Originally posted by SiliconAddict
People just don't get it. One last time. PRICE MATTERS!!!
Adding an *** load of features still gives you......an expensive device.
Lets look at the Dell. $50 cheaper then the cheapest iPod and:
Gives you 5GB more space
Gives you, potentially, longer listening time.
Apple needs to drop their prices not add features.
I constantly think price matters to a degree, however compared to cars the cheap models can't compare to the full featured models, and don't have to do so. For those who ever used a Sonic Blue Rio....I can possitively tell you they "sucked balls", I could go into the various reasons why they did, but that is still missing the point. Which is
price.
Price matters to the Walmart generation yes, however do you see Lindows out selling even apple yet? The reality to the whole point is, that although those who are discount hungry put a considerable emphasis on price. Price isn't the whole story. Just like the car comparison, the vehicles with no options which are price leaders may attract attention, but when you see what you really get, that $50 doesn't make a big difference.
I went shopping for a new TV last weekend, I wanted a basic TV with minimal features, apprx 27" in size, and a complete set of input jacks. The price point was from $200 to $279 depending on brand. However I could have had a pure flat screen for another $80 to $100 bucks. I thought, how important a flat screen picture tube(of course a new buzzword)was to me. Was it worth an additonal $100, well to me no. However, if it was only $50 I would have said sure no problem.
What I am getting at is that features do indeed make the sale, in cars it is color & options. Some people in fact pay up to $1000 more for the right color. In TV's it is options, & connectivity. In MP3 Players, I would want features, and ease of use. I know several others who had Rio players, and it will be when hell freezes over that they will buy another one. Bad products can't sell themselves, Apple consistantly gives users a premium experience at a solid price point.
If you can convince the Harley motorcycle riders, that their $10,000 Soft tail isn't worth it when compared to Suzuki then your point may hold water, but not after then.