Amazon iPod Store?

[MacRumors]

Sources close to AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=740) claim online retail giant Amazon.com is working on a subdivision of their store to feature all flavors of iPods & iPod accessories. A specific live date hasn't been released, but the iPod store is expected to be online prior to the holiday shopping season. Amazon would not confirm or deny any of the reports, stating simply "unfortunately, we cannot talk about what we may or may not do in the future."

[Squire]

Hmmm...this makes hitting that 4 million mark more probable.

Squire

[Eniregnat]

Amazon.com had a glitch on their system that closed out their iPod store and iPod links last night. I hope that this rumor is not based on that.

In any case, wile not a deidicated store, I thought that all iPods were avalible on Amazon.com.

I found the glitch while I debated Audible.com’s “100 dollar off an iPod” insentive.

[belair]

Sounds weird. Does this exist for other products as well? I know that the ipod is a huge seller, but a whole page on Amazon for it?

[James Craner]

This makes sense, as it sounds similar to what Apple have done with their on line store for the iPod.

[Eniregnat]

Sounds weird. Does this exist for other products as well? I know that the ipod is a huge seller, but a whole page on Amazon for it? belair (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?userid=35465)

Amazon.com has lots of "specialty stores", not to be confused with the ones on their site tabs. For instance they have a Home Theater Center, MP3/Digital Audio Players page (1/2 the page are iPods), and Early Adopter Store - to name a few.

What is the big deal? It isn't like people have problems finding iPods, iPod accessories, or music on the web. What person is limited to using 'acmnoz.' keys and a mouse? It could be a killer portal, but beyond that what will it do?

[Some_Big_Spoon]

god i hate this frickin' ipod stuff.

[jholzner]

Why bother...I mean the MSN music store will soon eclipse the iTMS and then who's going to want an iPod that can't play music from the #1 music store!? :D

[narco]

Too much iPod. iPod everywhere.

.narco

[macridah]

Amazon is a great channel to sell iPods. Amazon gets a lot of traffic over the holidays, so this would be good for apple to keep their commanding market share lead.

iPod are easy to shop for if you want one. The thing is when you shop for something on amazon, you might end up buying more stuff cuz they have links to products they may think you buy based on your browsing. Plus, many people get amazon gift certificates as presents ... my work just gave me one. I think i might use it to get a mini ...

[AndrewMT]

It would be even better if Amazon offered iTunes links to all the CDs they sell. Even if Amazon got all the profit (which wouldn't be much anyway) for these referrals, iTunes would be in a much better position to overcome this online music store war.

Also, Amazon has so many brand and category stores already that one more would probably go unnoticed.

[Lord Blackadder]

As far as marketing is concerned, I feel as if Apple has thrown all of its eggs in one basket with the iPod. They should try to leverage the iPod success by showing Power Macs, iMacs and Powerbooks on iPod commercials, I think.

I hope the iPod bubble doesn't burst anytime soon, but it seems to be growing at an unsustainable rate, and competitors are working overtime to beat it.

[GrannySmith_G5]

For the love of GOD, enough of this iPod crap. It is a pocket size music player. All this cheesy pop culture attention it is getting is down right embarrassing. IMO, of course.

[bumfilter]

Had it not been there for ages? Is not just simply a sub-section, called something different, rather than a whole seperate "store"?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/13660271/ref=amb_center-2_147132_2/104-5053739-1855142

Got the link from here:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/home/home.html/104-5053739-1855142

Though it may not come up as I'm sure it's on some sort of random swap with other things.

[Natron]

Here she be:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/13660271/ref%3Damb%5Fcenter-2%5F145206%5F2/002-3444723-1462422

[nagromme]

The iPod and its hype are great for Apple and for the Mac platform--especially in creating a long-term brand that will make people consider Macs when they next replace their computer.

The benefits are obvious, while the many who say the iPod hurts the Mac never seem to offer real reasons.

Do they think the iPod takes people and dollars away from Mac advertising and development? Of course not--the iPod pays for itself AND its ads AND its developers AND makes a profit on top of that. Apple has no need to pull resources away from Mac projects, and the zillion things they're doing to advance the Mac platform are evidence of that. (Tiger, GarageBand, iMac G5, AirPort Express, XGrid, Xserve, XRaid, QuickTime, etc. etc.)

