15GB iPod Offer

[MacRumors]

Apple is sending out emails to those with iPod Mini pre-orders, offering to provide a 15GB iPod instead of an iPod mini for those interested.

Dear Apple Customer,

* Thank you for ordering the new iPod mini!

* The demand for the iPod mini has been incredible. We are shipping them as
* quickly as possible, but we cannot meet the ship date we previously estimated
* for you. We now expect to ship your iPod mini in three weeks. If we do not
* hear from you prior to shipment, we will assume the revised date is
* acceptable, and will ship your order. We apologize for any inconvenience.

* Your business is very important.* If you would like an iPod sooner, we are
* offering to replace your iPod mini with a 15GB iPod at no additional charge.
* This model usually ships within 24 hours. Taking advantage of this offer is
* easy:

* By email:* Forward this note to customerconfirm@apple.com and check the option
* below.
* ____* Please switch my order from the iPod mini to the 15GB iPod at no
* additional charge.* My order number is ______________.

The 15GB iPod retails for $50 more than the iPod Mini.

[applekid]

15 GB for no additional charge! Impressive.

However, the size and look alone of the iPod Mini are its selling point, so I only foresee a few order changes.

[MarksEvilTwin]

Removed

[realityisterror]

this is very cool of apple...
it can't be cheap...
makes me want to order a mini...

reality

[sinbushar]

i don't see how this can be considered a bad thing at all....go apple

[lindmar]

wow,, I agree..

Nice move on Apple's part....

too bad though for those who really wanted mini's

[jesuscandle]

I can't wait to see how the irate folks from the eMac thread spin this to mean that Apple hates its customers and only cares about profit. That's a classy move on Apple's part.

It's interesting, too. It seems to suggest that they internally buy the idea that the 15GB is "about the same" as the mini. IE - they never expected to sell minis based on specs, but rather based on size / looks...

todd

[numediaman]

Who the hell is in charge of manufacturing at Apple? Why can't they fulfill these orders? Aren't you a little peeved that every time Apple introduces a product they can't seem to deliver it? Jobs needs to kick some behind over at Apple.

(Alternate theory: this is BS can they want to get rid of some 15GB iPods because they can't see them.)

EDIT: no, I don't think this is Apple screwing anyone -- the offer is nice -- but why were orders accepted that they can not fulfill? Don't they have a computer system that allows them to track orders to inventory to manufacturing. is their sales department run on Windows?

[KindredMAC]

It's nice to see Apple doing something like this.
I think it's important for them to go that little extra mile to keep their customers happy. Sound business sense.
I just wish it was alittle easier to get my money back from Apple after my logic board problem with my iBook.

[MattG]

That's pretty nice of them!

I wonder if this is due alone to high demand, or also in part to the problem with the headphone jack that people have been reporting...

[LaMerVipere]

I just ordered a silver iPod mini last week, and it's not expected to ship before May 17th 2004, but I ordered it with an Edu. discount, I wonder if I will get one of these e-mails, I hope so! :)

[macshark]

I was actually thinking of buying a 15GB iPod. Does this mean that I should put in an order for the mini-iPod and then wait for the upgrade offer from Apple so that I can save $50?

[ChoMomma]

I think that Apple has been getting more demand for it's products this past year than it ever thought it would.... G5, iPod supply issues...

Time for them to realize that they are becoming a very hot ticket and they need to start pushing for more stock.

[KLFloyd]

I was actually thinking of buying a 15GB iPod. Does this mean that I should put in an order for the mini-iPod and then wait for the upgrade offer from Apple so that I can save $50?

I wouldn't bet on it. Apple is so far only emailing customers who were quoted a specific wait time and they are unable to make that time. I would assume (though I could be wrong) if you were to order an iPod mini today you would be quoted a more realistic time frame.

If you'd like the iPod mini and would take the 15GB option I'd say go for it, you have nothing to loose.

However, I too expect there is more to this headphone problem that is being reported. The iPod mini is a great product but perhaps it's just too small to be durable enough for every day use. It may be that Apple has a MAJOR design flaw on their hands and is trying to stall for time in order to try to figure out a way to solve it.

Apple Insider is reporting that since Apple issued it's "warning" that shipments would be delayed due to huge demand the iPod mini has stopped shipping all together. Perhaps they're using the high demand as a cover for investigating the problem.

[HybridTheory]

I was actually thinking of buying a 15GB iPod. Does this mean that I should put in an order for the mini-iPod and then wait for the upgrade offer from Apple so that I can save $50?

I was wondering about this myself. Anyone know?

[nspeds]

Apple definately underestimated the amount of demand their products would have in the market. All those people who were saying the Mini was too expensive probably just got a shock since Apple is selling these mini's so fast.

I don't think that Apple is marketing these Mini's towards the "tech geek", but rather the layman. 13-14 year old teenagers who want a hip new device and are unaware of what specs to get at what price but mostly get products based on a young design.

I myself remember buying a Sony CD player (overpriced as anything) because it was Sony and it looked damn good, but in reality, the Philips one was just as good (maybe less quality) and less expensive. However, the brand, awareness, and style factor are all items that induces the word "purchase" in a teen's mind.

...at least in mine;-).

[uv23]

For all of you who think that iPod minis are in short supply due to high demand, you may want to read the story in the macybtes forum detailing an iPod mini design flaw which may be the real reason they are in short supply (they're all being fixed). This is just one theory. I do not support or deny it. Just wanted to let you know.

