iPod Mini Available For Order Worldwide

[MacRumors]

After a long delay (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040325114409.shtml) due to US demand far outstripping supply, the iPod Mini (http://www.apple.com/uk/ipodmini/) was made available for order from worldwide online Apple Stores. Identical to the US version, the mini sports 4 GB of hard drive storage and the same familiar iPod user interface, automatic iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes) syncing, choice of 5 colors of annodized aluminum casing and 8 hour battery life. Included with the mini are apple earphones, belt clip and AC adapter.

[Grimace]

Thank god. Apple will need some crazy revenue for the iMac fiasco.

[reaper]

Thank god. Apple will need some crazy revenue for the iMac fiasco.

So true. They really need to get some current products into the market to salvage this year.

- reaper

[AllenPSU]

I think it should have read demand surpassed supply. :)

[rendezvouscp]

What!?! iPod mini ships worldwide! Cool!
–Chase

[XForge]

I think it should have read demand surpassed supply. :)

Surely that's what they meant. And "identical," to continue the nitpicking... :)

[yossele]

What a rip-off
The UK price is in dollars:
$283 + Tax = $335
No way I will buy one.

[scottwat]

So does this mean the iPod supply problems are fixed? I noticed last time I considered buying one it had a few week lead time. What is this going to do to the demand?

[fps]

Do we know if the static pbm has been fixed?

[wordmunger]

So does this mean the iPod supply problems are fixed? I noticed last time I considered buying one it had a few week lead time. What is this going to do to the demand?
They still say 4 weeks to ship on the US store. Maybe Apple's expecting to ramp up production significantly in the coming weeks.

[BornAgainMac]

Good, now we can start the rumors for the iPod Mini update next Tuesday. :rolleyes:

[iBook]

How does a 4-week delay equate with "available"?

Available, per www.m-w.com = "present or ready for immediate use"

Don't see any mention of a 4-week delay in the dictionary.

[fritzintn]

Estimated shipping time in the U.S. is 4 weeks, per the Apple store. How is that "available"?

Available, per www.m-w.com = "present or ready for immediate use"

Don't see any mention of a 4-week delay. ;)

It's now available to ORDER worldwide, not available in stock worldwise. Until now the iPod mini was only available in the US. So if you lived in Europe you would have to get one off ebay or from another non apple source.

[wordmunger]

Estimated shipping time in the U.S. is 4 weeks, per the Apple store. How is that "available"?

Available, per www.m-w.com = "present or ready for immediate use"

Don't see any mention of a 4-week delay. ;)

Since we're nitpicking this morning, "available for order": you can order it immediately, but you won't actually get it for 4 weeks. Previously you couldn't even order it.

[scottwat]

It seems like the only way this could happen is if apple had a plan to ramp up production? Is Hitachi ramping up production too? I think I remember a rumor about this awhile back. But still waiting a month to get your shiny new toy is too much wait.

[Grimace]

It's a shame this doesn't apply to the iPod mini:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/579/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/cp_top_cramjam_ipp_0704.gif

[smurfjammer]

On the Australian Apple store is says I can have my iPod Mini by the 27th of July...

[CrackedButter]

What a rip-off
The UK price is in dollars:
$283 + Tax = $335
No way I will buy one.

Shame but for it to be reasonable it would have to be £134 at standard pricing inc tax to match the US price before tax. You think Apple would do this?

However, in Japan, the price is £129 for the mini... so they did there.

[happyadam]

What a rip-off
The UK price is in dollars:
$283 + Tax = $335
No way I will buy one.

$283 - $249 = $34 = £18. I've compared the pre-tax prices because you can't blame Apple for VAT rates in the UK. I don't think an extra £18 is any more of a rip off than most products bought here in UK, not just Apple products.

Given that there have been many companies already selling iPod Minis here in the UK for £209 - £249, and Firebox/HMV taking pre-orders at £199, I welcome the news from Apple. So much so, that I've bought one. I'm sure that there won't be much of a problem with demand at £179.

[AmigoMac]

As apple said, they go behind the crappy flash players and now my collection is going over 2500 songs, I'm not the target for the mini, but Nice I know some guys who already ordered one...

[rweidmann]

i don't think that they can make enough to satisfy demand. However the iPod momentum in the US seems sufficiently strong to live with the backlog without loosing sales as people simple decide to wait rather than get something else.

I don't think this is the case in Europe, at least not in Germany. I rarely see iPods here and I think they ship them here so they can get the same mindshare they already have in the states.

[Charko]

Macworld UK was the first with the news, I believe, and they said the iPod mini will be available worldwide on the 24.July - although you can order now from Apple Store.

Charko

[AmigoMac]

I want to hear some reasons ... why should this news be negative? Compare your options for a nice player and rate again... :mad: ...
No, I'm not a zealot :eek:

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says $349cdn here in Canada, which includes the $15 "pirate levy" but not the sales taxes...oh yeah!