If you wish Apple advertised the Mac more, or differently, that's ancient news, not some negative effect of the iPod. I'd guess Apple's waiting for a single BIG splash with Tiger and new G5s next year. Meanwhile the Mac platform will continue to get more attention--not less--due to the iPod.

People who wish the iPod was less successful, or who wish that success were glossed over by Apple news sites, can minimize the pain by not clicking stories with "iPod" in the title :)

PS, my favorite part of the Amazon iPod store (confirmed with links by AI) is the "top 5 best-selling iPod Minis"... I wonder which ones those are today? :D

[Porchland]

No rumors for a week, and then we find out Amazon may display the iPods they already sell in some more focused way. Whoo-we.

Where's the iLife '05 rumors?

[swissmann]

Will the iPod train ever stop?

[Porchland]

Why bother...I mean the MSN music store will soon eclipse the iTMS and then who's going to want an iPod that can't play music from the #1 music store!? :D

My sarcaso-meter is giving some strange readings. Say it again.

[Zigster]

Just as the 90's were Nirvana, the Internet, and Stock Market Bubble, the 00's will be Jay Z/50 cent, Ipod and 9/11.

A cultural reference point. Good work, Apple. Now back to work on shipping some actual computers....

[Pomares]

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/Default.asp

See it on the top right hand corner?

[MacSA]

The iPod and its hype are great for Apple and for the Mac platform--especially in creating a long-term brand that will make people consider Macs when they next replace their computer.

The benefits are obvious, while the many who say the iPod hurts the Mac never seem to offer real reasons.



I bet there are quite a few iPod owners that don't even know Apple make computers.

[Jaz]

Amazon are generally good HOWEVER it is very annoying that the system they use for Specials and Offers will mainly recommend items that ship to the USA only (electronics, games, toys, computer hardware) EVEN if you are logged in and it knows you do not have a US shipping address.

How does this relate to an iPod store? It would be great if Amazon had iPod's and accessories, bundle deals, discounts and all those things they usually do but then they would lock out all the international customers WHILE STILL RECOMMENDING THE ITEMS TO THEM!!

[MacSlut]

It would be even better if Amazon offered iTunes links to all the CDs they sell. Even if Amazon got all the profit (which wouldn't be much anyway) for these referrals, iTunes would be in a much better position to overcome this online music store war.

Also, Amazon has so many brand and category stores already that one more would probably go unnoticed.

I agree with the first part. Amazon should simply offer downloads *through* the iTMS. This would give customers the option of buying the physical CD new or used, as well as simply downloading the tracks...or maybe Amazon would only sell whole albums. Either way, it would work well with their existing editorial and user reviews and attract customers. It seems like a really good fit for both.

In regards to the second part, Amazon should be all things all iPod all the time :)

[nagromme]

I bet there are quite a few iPod owners that don't even know Apple make computers.

How does the iPod prevent people from knowing about Macs? Owning an iPod makes them MORE likely to know about Macs--and one day consider owning one. Not less.

Not every iPod has to convert a user to Mac instantly--that's not how brand awareness works. If even 10% of Windows iPod owners decide, in the next 3 years, to try a Mac, that's pretty significant.

One could argue about how BIG or how FAST the "iPod Halo" effect is--I'd answer "medium" and "slow"--but you can't argue that it's bad for the Mac platform.

Besides, simply selling Macs directly isn't the only benefit the iPod gives the Mac. It puts Apple in journalists' spotlight to make them pay attentiojn to other products--like Apple cleverly arranged with the iMac G5-iPod comparison. It counters attempts by Microsoft to dominate another industry--which would be bad for all other platforms. And it brings Apple some cash :)

All good.

[slooksterPSV]

For my 500th Post -

I think Apple would really benefit from this. I always buy from Amazon, they have been the best place that I've bought from on the internet so far.

[drlunanerd]

Why are they using the old Apple logo? The page looks crap IMO!

[Macophile]

You know, I bought an iPod on Amazon...14 months ago. I don't recall it being all that difficult to find, either.

On the other hand, this isn't about making it easier for people who want to buy an iPod to buy an iPod. It's about walloping people who know nothing about MP3 players over the head with the idea that iPod is the only one out there worth buying.

It's marketing. Amazon is selling Apple a huge chunk of space that you'll see when you first log onto the Amazon site. It's one of those "synergistic" relationships that financial analysts get all excited over -- two huge brand names partnering up to sqash the competition.

