duty as a Mac zealot as well as save this guy from forever being labelled a dork by his daughter after Christmas morning...
Me: "Actually they'll both work with your PC, the HP is simply a rebranded Apple unit. You should just get the Apple iPod."

CompUSAGuy: "Are you sure about that? I thought the HP came out for PC compatibility."

Me: "Take a look at the box...Apple makes them, HP rebrands and sells them. They're exactly the same."

Customer: "Well if they're exactly the same I'll just get the HP since he's sure that will work with our computer."

CompUSAGuy: "Great, I'll ring that up for you. And would you like to protect your daughter's iPod by purchasing our protection plan...."

At that point, having been unprepared for this sudden skirmish, I realized that I didn't really have any further arguments, other than that the Apple iPod was "cooler." What else was there to say?

This run-in with the Average Joe consumer and the stereotypically imbecilic CompUSAGuy mad me realize that these encounters must happen every day, without any knowledgeable person on either end of the conversation. But in the end, an iPod is sold one way or another. I suspect that Apple teamed with HP because they knew that despite the incessant "Mac + PC" iPod ads, that Average Joe and CompUSAGuy could never get it through their thick heads that something from Apple would actually work for them.

Go Apple + HP! :D


Why incourage people to buy the iPod from Apple when HP actually offers a better warranty on the product than Apple does?

[BenRoethig]

If Apple wants all of their products to appeal to PC users or general consumers, I think they would be better off shifting their own marketing as needed rather than "outsourcing" this task to other companies, like HP, if that's what this deal is all about. Remember what happened when Apple decided years ago to allow other companies to make Mac clones? Apple would do better to instead find more stores to sell the iPod under their own name.

1. HP has a distribution network that Apple wish it had. HP sells stuff basically everywhere. Apple has competent people only at its Apple stores.

2. Would you rather HP either 1) build their own non-itunes compatible music player or 2) team up with either Creative or Dell.

3. It is not a clone. Apple builds them.

4. The clones didn't work for a number of reasons. The two major reasons where 1) the clone makers were all computer industry novices. Power Computing, Umax, Daystar, and Motorolla had never sold personal computers before. As a result they did not have the name or marketing dollars to expand outside the Mac community. Apple offering computers that were inferior to the clones didn't help either. 2) There wasn't a big difference between Macs and PCs in those days. No iTunes, iLife, Ipod, iMac. spyware, even viruses were rare in those days. People weren't fed up with windows the way they were in the broadband internet age.

[BenRoethig]

you sir just made a light go off in my head. IF there are more people like this thinking that the iPod only works on macs and they see a bunch of iPods out there, it must make them think, a lot of people actually have macs, which may lead them to checking one out. In short, the iPods may make the stupid look at macs b/c they are none the wiser. The halo effect working another way.

Close. What if HP were to strike a similar deal with the new $499 computer? If Apple were to release an ad for this, honestly there are many who wouldn't pay attention because of Apple's reputation. More still probably wouldn't drive three hours (or every other block if you're in Los Angeles) to their nearest Apple Store. If HP was to release an ad for a computer with no spyware and very few viruses that can be had at the nearest Walmart, radioshack, staples, Best Buy, etc. people would probably check it out.

[dsharits]

Close. What if HP were to strike a similar deal with the new $499 computer? If Apple were to release an ad for this, honestly there are many who wouldn't pay attention because of Apple's reputation. More still probably wouldn't drive three hours (or every other block if you're in Los Angeles) to their nearest Apple Store. If HP was to release an ad for a computer with no spyware and very few viruses that can be had at the nearest Walmart, radioshack, staples, Best Buy, etc. people would probably check it out.

But HP would never do it, because at that point, it is no longer a re-marketing of a product that can complement an HP system, but it turns into a competing system being sold alongside HP's label. Apple would be putting out a $499 computer to compete with low-end buys from Dell, Gateway, HP and the like. HP would never sell a competitor's system, only the products that can complement their own system.

Daniel

[AidenShaw]

But HP would never do it, because at that point, it is no longer a re-marketing of a product that can complement an HP system, but it turns into a competing system being sold alongside HP's label.

This also applies if the $499 CheapMac turns out to be a home media centre rather than a Mac.

See the HP televisions, media centres, satellite radios, pocket media centres, and other items at http://www.hp.com/country/us/en/prodserv/entertainment.html .