[PlaceofDis]

isnt the iPod Mini haveing supply issues because of the hard drives used in them? i thought that the hard drive supplier is taking its sweet time and and underestimated the demand for these drives and thus are taking a while to get them to apple..... or i could be wrong....just glad i got my iPod back in august...

[173080]

I ordered a Silver iPod mini three weeks ago and I better as hell get it. I dont want some "15GB iPod" instead. I'd rather wait for my mini.

[PowerMacMan]

I wouldn't bet on it. Apple is so far only emailing customers who were quoted a specific wait time and they are unable to make that time. I would assume (though I could be wrong) if you were to order an iPod mini today you would be quoted a more realistic time frame.

No... Order iPod mini now, and the least you will be able to see it by is May 17, 2004... It's a 3-5 week shipping date... raised from the recent 2-4 :mad:

These things could be the best selling things ever :p

[pkradd]

Hard drives were reportedly in short supply and Hitachi said it was increasing production at their factory. The current static/distortion problem seems to be very persuasive. I have it and am still waiting for Apple to confirm that they're sending me a box to return my mini for repair or replacement. It's been two days since I filled out the form on line and have not yet heard from them. Appleinsider is now reporting that no mini shipments have been sent to dealers in two weeks! Obviously there's a problem here. Tomorrow I'm sure some analyst will query Fred Anderson or whomever on the problem. Apple's only comment has been that "isolated problems have occured". This is a bad situation and already the share price for Apple dropped over $1.00 today. Constantly squeezing the top area of the mini when attaching it to the belt clip or putting the clip on a belt seems to be the problem in my opinion. Aluminum is soft and the engineering on the phone jack/circuit board/connector or whatever seems to be the problem.

[1macker1]

So if i order a new iPod mini thursday, will i get this offer. If so, then i'm all in!!!

[goodwill]

It would make sense for Apple to redefine their product. Essentially, this offer is Apples own version of a Recall. If you read the link, it makes all the pure sense in the world for Apple to delay the shipping of the mini-ipod, correct the static/audio issue before sending customers a gimp product. From a business and customer service standpoint, the generous offer counteracts, the malfunctioning issues currently at stake with the mini. Myswell delay shipping so you dont have to recall 500,000 ipods!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040413/ap_on_hi_te/ipod_mini_static_4

[winmacguy]

Dont forget that Apple is now apealing to a market that is hasnt had before, ie the whole PC market! Now instead of a few million customers world wide who might have been interested in the iPod range (as part of its total customer base) it has now put out two product ranges that are are able to be used by PC and Mac owners alike. It has also given PC owners a stylish product that they want to be SEEN with for the first time in their lives as opposed to the "beige box" that they work with, so their pool customer base world wide has jumped from 20 million or so to basically everybody who owns a computer.

(Edit) I think Apple is making the best of a tough situation by offering the 15GB iPod as a replacement at no extra cost to customers.

[Ja Di ksw]

This should be the new poll of the day, would you take this offer if you had an iPod mini ordered already?

[PowerMacMan]

It would make sense for Apple to redefine their product. Essentially, this offer is Apples own version of a Recall. If you read the link, it makes all the pure sense in the world for Apple to delay the shipping of the mini-ipod, correct the static/audio issue before sending customers a gimp product. From a business and customer service standpoint, the generous offer counteracts, the malfunctioning issues currently at stake with the mini. Myswell delay shipping so you dont have to recall 500,000 ipods!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040413/ap_on_hi_te/ipod_mini_static_4


This, IMHO, is good news, not of this problem, but of the fact that they stopped shipping them to fix the problem so they don't have a huge case... Am I correct, are they delaying the shipments to fix this problem??? :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Stewie]

Who the hell is in charge of manufacturing at Apple? Why can't they fulfill these orders? Aren't you a little peeved that every time Apple introduces a product they can't seem to deliver it? Jobs needs to kick some behind over at Apple.?


I don't think apple can be held responsible for all the pieces and parts that go into making a mini ipod. If one of the suppliers of mentioned pieces and parts are not able to keep up that is not the fault of apple, is it?

[johanwelin]

isnt the iPod Mini haveing supply issues because of the hard drives used in them? i thought that the hard drive supplier is taking its sweet time and and underestimated the demand for these drives and thus are taking a while to get them to apple..... or i could be wrong....just glad i got my iPod back in august...

Who knows, but I still think this is the most important factor.

[johanwelin]

This, IMHO, is good news, not of this problem, but of the fact that they stopped shipping them to fix the problem so they don't have a huge case... Am I correct, are they delaying the shipments to fix this problem??? :confused: :confused: :confused:

_If_ there are any problem, please... The problem is not a fact! Some have experienced a problem. Some. No product is totally perfect, not even from Apple. ;)

[Frisco]

WoW! I for one thought the mini would have a hard time selling at the price.

It's ironic--I got rid of my 15 Gig Pod to get a Mini. The Mini is amazing! Do I have more than 4-5 Gigs? Absoultely--I have around 11 Gigs of music, but I finally realized that was wasted space. I don't even listen to 100 songs a month. The rest of the music is just waste, taking up space. It's easy enough to delete and add if I want a new album on my pod.

I for one was a sucker to have the most music on my Pod I could get.
Common guys 99.99 don't need more than 4-5 Gigs in any given month. The Mini is the future of iPods!

[eric_n_dfw]

Had to vote this as a negative. While it may be good karma for good customer service, but it's a double whammy on their revenues. Investors generally won't like this because:
A.) Yet again Apple didn't plan well enough for demand (don't flame me on this - it's been bantered arround on other threads to death)
B.) On top of that, they are cutting into the profits of, probably, a higher margin product.