[The Man]

Me happy. Want one now!

Here in the Netherlands, price is 269 euro. In Germany price is 259 euro and in France price is 279 euro. These prices include taxes. Oh, price in pound sterling is 179. Prices may seem high, but consider the "alternatives" which are available in my country:

A Philips HDD060 with 1.5 GB HD costs about 220 euro. A Creative MuVo-2 4 Gb costs around 338 euro. Most MP3 players available here are flash-based and these are usually very expensive. Consider an iRiver iFP-795 with 512 MB RAM; price is between 300-329 euro. Consider an iRiver iFP-595T with 512 MB RAM; price is between 329-359 euro. I'm not going to buy these, or any really cheap player with only 128 MB RAM. To go on, a Creative Zen Xtra 30 GB Jukebox varies between 320 and 400 euro. Worse is that if I buy an iPod in a regular store, the 20 GB can cost up to 399 euro, but at the Apple online store it's only 349 euro.

So considering all options, 269 euro including free shipment is very nice indeed.

[bahi]

Interesting article here discussing the supply of Hitachi 4GB hard drives; they're used in other readily available products.

http://macnet2.com/more.php?id=511_0_10_0

[PlaceofDis]

I want to hear some reasons ... why should this news be negative? Compare your options for a nice player and rate again... :mad: ...
No, I'm not a zealot :eek:

well you know some things just arent good for some people im sure that this thread got the negative ratings because of 1. price or 2. availability/ship time.....

[iGary]

I tried to order a mini last weekend.

Four week delivery time. Heh.

Available?

[belair]

I dont know if apple will be able to satisfy demand tough. It's a worldwide lounch and if they still have a 1 month waiting list in the states I don't know what the waiting lists will be in Europe in 2 weeks or so, once the news really spreads.

Does anyone remember when that new manufacturing line of the HD factory for the minis will be operational? I guess they will need that one to punch out enough of those minis.

[Earendil]

Here in the US we have taxes too you know, no sense comparing US non-tax prixes to UK prixes+tax.
$250 + Washington Sate sales tax of 7% = $267.5

If you don't like your tax system than perhaps try and shoot for a government overhaul ;)

Tyler
Earendil

[bahi]

Then there's Paul Thurrott's take:

http://www.internet-nexus.com/2004_07_04_archive.htm#108913619669566574

I don't necessarily agree but there's definitely something mysterious about the extent of the iPod Mini supply problems. My guess is that Apple, famous for driving a hard bargain with its suppliers drove a very hard bargain when ordering these drives and as a result, the company is low on Hitachi's list of priorities.

[scottwat]

Then there's Paul Thurrott's take:

http://www.internet-nexus.com/2004_07_04_archive.htm#108913619669566574

I don't necessarily agree but there's definitely something mysterious about the extent of the iPod Mini supply problems. My guess is that Apple, famous for driving a hard bargain with its suppliers drove a very hard bargain when ordering these drives and as a result, the company is low on Hitachi's list of priorities.

I just don't think that is accurate. Purhaps though it could be as previously suggested a way to iron out any bugs, or to push the excitement and then release the product in plentiful supply to a higher price point market? Since the price is a a good deal higher in europe and you will still probably see a high sales numbers. I would be interested in seeing how the mini has faired compared to other similiar products. I know much of the Muvo2 rush was due to the harvesting of the HD cards for use in camera's etc.

[ssamani]

$283 - $249 = $34 = £18. I've compared the pre-tax prices because you can't blame Apple for VAT rates in the UK. I don't think an extra £18 is any more of a rip off than most products bought here in UK, not just Apple products.

Given that there have been many companies already selling iPod Minis here in the UK for £209 - £249, and Firebox/HMV taking pre-orders at £199, I welcome the news from Apple. So much so, that I've bought one. I'm sure that there won't be much of a problem with demand at £179.

I've done one of my regular comparisons and the iPod mini is actually the best UK valued in terms of FX rate at the moment out of any of the following Apple products: iMac 17&20, PM G5, all displays, all iPods. All the rest are far worse on FX rate markup than the iPod mini (12% price gouging) - compare the price for a 15GB iPod (30%) or 17" iMac (25%). Its odd, the 17" iMac was actually really good value on FX rate when the new models were released last year, now its one of the worst, with all the other products having been updated. Hopefully the September releases will help fix the problem.

With Apple refreshing its entire line in the last few months, they should have addressed the FX issue for the UK. They've done quite badly and its a shame that a 12% markup on the iPod mini before tax is the best they can do.

[CmdrLaForge]

Finally, its about time. The price is Euro 260 which is 320 US $. The current price in the US store is 250 US $ but I guess you need to add VAT here.