I have to admit, while frequently growing tired of the amount of coverage the iPod gets, Apple has done a remarkable job of keeping interest and desire strong. Every time I think that the bubble has gotten as big as it possibly can, it gets a little bigger.

[hob]

Why are they using the old Apple logo? The page looks crap IMO!

Yeah and loadsa 10.1/10.2esque pinstripes... ugh!

[~Shard~]

Wow, with all this news I feel like I'm on iPod overload! Ah well, it's all good for Apple I suppose, so bring it on. Just as long as Apple doesn't rest on its laurels and start forgetting to focus on the other important aspects of its business...

[virividox]

go ipod!!!

[MacSA]

How does the iPod prevent people from knowing about Macs? Owning an iPod makes them MORE likely to know about Macs--and one day consider owning one. Not less.

Not every iPod has to convert a user to Mac instantly--that's not how brand awareness works. If even 10% of Windows iPod owners decide, in the next 3 years, to try a Mac, that's pretty significant.

One could argue about how BIG or how FAST the "iPod Halo" effect is--I'd answer "medium" and "slow"--but you can't argue that it's bad for the Mac platform.

Besides, simply selling Macs directly isn't the only benefit the iPod gives the Mac. It puts Apple in journalists' spotlight to make them pay attentiojn to other products--like Apple cleverly arranged with the iMac G5-iPod comparison. It counters attempts by Microsoft to dominate another industry--which would be bad for all other platforms. And it brings Apple some cash :)

All good.

My brother has an iPod.. when I got talking about Macs with him, he' didn't know what an iBook was.

[hob]

My brother has an iPod.. when I got talking about Macs with him, he' didn't know what an iBook was.

JUST an iBook or are you using that as an example of how little he knew?

I know it's been said a million times before, but here it is - I really think Apple should advertise the platform more - and not in the way they have been. Actually PUSH the OS... do a side-by-side splitscreen of Windows and OS X... i'm sure microsoft won't mind :P

[JGowan]

god i hate this frickin' ipod stuff.And yet, interestingly enough, you waste your time reading and replying to this "frickin' ipod stuff".

[heaven]

I really think Apple should advertise the platform more - and not in the way they have been.

I think/hope that they will do it with Tiger...

[JGowan]

Too much iPod. iPod everywhere. - narcoI thought so too until I called a friend last night in Syracuse New York and brought up the ipod, thinking he'd be right on cue with me and he told me that other than the one conversation I had with him about two years ago, he hadn't heard much about it at all. Weird.

[JGowan]

For the early adopters and those in the "Apple Know", the IPOD is an old story indeed, however, for the billions of others in the world that normally pay no attention to Apple (the PC world), you have to beat them over the head before the finally pay attention. Many people are still under the impression that the IPOD is only for MACs. I had a conversation recently about that very thing, explaining "No, there are IPODs for PCs too".

The HP connection is going to really help that assumption, I'm betting.

[johnbro23]

I bought an iPod, then discovered the mac because of it.

I ended up getting really into the iPod, so I went surfing on Apple.com, and eventually found out that macs really are better. So here I am typing this on my new eMac. So maybe I am part of the 10% of iPod owners that switched. I'd say thats a pretty impressive number, considering how many iPods are sold. I'm going to buy macs the rest of my life, considering they continue to be superior to windows. I'm just saying I'm an example, that the iPod has made a switcher out of me.

[timnosenzo]

My brother has an iPod.. when I got talking about Macs with him, he' didn't know what an iBook was.
So there's someone who, had there never been an iPod, never would have spent a dime on an Apple product. Why is that bad? :confused:

[jbembe]

It would be even better if Amazon offered iTunes links to all the CDs they sell. Even if Amazon got all the profit (which wouldn't be much anyway) for these referrals, iTunes would be in a much better position to overcome this online music store war.

Also, Amazon has so many brand and category stores already that one more would probably go unnoticed.

The other advantage is that they have an extensive review system which some might find (i.e. me) useful when looking at albums and thinking about what to buy. This would add a very useful dimension to the iTMS and if Amazon did this it would simplify alot of browsing that I do. :D

This makes me wish that Apple could match demand with its supplies. Domination first, innovative products to follow!!!

[ryanw]

My brother has an iPod.. when I got talking about Macs with him, he' didn't know what an iBook was.

Well, how about now? It's true that someone owning an iPod might not know much about macs, ibooks, powerbooks, etc... BUT they know the iPod is from Apple. So the next time you say "This is an apple computer" They'll link it to the iPod.