(As I said in another thread, I'm glad I sold AAPL at $28 :cool: )

[johanwelin]

Had to vote this as a negative. While it may be good karma for good customer service, but it's a double whammy on their revenues. Investors generally won't like this because:
A.) Yet again Apple didn't plan well enough for demand (don't flame me on this - it's been bantered arround on other threads to death)
B.) On top of that, they are cutting into the profits of, probably, a higher margin product.

(As I said in another thread, I'm glad I sold AAPL at $28 :cool: )

Perhaps, but at least they are taking care of their custumers in propably the best way they can in this situation, are they not?

[Krizoitz]

Who the hell is in charge of manufacturing at Apple? Why can't they fulfill these orders? Aren't you a little peeved that every time Apple introduces a product they can't seem to deliver it? Jobs needs to kick some behind over at Apple.

EDIT: no, I don't think this is Apple screwing anyone -- the offer is nice -- but why were orders accepted that they can not fulfill? Don't they have a computer system that allows them to track orders to inventory to manufacturing. is their sales department run on Windows?

The orders were accepted because it was believed they could be fulfilled, then a combination of high demand, manufacturing supply problems, and now apparently a quality control issue, has led to mini supply problems.

So before this blows into a huge problem Apple decided to do what they could to make it right. They are offering at no additional cost a 15gig iPod, I can't see that as anything wrong. Its exactly the RIGHT thing to do.

[rog]

Wow, Apple is totally incompetent. Every single time they have a hit product, it's months late, then doesn't ship in volume for months after that. Can't they do anything right? Except for the eMac, all their macs are now 6-9 months since an update and the eMac is finally as fast as a $799 PC was in 2001! The G5 has become a Motorola-esque turkey with no update in 10 months after it was announced. The DP G5 Xserve was announced 4.5 months ago and has yet to ship! And Jobs earns $74 million for this? Everyone on the board should be resigning in disgrace.

[Hattig]

I tend to agree with the "cover up the problems whilst we fix the headphone issue" theory here. The other good reason is limited supplies of 4GB hard drives for the device at the moment.

OTOH if demand really is that high, then shouldn't Apple put the price up? If you are selling out at $250 then you should try $270 - you're selling them too cheap.

And to think that many many people and many many sites thought that it would flop at $200, nevermind $250! haha

[bluefido]

isnt the iPod Mini haveing supply issues because of the hard drives used in them? i thought that the hard drive supplier is taking its sweet time and and underestimated the demand for these drives and thus are taking a while to get them to apple..... or i could be wrong....just glad i got my iPod back in august...

Yes, I believe that is the main reason for the delay. 1" hard drives (or however small they are in the minis) were never manufactured until recently. I think people believe that if demand requires it, the supply will automatically/magically/immediately catch up. When something is as popular and new as the mini that is almost never the case. Video game consoles are good analogy. Playstation 2's were almost impossible to get at its launch. Not because Sony underestimated demand but because it simply could not make that many that fast. The alternative, which is idiotic, is to simply amass millions of iPod minis and then sell them to the public when they THINK supply will actually match demand.

[applekid]

Steve Jobs has had a salary of $1 for like the last 5 years. All of those other perks were approved by the board.

Anyways, I do agree someone should kick Apple in the ass and get them working faster. It's only a wish. I would prefer faster updates, that's all. The G5 heat-problem is forgiven, though :)

[The Ancients]

Who the hell is in charge of manufacturing at Apple? Why can't they fulfill these orders? Aren't you a little peeved that every time Apple introduces a product they can't seem to deliver it? Jobs needs to kick some behind over at Apple.

(Alternate theory: this is BS can they want to get rid of some 15GB iPods because they can't see them.)

EDIT: no, I don't think this is Apple screwing anyone -- the offer is nice -- but why were orders accepted that they can not fulfill? Don't they have a computer system that allows them to track orders to inventory to manufacturing. is their sales department run on Windows?

Welcome to the world of lean inventory. It's hard to ramp up production exponentially to the degree that demand for certain Apple products can cause. The alternative is to face analysts and stockholders querying high stock levels. It's a fine line, and while some improvement would be welcome, I don't think it is one Apple will be able to hit on the head in the near future.

[Inspector Lee]

I for one was a sucker to have the most music on my Pod I could get. Common guys 99.99 don't need more than 4-5 Gigs in any given month. The Mini is the future of iPods!

I am in the same boat as Frisco. I loaded my 20GB with everything I had (11 Gig) back in February 2003. My silver mini suits me fine at the gym and could definitely get the job done as my main player. The size and feel is unreal.

Has anybody thought about the possibility that the white 15 GB is done and Apple is trying to clear their stock? I really feel they will go with anodized aluminum on all iPods down the road. In all honesty, the surface of the minis kind of makes the white iPods look bush-league.

[pimentoLoaf]

I've had a 15gb iPod since early summer last year, before they cancelled it and then reissued it. It's well worth the asking price, and with an offer like this, I would very strongly recommend buying in.

[Macmaniac]

My friend got a silver Mini and it is amazing I would defiantly want one, I'm glad Apple is at least offering some alternative, from what I have seen at least this keeps people happy with the iPod line, and its actually brilliant marketing, give em a 15 then their tempted to buy another mini on top of that!

[gemio17]

mine's set to ship in two days....I ordered on march 25th for a may 4th b-day present....I would ABSOLUTELY take them up on the 15gb offer... pulease let me get that e-mail.... :p

[macridah]

Man, imagine iPod mini 199 ... they would of been out of stock before the hit the stores. Good call on the price, from a business prospective.