[zelmo]

Why incourage people to buy the iPod from Apple when HP actually offers a better warranty on the product than Apple does?

HP has a better warranty for phone support (1 yr of support vs. Apple's 90 days), but they only offer support for PC users. Yes, the hardware is identical, apart from an extra logo on the back. Bottom line, if you have a Mac you are still better off buying the "official" Apple iPod, and if you have a PC, you are better off with the HP branded iPod.

[k2k koos]

I might have overlooked them, but has anyone allready spotted the HP branded iPod in the average DIXON or Comet retail store here in the UK, I haven't yet. Not that I want one, I'm just curious, if any I will take de Apple one, just because I would feel the need to show everyone who wants to know that an APPLE branded product actually works WELL with their WINTEL machine.... ;)

[mrunderhill]

Why get involved with HP over this? I mean why can't Apple just leave things as they are. Will the HP iPod be cheaper than the Apple iPod, if it is then it will just confuse everybody and make a mockery of the whole thing. I always think of Apple as the BMW of computer companies and BMW don't let other people make cars for them. As a Mac guy I wouldn't dream of buying an HP iPod as I'd feel like I had a fake Rolex on my wrist.

[k2k koos]

Why get involved with HP over this? I mean why can't Apple just leave things as they are. Will the HP iPod be cheaper than the Apple iPod, if it is then it will just confuse everybody and make a mockery of the whole thing. I always think of Apple as the BMW of computer companies and BMW don't let other people make cars for them. As a Mac guy I wouldn't dream of buying an HP iPod as I'd feel like I had a fake Rolex on my wrist.

I can see what you are saying in regards to branding, but even BMW , which is possibly one of the last totally independent german car mfg out there, considering their relative small company size, cannot survive without the help of others. their Mini for example, has a Mercedes (okay daimler Crysler) engine, their biggest rival...
It is not totally a fake Rolex though, it would be a Rolex made, different branded watch...

Still the added value, not just monetary, of owning a true Apple iPod, is something a lot of people are sensitive too, myself included, and was for a while one of the very few remaining factors that Apple survived the early '90's.....

I doubt though that Apple will let HP sell cheaper iPods, unless it is a model that is allready replaced by Apple themselves for an updated iPod, why wait 9 months otherwise.... HP selling the current model, Apple the next...

[dsharits]

This also applies if the $499 CheapMac turns out to be a home media centre rather than a Mac.

See the HP televisions, media centres, satellite radios, pocket media centres, and other items at http://www.hp.com/country/us/en/pro...ertainment.html .

Exactly. We have to realize that HP is not selling iPods to just help Apple distribute them. They are looking for more publicity for their products, because they don't have a digital music player to put on the market against Dell, which is probably their main hardware competitor. This way, Apple sells more units, and HP gets the publicity and a cutting-edge DMP to put up against the Dell DJ. HP already makes the consumer-priced low-end PC's, so it would only put them at a huge disadvantage if they sold Apple's consumer-level products that was designed to go up against similar HP products. Also, if Apple can get enough advertisement for the new $499 computer, they won't need HP's help to sell it. Once people catch wind of a $499 Mac, it will sell almost as well as a $499 Dell or HP.

Daniel

[hcuar]

Why incourage people to buy the iPod from Apple when HP actually offers a better warranty on the product than Apple does?

Well, because HP's service sucks... Trust me.

[BornAgainMac]

This was a informative thread about the HP iPod. I didn't realize people out there wouldn't buy a Apple product because they feared it would not be compatible. It is strange that newbee users today even know what that means. In the 80's there were several platforms that didn't work with each other. Today it seems like every company including Apple sell Windows machines. What did Apple do to make them think it wouldn't work with their existing Windows software?

Perhaps HP should sell HP branded Macs too.

[hcuar]

This was a informative thread about the HP iPod. I didn't realize people out there wouldn't buy a Apple product because they feared it would not be compatible. It is strange that newbee users today even know what that means. In the 80's there were several platforms that didn't work with each other. Today it seems like every company including Apple sell Windows machines. What did Apple do to make them think it wouldn't work with their existing Windows software?

Perhaps HP should sell HP branded Macs too.