[slightly]

One could argue about how BIG or how FAST the "iPod Halo" effect is...

Whoa! There's a Halo for the iPod now? And it's BIG and FAST? Who'd have thunk they'd build a games console into an mp3 player?

Just as soon as I get used to controlling the Chief with a click wheel, I'm fragging me some gook.

[williamsonrg]

I think it would be great if Amazon and Apple entered into a business deal. iTunes could use Amazon's review system, and Amazon could sell digital versions of albums through iTunes (or on their own, using iTunes' library). I don't think that will happen though, because Amazon has their mind set on being THE retailer of the 21st century. In fact, I'm surprised Amazon doesn't have their own digital music store, considering their work in digitizing novels for search.

[Charko]

nagromme,

I agree with everything you've written in this thread.
Which leaves me nothing much to say ....
except that when continental Europe (which is way behind the U.K. in all things iPod) really gets into gear and, sooner or later, they always adopt the same 'crazes' as the U.S. and U.K., they'll be many more millions of iPods sold.
Needless to say, continental Europe has about the same population as the U.S. and a high standard of living.
iPods are just beginning to appear on the streets here in Berlin.

[Charko]

Correction: I meant 'there'll be' of course.

[MacSA]

JUST an iBook or are you using that as an example of how little he knew?

I know it's been said a million times before, but here it is - I really think Apple should advertise the platform more - and not in the way they have been. Actually PUSH the OS... do a side-by-side splitscreen of Windows and OS X... i'm sure microsoft won't mind :P

...not heard of the eMac either.

[DavidLeblond]

I think its great that Apple is pushing the iPod so much, at least they're pushing ONE of their products. They have to push the iPod hard this holiday season because there are so many competitors out there that are directly competing with them. You don't see Dell comparing the Dell DJ to Creative's ... uh... Nomad or Muvo or whatever it's called these days... no they all compare themselves with Apple.

Although I wish I saw more ads for Apple's computers. I haven't seen ONE ad on TV for the new iMac... hell I didn't see any for the iMac before that one either! The last Apple computer commercial I saw was the Switch commercials... after that, silence. I was sure with a tagline like "from the creators of the iPod" I was gonna see the TV plastered with ads for the iMac! Not so. :( That disappoints me greatly.

[ASP272]

Although I wish I saw more ads for Apple's computers. I haven't seen ONE ad on TV for the new iMac... hell I didn't see any for the iMac before that one either! The last Apple computer commercial I saw was the Switch commercials... after that, silence. I was sure with a tagline like "from the creators of the iPod" I was gonna see the TV plastered with ads for the iMac! Not so. :( That disappoints me greatly.

I must agree. The iMac does deserve some airtime. Maybe they are waiting for the holiday season to be in full swing? You know, Christmas Eve, like most people shop! ha ha :D

[zwida]

I must agree. The iMac does deserve some airtime. Maybe they are waiting for the holiday season to be in full swing? You know, Christmas Eve, like most people shop! ha ha :D

I don't recall the source on this, but the last thing I remember reading about the iMac is that there are increasing wait times because of unexpectedly high demand.

Besides, if they can keep pushing iPods into people's hands and get 'em hooked...

[JayBee]

I don't recall the source on this, but the last thing I remember reading about the iMac is that there are increasing wait times because of unexpectedly high demand.

Besides, if they can keep pushing iPods into people's hands and get 'em hooked...

Y'know, this rings true. I suspect that Apple are shifting as many iMacs as they can build, which means that the iPod "trickle" effect is at precisely the level it needs to be. If Apple started advertising iMac directly, especially at this time of year, it could find itself with a Sinclair-style catastrophe on its hands.

If 5% of your customers have to wait, nobody in the press cares. If 60% have to wait, the whole planet remembers...

[slu]

I too think this is great. There are still people out there who have no idea that iPod is for PCs too. My parents and little sister live in upstate NY (near Syracuse too, wierd), and they had no real idea what iPods even were until I got a mini for my sister and my stepdad has PowerMacs in the printshop he runs.

And they are Amazon users, so this would help people like them.

[Some_Big_Spoon]

Apple has one of the worst track records for advertising in history. Sure they have the 1984 commercial, but other than that, nothing. And no steady commercials for computers ever that have been the least bit effective. They do printt in high profile magazines (back covers, etc.) but as far as TV goes, ziltch. They need to advertise their computers, software, etc., but they don't. End of story.