[mclosers]

I would think the cost for the two ipod (the mini and 15 gig) are very simmilar.. the 15 gig might actually be cheaper... The HD is way cheaper and the size allows the components to be larger... Just a thought... Does anyone know?

[LaMerVipere]

Well hey, after 2 weeks of Apple shipping absolutely no iPod mini's to resellers and the like, once they start arriving again and people who currently have 5 week waits until their mini's are scheduled to ship (such as myself) there is BOUND to be someone who gets a mini and opens it up.

If they open it up, and nothing is changed, we will know that the delay is due to a supply issue on Hitachi's side, if they open it up and the mounting to the main board dealing with the sound jack has been clearly changed, well, we know why Apple is delaying the shipping so long, for repairs and not because of supply problems. :p

[digitalbiker]

This offer may well be because of problems with the mini. I bought my first mini at Best Buy and I also bought the replacement plan. Boy am I glad I did! My first mini developed the static problem. Best Buy took back the old mini and gave me a new one right off of the shelf. My second mini would not charge properly, it kept quiting and shutting off. I took the second mini back and got a third mini off the shelf. This mini had a hard drive problem that permanently crashed after about 2-3 weeks while I was jogging.
The third time I went back to BestBuy, they were out of minis and so they offered me a 15 gb standard ipod as replacement. I accepted and have been very happy with the 15gb standard. My wife wants a mini but I am afraid to buy one now due to bugs and the frailty of the harddrive. :confused:

[nspeds]

I'm on the same boat as the other 15gb ipod owners on this thread: I only have 5.3GB of music and really can't see myself filling it up within this year!

I'm not too sure about the iPod Mini, I have seen it, felt it and experienced it in stores and it is money, but... I'm a little hesitant to let go of my 15gb... perhaps I'll keep my 15gb and buy the mini or wait for Apple to update the larger GB range of iPods and see what results from that...

[Tremaine]

I put my name on a wait list for a silver mini iPod at my local Apple store about 2 weeks ago. Should I order online instead? Obviously if I had I would have received the offer, but I'm also concerned about not having an actual order placed yet. What do you think...? I feel like I might miss out on, not only the offer, but the next shipment as well. :confused:

[cmx08]

due to the supply issue, not everyone get this offer, they most have choosen a % out of all the orders and it might also mean a current upgrade of the issues b4 they ship the minis so there will be less problems

my thoughts and the dirty show biz way

[idkew]

EDIT: no, I don't think this is Apple screwing anyone -- the offer is nice -- but why were orders accepted that they can not fulfill? Don't they have a computer system that allows them to track orders to inventory to manufacturing. is their sales department run on Windows?

apple accepted a place in line in exchange for the promise that you will pay when it is your turn. they gave out numbers, if you will. they never sold anything to anyone. you are charged when your order ships. then the sale is made. not when you "place your order".

[idkew]

I would think the cost for the two ipod (the mini and 15 gig) are very simmilar.. the 15 gig might actually be cheaper... The HD is way cheaper and the size allows the components to be larger... Just a thought... Does anyone know?

it is very possible that this is a win-win situation for both parties involved.

[mvc]

Haven't read the whole thread here, but it occurs to me that they may also be flogging off the 15gb iPods because of the apparently impending 4th Generation iPod update. (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=393)

If say they are going to EOL the 15gb and revamp the lineup for the 4th Gen iPods, then this a clever respinning of a problem into a solution for Apple.

[ibjoshua]

Say what you will. This is a positive public relations move to help compensate for possibly damaging blunders in a) supply & demand and b) design flaws.

i_b_joshua

[snofseth]

this is all good and nice for mini and lower end Ipod buyers, but for me I must have the top and when will there be a new update of them possibly design change? it has been a while, how about a cool new feature, apple needs to again make the highest price one the coolest to buy not the lowest.

[rfenik]

Damn it! I got a similar email saying that they would give 10% off instead of the same price as the mini... I paid $272 for a 15 gig, could have saved $30. Bastards!

[brhmac]

What?

Apple forget to send you the following?

1. Free iPod
2. Free iTunes downloads for life
3. Free G5 PowerBook
4. Free Dual 3.0 GHz G5 PowerMac

[superrcat]

I can't wait to see how the irate folks from the eMac thread spin this to mean that Apple hates its customers and only cares about profit. That's a classy move on Apple's part.

It's interesting, too. It seems to suggest that they internally buy the idea that the 15GB is "about the same" as the mini. IE - they never expected to sell minis based on specs, but rather based on size / looks...

todd

First off, I am not saying that this is a bad thing, but you can't say this isn't motivated by profit. Think about it...if the orders keep getting pushed back, then people are just going to cancel. It would be better for Apple to take a $50 hit and offer a 15GB iPod that would ship today instead of having a lot of orders canceled and not collecting on the profit of those orders.

[rfenik]

this sucks. they are probably going to make ipods in color now.

[flyfish29]

I can't wait to see how the irate folks from the eMac thread spin this to mean that Apple hates its customers and only cares about profit. That's a classy move on Apple's part.
/ looks...

todd

I do believe it is a great move on Apple's part expecially since it is a marketing nightmare they have created...although I believe they wanted to have demand be greater than supply on purpose just because that is a very effective marketing ploy to drive demand for a new product. This marketing ploy is purposefully done by thousands of companies a year.

However, reality says it costs them very little to provide this offer. We are talking $50 RETAIL...it probably costs them $12.50 more to produce the iPod vs. the iPod mini.

note: the below numbers are estimates, but based on traditional electronic and retail mark-ups and cost figures. The real numbers will not vary by much.