Simple... it's all FUD by the insecure PC world. All systems used to be less compatible (even different branded PCs). My parents were amazed when I burned the latest copy of AVG free addition with my PB this Christmas for them to take home and install on their Dell. They couldn't believe they could read the disk on their computer. :rolleyes:

[rhpenguin]

HP has a better warranty for phone support (1 yr of support vs. Apple's 90 days), but they only offer support for PC users. Yes, the hardware is identical, apart from an extra logo on the back. Bottom line, if you have a Mac you are still better off buying the "official" Apple iPod, and if you have a PC, you are better off with the HP branded iPod.

LMFAO... I know they dont offer support for Macs because i work on the damn support line. Just gotta hope you get me on the line and i do help.

[Chip NoVaMac]

i was in radio shack the other day and i overheard a woman asking a salesman about the HP ipod... "whats the difference between this one and the one made by apple?" the guy quickly replied "well the apple ipod only works with an apple computer while the HP works with both." she said "oh its a good thing i asked, i have a pc at home"

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.

Sad to hear. But given the price controls the stores have to give a reason to buy from them. I don't support lying, but I understand.

Apple using the distribution arm of HP is great. I wonder if it will be used for the iMac mini?

[Chip NoVaMac]

True... we do work off commision, and yea, an iPod is a really good sale. :cool: There are always a few salesman who will do anything, even lie to make a sale, but thats business. I like to think of myself as an honest salesman (as much as that sounds like an oxymoron). I've given up many a good sale when I realized that the customer didn't really know what they were buying, or was buying the wrong thing. It all works out in the end though, rest assured; if we get something returned, it counts off your commision for the next day. Its alot harder to get commision when you start off the day $400 in the hole. :cool: But give SOME of us RS people a break.

( Sorry, I just really like my job - its an awesome place to work. This thread just seemed a little on the negative side towards RS and I'm trying to clear up any misconceptions, I apologize if I seem a little defensive.)

We in sales are taken for granted at times. And there are also a few bad apples that spoil the barrel. It is matter sometimes who you work for. I work in a shop that pays us a decent wage by the hour. We get SPIFFS and extra compensation at times. In the end the SPIFFS and such don't help if you don't create an atmosphere that will want customers to come back to you on.

IMO too many look at the short term goal. And that is to make a sale. This goes for both the company and employee. We sell the iPod Photo and other Mac products on a special order basis. And we have an Apple store down the road. I tell my customers that we are there to help them when we can, even if it is making a call to the manufacture to get their problem resolved. In other words going to bat for them.And we do. I have seen fight for rebates. I have seen us fight to get the manufacturer to take something back even months after the sale, since the customer did not feel that it met their needs.

[ssnmx]

We also have to think about all the countries where Apple is not popular and HP is. In Mexico Macs are just SO overpriced and most people don't even know what iPods are.

So here comes HP, an established PC company, offering you an iPod bundled with the new HP computer you're buying. Might not get many switchers at first, but these would be people who don't know Apple exists, and they might as well notice the friggin' Apple logo on the iPod... so for Apple is better that they buy an HP iPod than nothing at all. I'm assuming this would apply to most Latin America and some other parts of the world. It's a nice way to introduce people to Apple.

I don't know what the HP prices are, but they have the advantage of bundling it with a computer or whatever...

Seriously, though. Apple products in Mexico are SO overpriced:
iPod mini = $500 USD
20 GB iPod = $800 USD
Entry-level eMac = $1,600 USD
Entry-level iMac = $2,000 USD


:eek: :(

[winmacguy]

[QUOTE=vwcruisn

i had to bite my tongue to not walk over to the counter and tell him he was full of *****.[/QUOTE]

Sometimes silence is the better part of valour.
He would still have gotten the sale from the customer and not been pissed at you for interrupting and she would have been none the wiser despite the fact that he told her a pile of crap.
A lot of customers think that the iPod is a Mac only product unless you tell them other wise.

[emjoi]

*sigh*
I just spent a few minutes looking for the photo of the HP iPod.

[redAPPLE]

Awesome. A second manufacturer so I won't have to wait for a product I have absolutely no use for.

and you wasted your time to post that comment? unbelievable. :rolleyes:

[sushi]

Microsoft makes Apple computers, so what's your point.
:rolleyes:
Uh, that HP makes good computers! ;)

[sushi]

3. It is not a clone. Apple builds them.
Which means Apple makes money on each and every one of the HP iPods that it sells! :D

...and this increases the iPod's market dominance! :D :D

Sushi