Steve's ethos has always been "I think Apple's computers are the best, so everyone else must too... so why advertise?"

It's not about being the best, it's about people actually having mindshare, which, aside from the ipod, Apple's got none of.

Although I wish I saw more ads for Apple's computers. I haven't seen ONE ad on TV for the new iMac... hell I didn't see any for the iMac before that one either! The last Apple computer commercial I saw was the Switch commercials... after that, silence. I was sure with a tagline like "from the creators of the iPod" I was gonna see the TV plastered with ads for the iMac! Not so. :( That disappoints me greatly.

[wdlove]

This is good news for Apple. The more outlets the better, this gives worldwide access. :D

[zim]

They should offer iTMS gift cards. I know this sounds selfish but, I am thinking about holiday gifts, gifts that could be coming my way and even though you can buy iTMS gift cards right from apple's site, having an amazon wish list is a nice way to make gift buyers days a lot easier.

Design, yuck! amazon needs a designer, a team of designers... every year their site gets less and less appealing.

[zelmo]

Forget about Amazon, I woke up around 2 this morning to find my wife propped up in bed, watching Steve Jobs hawkin' iPod's on HSN!

oh wait, that was just a dream I had...awwwww, NEVERMIND!

[Trowaman]

Okay, middle of the week, only 2 pieces of news. This and iPod Projections for X-mas. This is kinda sad.

Anyone got any dirt on releases this month (eMac, XServe?) or stuff for Mac World San francisco?

It's time to start wondering what apple has in store for one of their 2 biggest shows now.

[rendezvouscp]

I don't recall the source on this, but the last thing I remember reading about the iMac is that there are increasing wait times because of unexpectedly high demand.

Unexpected? Yeah right...

It's almost always good for Apple to expand on iPod. This will surely bring in new buyers.
-Chase

[joeboy_45101]

Has anybody seen the iPod socks, I mean what the hell. What is it for. The iPod Store says that it's for keeping an iPod warm. ??? Did Steve-O think these up when he was running around the Apple campus chasing the shiny things in the ground after a bad acid trip. I do like the gray one though.

[Yvan256]

I too think this is great. There are still people out there who have no idea that iPod is for PCs too. My parents and little sister live in upstate NY (near Syracuse too, wierd), and they had no real idea what iPods even were until I got a mini for my sister and my stepdad has PowerMacs in the printshop he runs.

And they are Amazon users, so this would help people like them.

If you think that's bad, wait to hear this.

I went into a *computer* store three weeks ago, and the guy at that store didn't even know what was clipped on my belt.

Yes, sir, that's an iPod. <sigh>

Mind you, I'm the only one I know with an iPod in my town. Then again, I don't know that many people. ;-)

[ioinc]

The iPod and its hype are great for Apple and for the Mac platform--especially in creating a long-term brand that will make people consider Macs when they next replace their computer.

This is a myth.

You don't go out and buy a Sony Viao because you are really happy with your new Sony digital camera.

I know people that use PC's and think the Mac is a bad platform. These people would never consider buying a mac computer.

Since the advent of the iPod they have taken the leap and bought one (some have even added airTunes)... and they are really happy. They think it is an elegant polished solution to their portable music needs.

And they would still never consider buying a Mac computer.

Please don't flood me with emails telling me about your cousins, girlfriends, sisters, nephew... who just bought a mac computer after getting an iPod.

This is the exception not the rule... the mac market share indicates that Apple is selling a lot of iPods... not a lot of Macs (relatively speaking)

[ioinc]

My brother has an iPod.. when I got talking about Macs with him, he' didn't know what an iBook was.


like this :o

[DavidLeblond]

I know people that use PC's and think the Mac is a bad platform. These people would never consider buying a mac computer.


While the iPod doesn't hurt Mac sales, I agree with your point. That goes along with my previous point, that Apple is doing an excellent job at selling iPods but it feels like they aren't even trying with the Mac.

I was anti-Mac up until I started wandering in the new Apple store out here. If wasn't for that store, I'd still think that Apples were buggy POSes. Sure there are many places on the internet singing the Mac's praises, but if you are a Mac-hating PC lover you aren't going to be reading any of them and you will write them off as zealots.

Apple needs to advertise their line of computers. And the fact that they can't keep iMacs in stock doesn't mean that sales are fine... it may just mean that they need to speed up production.