Breaking down the $50 goes like this:

Mfg. and part cost difference $12.50
(the only actual cost they are "eating")

profit for Apple computer $12.50
(not an actual cost)

Sales cost $12.50
(not an actual cost since the apple.com store has mostly fixed
costs associated with it)

AppleStore.com Profit $12.50
(not an actual cost)

so in other words...it only costs Apple $12.50. They do forgo some profits, but not any major real costs. Basically this $12.50 amount goes to pay for the cost (not retail) of a larger hard drive.

Still a great move on apple's part, but I agree with many who say most will just wait...although with the recent talk of defects in the mini's plug maybe more will take them up on the offer.

[flyfish29]

I don't think apple can be held responsible for all the pieces and parts that go into making a mini ipod. If one of the suppliers of mentioned pieces and parts are not able to keep up that is not the fault of apple, is it?
In a way it is Apple's fault. The number one responsibility of a manufacturer is to produce something to ship/sell. If someone can't deliver then they have not communicated enough with their suppliers about their needs, done enough research to see what demand might be, etc. Now, that being said, there are mistakes, but it does seem that Apple seems to have more than others...probably many are due to the fact they are pushing the envelope often with their designs- which is a good thing of course. However, it doesn't mean they should not pay more attention to making insanely great products that ship. :D

[superrcat]

In a way it is Apple's fault. The number one responsibility of a manufacturer is to produce something to ship/sell. If someone can't deliver then they have not communicated enough with their suppliers about their needs, done enough research to see what demand might be, etc. Now, that being said, there are mistakes, but it does seem that Apple seems to have more than others...probably many are due to the fact they are pushing the envelope often with their designs- which is a good thing of course. However, it doesn't mean they should not pay more attention to making insanely great products that ship. :D

But it is not Apple's fault if Hitachi isn't producing the components in high enough quantities.

"Hitachi's Global Storage Technologies company admitted today that it is not churning out enough 1in hard drives to meet demand, but pledged to ramp up production volumes as quickly as it can."

[flyfish29]

When something is as popular and new as the mini that is almost never the case. Video game consoles are good analogy. Playstation 2's were almost impossible to get at its launch. Not because Sony underestimated demand but because it simply could not make that many that fast.

I would tend to disagree. The intentional under estimating of demand is a well known marketing trick. Nike has always done it with Jordans. This marketing ploy almost always results in free press coverage for the company and their new "hot" product. Stores get many more phone calls with people searching the world over for their new hot product, additional stores get calls for the product who might not normally stock the product or at least as many. It also convinces people that this is in fact the next BIG thing. Sony knew verywell how many PS2's they could have sold the first Christmas season they sold it. It was interesting that they all of the sudden come Dec. 23rd could meet demand and after the 25th well exceeded it. It was in no way an underestimate of demand...at least by accident.

[flyfish29]

But it is not Apple's fault if Hitachi isn't producing the components in high enough quantities.

"Hitachi's Global Storage Technologies company admitted today that it is not churning out enough 1in hard drives to meet demand, but pledged to ramp up production volumes as quickly as it can."

Actually I would say it is in part at the very least. They should not have picked Hitachi if they could not meet expected demand.

[AndrewMT]

This is Apple clearing out its 15GB iPod inventory and not shipping products on time (and constantly delaying estimated ship dates). I'm not impressed by this news.

[sonyrules]

I think that was nice of Apple, and besides, helps them move 15 GB iPods out the door for what they have comming next. As far as profit, I dont believe apple is lossing to much in profit because of it. They know what there doing or they wouldnt have done it.

[fpnc]

Well, tonight CNN Headline news had a report on the iPod Mini headphone jack/static noise problem. Thus, if it has gone to that level of notice you can probably conclude that there MAY in fact be a design problem on the mini. In any case, I think it can definitely be said that there are manufacturing problems with the mini. By that I mean that they either have a shortage of parts, limited factory capacity, or a design problem in the hardware (which they are trying to fix). It could be all three and it may not even be Apple's "fault" (e.g. hard disc shortage appears to be a third-party issue).

IMO, the 15GB iPod offer is probably good for customers but bad for Apple's bottom line. How serious this becomes will probably be known in the next month or two.

[dontmatter]

I'll ditto many here and say it's a good customer service move for apple.

My question is, how do they expect to keep up the ipod mini hype if it doesn't ship, or there are complaints about it (product itself or shipping)?

Ipod mania was going steady, and apple did the very smart move of announcing the mini, and majorly increasing apple hype, before general ipod hype dwindled. But, now that they aren't shipping.... they'd better update size/price not too long after these ship, to keep on top of the market.

[ethernet76]

How would anyone rate this as a positive?

Let's look at the facts. It is doubtful that Apple can't make them fast enough.

I believe this shortage is due to the fact they've pretty much stopped production due to the sound-plug malfunctions. It doesn't make sense for them to continue production when 75% of customers are going to file complaints/replacement requests after three or four months for a defect Apple knew existed. In short, it would be unwise to sell a known defective product knowing you will have to fix/repair it in the future.

Apple is probably selling of current stocks, fixing the problem then restarting production.

Although it does make me want to order a pink iPod(nonexistant supply in most stores) for the student price of 229 and get the 15 gb instead. Saving of 40.

[Rob Nance]

Who the hell is in charge of manufacturing at Apple? Why can't they fulfill these orders? Aren't you a little peeved that every time Apple introduces a product they can't seem to deliver it? Jobs needs to kick some behind over at Apple.

I'm sure someone has said it, but just in case...

If they ramp up to make huge numbers then after the launch they are left with facilities to produce way too many than their market can support. Then you've got the counter point of "Why don't they just build a bunch and build up their supply before releasing it". Apple is all about cutting edge these days, and we all want stuff now, not later. I think that in general the delays have not been major for product releases, and the reason the Mini has been so bad is because of a drive shortage.

All that said, I would almost bet anything they make more money off the 15gb iPod even at the $249 mini price, so I do think it's a bit silly.

[TimDaddy]

Who the hell is in charge of manufacturing at Apple? Why can't they fulfill these orders? Aren't you a little peeved that every time Apple introduces a product they can't seem to deliver it? Jobs needs to kick some behind over at Apple.

Every time a popular new car comes out, there is a supply shortage. Some models have a six-month waiting list for the first two years or more. I've never been offered a higher priced car at the same price as the one I wanted! I agree that Apple has this problem way too often, but they also have a lot of problems with products that don't sell, so I think its good to have lean inventories. If only a few people accept the 15 gig iPod, that will still shorten the wait slightly for those who really want the mini.

[TimDaddy]

Well, tonight CNN Headline news had a report on the iPod Mini headphone jack/static noise problem. Thus, if it has gone to that level of notice you can probably conclude that there MAY in fact be a design problem on the mini. In any case, I think it can definitely be said that there are manufacturing problems with the mini. By that I mean that they either have a shortage of parts, limited factory capacity, or a design problem in the hardware (which they are trying to fix). It could be all three and it may not even be Apple's "fault" (e.g. hard disc shortage appears to be a third-party issue).

IMO, the 15GB iPod offer is probably good for customers but bad for Apple's bottom line. How serious this becomes will probably be known in the next month or two.

I switched to Mac in November 2000. I switched partly because the iMac was pretty :) , but mostly because of what I had heard about the stability of the software and the high quality of the hardware. They do now seem to have a lot of products where a defect is found shortly after release. Maybe instead of laying off on a regular basis, they should follow Toyota's lead and move any extra manpower over to special projects and temporary assigments in quality control.

And, I am still bugged by this little line across the top of the bottom of the bezel around the display on my iMac. It almost looks like a wrinkle in the plastic. God, I wish I had never noticed it!

[dontmatter]

Haven't read the whole thread here, but it occurs to me that they may also be flogging off the 15gb iPods because of the apparently impending 4th Generation iPod update. (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=393)

If say they are going to EOL the 15gb and revamp the lineup for the 4th Gen iPods, then this a clever respinning of a problem into a solution for Apple.

Seems true, but reminds me of a problem with updates to the ipod line. I'm not sure that many people, especially those that get their music legally, really need more space than the current ipod/mini line holds. Lots of people who would have bought the 15 will go, ohh, great, I can now double my hard drive space for the same price...now, if only I had the music....

So, while I think that apple needs to increase ipod storage capacity for some of the market (like myself), for many they need to make it cheaper, or smaller, or more stylish to keep the edge over other companies.

so, I hope 4th gen. Ipods come with 2nd gen mini's up to maybe 12 gigs, to keep the various groups satisfied.

I think a lot of mini buyers (particularly b/c they didn't pay 50 bucks more for the ipod anyway) will not be happy with this, except that it looks generous on apple's part, because they won't have enough music, and like the small size and look of the mini.

Lastly, this whole line of thinking led me to ask...what if the mini goes up and up in capacity, will there still be a market for a bigger ipod, both physically and by capacity? of course the bigger drives will be cheaper, or just higher capacity...and I think one of the great things about the ipod, particularly about the mini, is that it makes it's own market, for updates or just higher up the product line. I mean, when the ipod was 5 GB, few people could imagine wanting 40 GB of music, esp. in one place. But, it makes people listen to music so much more, b/c it's so accessible, that people get tired of it, find new stuff, want more in general.

[Kirk]

I belive this is bad news. I think Apple has stopped production and is redesigning the the mini.

:(

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=420

[TimDaddy]

I'm not sure that many people, especially those that get their music legally, really need more space than the current ipod/mini line holds. Lots of people who would have bought the 15 will go, ohh, great, I can now double my hard drive space for the same price...now, if only I
I'm not "that many people", just one. My 20gb iPod now contains 14.89gb of music. I must admit, I have illegally downloaded a few hundred songs, mostly back when Napster was on its last legs. I have purchased about 50 songs from iTMS. The reason my iPod is so full is because I imported all the cd's that I own and could find. These go back to around 1988. I still have about 10 cd's that I am searching for, and 8 more on the way from BMG. I guess I am hitting the age where new music isn't doing it for me much any more, but I'd say I'll have to start picking which songs make it to my iPod before long. I couldn't stand country music until my wife turned me on to it 5 or 6 years ago. I hear an old country song almost every day that I like, but had never heard in the past because I didn't listen to it. I grew up as a big rap fan, and now, those old r&b songs the the rappers love to sample are more appealing to me than the rap music itself. I plan on buying a lot of that! Rock music? I heard a lot of rock songs on the pop stations as a teenage that I liked, but wasn't particularly interested in. Looking back, there are a lot of rock bands from the 80's and 90's whose music I intend to purchase eventually. Anyway, from my standpoint, bigger iPods will always be a good thing. My library keeps growing and growing, and it isn't including the new music that I don't like but probably will like a few years from now!

[fpnc]

...Lastly, this whole line of thinking led me to ask...what if the mini goes up and up in capacity, will there still be a market for a bigger ipod, both physically and by capacity?...

Quite a few weeks ago I posted a similar comment. In fact, I said then that the iPod Mini was destine to become THE iPod, replacing fairly quickly the original form. Because of that the next generation of the "big" iPod probably has to be more than just an audio player with a few minor extras tacked on. The next step up would be a media player for pictures and possibly video. It sounds cool and all, but would a large number of people really use such a device? I'm not certain that they would.

I think we also need to consider the impact of both PDAs and multi-function cell phones. Such devices seem certain to replace the higher-end and/or larger iPod format, so the real growth area for MP3 players is probably at the iPod Mini level and below (not upwards in price and HD capacity).

[visor]

Oh well,

It just prooves my point. Never buy anything that is announced but not shipping from Apple.
The Problems are always the same:

1. You wait ages until you finally get the stuff,
2. once you have it, it's bound to have first series problems
3. within 6 month the price drops dramatically.

[tny]

_If_ there are any problem, please... The problem is not a fact! Some have experienced a problem. Some. No product is totally perfect, not even from Apple. ;)

Can't say for the mini, but I've had exactly the reported problem with my first iPod remote - lack of stability in the socket for the earphones which led to static and crackling. Also had the problem with the remote for my old Minidisk player, so I suspect it's a common problem with minijack sockets.

[numediaman]

I don't think apple can be held responsible for all the pieces and parts that go into making a mini ipod. If one of the suppliers of mentioned pieces and parts are not able to keep up that is not the fault of apple, is it?

Yes. If not Apple, who is responsible? It's their product. Are we to blame this too on Microsoft?

[Wash!!]

We all should go to Apple's headquarters burn the building down and execute all the employees and put their bodies on stakes for putting a product that is not perfect and it does not please your particular taste, why? why? oh the humanity!!!!! ... oh I better now....

People get over it, the ipod as well as any other manufactured product will have problems on some units, its just a freaking music player, is not like the fate of the human race depended on it for it to be perfect :rolleyes: :confused:

[numediaman]

We all should go to Apple's headquarters burn the building down and execute all the employees and put their bodies on stakes for putting a product that is not perfect and it does not please your particular taste, why? why? oh the humanity!!!!! ... oh I better now....

People get over it, the ipod as well as any other manufactured product will have problems on some units, its just a freaking music player, is not like the fate of the human race depended on it for it to be perfect :rolleyes: :confused:

I'm sorry, Apple is infallible -- I forgot. :rolleyes:

[iggyb]

Kudos to Apple for trying to please the customer. Although I doubt many people will bite on the offer (they bought the mini for the style and size, not the capacity), I think it was a nice gesture that Apple is trying to keep customers happy.

Bummer about the lack of minis, though. I was hoping to get one for my wife's graduation, which is May 15th. :(

[Wash!!]

I'm sorry, Apple is infallible -- I forgot. :rolleyes:

People are reacting to this like as if is not perfect millions will die, I for one think their (Apple's) QC is better than the rest of the computer industry, I work in manufacturing and this "issue" is an everyday thing..

[halse]

mini or 15 GB iPod? went to the local Apple store and did another side by side comparison, decided to wait the three weeks for the mini rather than take the offer of the 15GB, the mini is just more comfortable to hold (its not due to small hand size- I can palm a basketball) the backlighting is also a big plus

the storage difference doesn' t matter to me since I will only be able to listen to a small fraction of the 3.7 GB before having to recharge (near either the desktop or laptop) and I already have a pocket sized firewire drive for synchronizing home and office computers

[gotohamish]

So if i order a new iPod mini thursday, will i get this offer. If so, then i'm all in!!!

As much as I respect the people on these boards... Why do people ask questions to other forum members that only Apple themselves could possibly answer? Just try ordering and see, it's not like you wouldn't have about 4 weeks to cancel your order, and even if you do receive it and don't want it, eBay it, there are obviously enough people waiting for one to get one on eBay if you show an ACTUAL photo of it.


In other comments...... maybe this is to clear the iPod inventory for the new updates (colour etc) that have been mentioned in the past???

[gotohamish]

People are reacting to this like as if is not perfect millions will die, I for one think their (Apple's) QC is better than the rest of the computer industry, I work in manufacturing and this "issue" is an everyday thing..

Exactly! I'd rather they took time and care than not - which may result in that week I get it sooner being a week it goes back for repair or something.

Well said.

[iomar]

Wow, this is a great deal!

[sushi]

Bummer about the lack of minis, though. I was hoping to get one for my wife's graduation, which is May 15th. :(
So if you really want to get your wife a mini iPod, then get a mini iPod cutout and give her that with an IOU. Make it classy looking.

She will understand.

Jesus you people amaze me at times!

Sushi

[Mike Teezie]

Ah, I was wanting to get a pink mini for my girlfriend, whose bday is on May 23rd.

I wonder if I order today, would it be here in time?

It would be pretty embarrassing to not have anything for her bday....

[sushi]

Ah, I was wanting to get a pink mini for my girlfriend, whose bday is on May 23rd.

I wonder if I order today, would it be here in time?

It would be pretty embarrassing to not have anything for her bday....
If you really want to get her one, see above.

Order it now.

Then prepare to give her a card with an IOU in case it doesn't come in in time.

It's simple to do. Done it many times. Many ladies really get a kick out of it that you would go to such great lengths to treat them to something really nice, vice a lessor substitute.

It's not that hard guys. And a year from now, if you do it right, she will not even remember the delay, but rather the lengths that you went to surprise her.

Sushi

edit: spelling

[robrippin]

The best part is that Apple claims :rolleyes: that the iPod Mini is still "NOW SHIPPING" *lol* :p

http://a772.g.akamai.net/7/772/51/304c5b81a08790/www.apple.com/home/images/2004/03/ipodminishipping03092004.gif

[johnnyjibbs]

This offer is nothing out of the usual. Apple want your business. Some people may decide that, due to having to wait for an iPod mini, they will cancel and buy a Dell Dukebox or whatever and so they are taking that temptation away from impatient customers by offering them an iPod instead. Few will likely take up the offer, but it's to stop people moving to the other side.

I'm not sure why people voted negative. It's better than if they were not to offer it at all. And it's unfair to say that Apple should be able to keep up with demand. The limiting factor is the hard drives I believe. No-one could predict that demand would be so big for the iPod mini. To the contrary in fact, as I recall all those moaning in Januarary about its price and the fact that "no-one will buy it at that price" ;)

[Beck446]

I got this offer too. But I think I will stick with the Mini, for a number of reasons.

1. Mini's go for $400 on eBay; 15 giggers go for $250
2. Even though I have around 13 gigs of music, I think that 4 gig playlists are plenty fine
3. Mini is slick.

#1 is the biggest reason though.

Still, here are a few questions: if Apple is delaying these to fix the problem, is there going to be any way to know which Mini's have this problem fixed when you are looking through the secondary market? Will they have different SKU numbers? I doubt it, but that would be nice for buyers.

And, does anyone think it a possibility at all that Apple will release new Mini's during this couple weeks of no-shipping? I mean, it isn't likely, but it has been almost 4 months since they were announced (even though it seems more like 4 weeks!)

[chaos86]

i think this is a bad thing.

im thinking it has something to do with a post on spymac.com about a guy's mini that got busted and now it freaks every time he puts pressure on the case, something to do with the sister board that the headphone jack is on wasnt well designed so if the case flexes at all it breaks some contact between it and the main circuitboard. maybe theyre fixing this design flaw before going ahead with production.

[wPod]

man, think if i bought a mini right now they would give me the same deal? im just about out of space on my 10GB 1gen ipod and could use the extra space, at such a good price!

[halse]

got an email on Monday saying my mini order was delayed three weeks-- along with the 15 GB offer, today got an email saying my mini has shipped

[scongiundi]

That is pretty cool what apple is doing. I have been saving up for an ipod 15 gb and i have enough for an ipod mini. Maybe I should buy the ipod mini so I can get the 15 gb ipod. I'm only 13 years old so...


My Website: http://www.hereyago.tk or http://www.congiundi.com/samuel

they are both the same thing

[LaMerVipere]

HEY GUYS,

If you haven't recieved an e-mail from Apple if you've ordered a mini, offering to give you a 15gig to replace it, call them up.

I just called up apple and said i wanted to cancel my mini order, and they not only replaced it with a new 15gig which shipped today, but gave me a free iTMS gift certificate! :)

[k2k koos]

I do agree that these delays are a little bit out of order. But only a little bit.
Apple makes the coolest 'designer consumer electronics' , and even if you are fairly sure that a product is going to be a hit, it is always hard to predict how successful it will be. I think Apple is solving it's problem in a very generous way, and should be commended on that one.
But don't let it happen again Steve ;)

[djkny]

It's obvious -- take the 15GB iPod, hold onto it a few weeks unopened, and when the Mini's arrive at a Apple Store near you, exchange it for a mini and save the EXTRA $40 difference. Total that you paid for mini, then, will be $209.

not bad.

[LaMerVipere]

It's obvious -- take the 15GB iPod, hold onto it a few weeks unopened, and when the Mini's arrive at a Apple Store near you, exchange it for a mini and save the EXTRA $40 difference. Total that you paid for mini, then, will be $209.

not bad.

Could you actually do that? Hmmm... (gets me thinking) ;)

[flyertalk]

Has anyone heard or know if Apple is still offering the 15GB IPOD if you order a mini?
I want a 15GB and am seriously thinking of ordering the mini in hopes of getting the IPOD
Thanks!!!!!!!

[PowerMacMan]

Has anyone heard or know if Apple is still offering the 15GB IPOD if you order a mini?
I want a 15GB and am seriously thinking of ordering the mini in hopes of getting the IPOD
Thanks!!!!!!!

Take a chance, but I wouldn't be too sure about it... I thought they were suppose to start being shipped regularly... Puh...

The few, the proud, the iPod mini owners ;)

[mudflapper]

I waltzed in to the Chicago Michigan Ave store last Thursday hoping to skip out with a mini, but they were out. They said that they might have some in a week or two, but they would be gone 1 minute after they opened the doors in the morning. They tried to talk me into a 15GB, and they did, and I love it, of course. But they really seemed to be pushing the 15s. There were stacks of then behind the register. Immediately, I thought they're trying to liquidate that model to make way for the new bumped versions due out in the next few months or whatever.

Or, maybe I've watched to many Michael Moore movies and think everything is a damned conspiracy... not quite sure.

I'd say get the mini and spend the money you saved on some Shure E3c earbuds ($179.00)...MAN those iPod headphones suck.

[zakee00]

i'm sure this has already been said, but i was just thinking, and this makes perfect sense. Apple wants to update the iPod line, so they give away as many 15GB models as they can to reduce stock. this reduces demand for minis, which is good for apple because there isn't very much supply. Then, when they update them and phase out the 15GB model, there won't be any stock left over. everyone wins :D lol, i was about to buy an ipod, then i realized they were about to update the line. thats good, but i want an ipod now :(

EDIT: I may be slow, but i also realized that 15GB is better than 4GB for Apple...that is 11 more GB that you can DL from the iTMS!!! :p