[Wyvernspirit]

I want to hear some reasons ... why should this news be negative? Compare your options for a nice player and rate again... :mad: ...
No, I'm not a zealot :eek:


I'm not one of the negitive voters (nor a possitive either for that matter) but I can think of another reason that was not mentioned:

If your a US resident still waiting for your iPod Mini, this "launch" could hinder the availability in the US if Apple hasn't fixed the supply problem. We still can't get them here and now Apple is increasing the market size.

Like I said, I haven't voted, but there is a possible reason for a negitive vote. I wanted to get one of these for my Fiance for her birthday, if I do I have no way of knowing if I will be able to get it in time (and its a couple of months away at the momemt) I can't purchase it yet so the longer I need to wait till I order one, the harder it will become to get one at this rate.

:(

Over all, in the grand scheme of things (Apple related) it is good news, in that Apple is opening a great product to more people. However, personally, it could mean tough times (Try explaining to your Fiance that you don't have her present because Apple is having supply issues, that her iPod went to Germany becuase Apple needed a bigger market ;) ).

[svenas1]

Then there's Paul Thurrott's take:

http://www.internet-nexus.com/2004_07_04_archive.htm#108913619669566574

I don't necessarily agree but there's definitely something mysterious about the extent of the iPod Mini supply problems. My guess is that Apple, famous for driving a hard bargain with its suppliers drove a very hard bargain when ordering these drives and as a result, the company is low on Hitachi's list of priorities.

As true as it is that you can't get an iPod mini if your life depended on it, PT (Paul Thurrott) couldn't write an insightful and evenhanded analysis, if his life depended on it. This is just pure speculation of the simplest kind. I bet Apple gets a contingent of Hitachis 1" drives, and not each and every one that goes off the production line. I seriously doubt Apple is holding back the iPod mini to boost iPod sales. This is nuts, as many people who would buy a mini aren't in the market for a bigger one.

PT is off the rails again, nothing new there.

[ScotRobson]

wooo hooo I've been waiting for this for a long time, but now I cant decide Silver or Blue??? Help you guys, anyone got these colours already?

This will go with my new iMac in September (fingers crossed) If thats going to be silver maybe I should go with the silver iPod mini - and that i will be getting hooked up to my mini cooper too :)

Scot

[macridah]

good news. this should help out the already successful iTunes music store in the UK, France, and Germany.

I hope this will make iPod mini's more available in the US. I have been calling my near by apple store asking if they have any shipments come in. I can't order one online cuz i got an apple gift card, and can't use it on apple's online store.

[uv23]

1) This is good news. Even though I still think it's a little expensive at $349CDN (I'd be content with that price if it included the $40 armband) but it suits me just fine. I use a Powerbook exclusively so always have all my music with me. I need a small player mostly for the gym and road trips, which 4 gigs will take care of. I may, however, still hold out for a slightly larger model which I am sure is coming soon.

2) Did anyone else notice that the 15 gig iPod has gone down in price? At least I think it has. There's a "new" label beside it and I thought it was more than $399CDN. I suspect the 20/40/60 gig line is imminent.

All in all, good news.

[garybUK]

at prices like that for only 4gb... im sorry but colour doesn't cover it up!! + the fact they have been fabricating some tale about lack of drives so they can sell to their primary market (the us)

apple are starting to slip here i think, i cant see how anyone in their right mind (in the uk) would buy one of these when you can get a normal ipod for not much more and more space?!?

Creative .. here's your chance.

P.S. I love my ipod(s) and i bought my brother a 20gb ipod last week for his birthday, so im not mac bashing.

I was thinking of getting one of these for my little sister for her birthday... hmm might have to have a look at the muvo's now.

[geeman]

...but the real question is when are we getting the 60Gb iPod?? I need to upgrade my 20Gb 2G and have $$$ burning a hole in my pocket!!!

:) :) :)

[The Man]

at prices like that for only 4gb... im sorry but colour doesn't cover it up!! + the fact they have been fabricating some tale about lack of drives so they can sell to their primary market (the us)

apple are starting to slip here i think, i cant see how anyone in their right mind (in the uk) would buy one of these when you can get a normal ipod for not much more and more space?!?

Uh, not much more? A 15 GB iPOD costs £ 248.99, so the difference between this and the mini is £69.99. In the Netherlands the difference is 80 Euro between the mini and the regular white iPod. Now I don't think that these prices can ever be considered "for not much more". And even if it's not much, because, hey, you are loaded with money, I think colour and form factor do, in fact, matter.

I can only say that the price in Pounds is high, but the price in Euro is just about right, considering the "alternatives" which are usually priced way higher than the mini.

[redAPPLE]

it wouldn't be illegal to get the iPod mini (and this international plug) in the states, and export it let us say to europe, right?

[moot]

Fantastic news. As soon as I see one in the flesh I am getting one.

It has been very frustrating waiting while knowing that any people living in the US could get one when they wanted to. Japan is a very big market for Apple (maybe 30%) and we shouldnt have been placed behind. Even though I gripe, I understand Apple's reasons.

But now that waits nearly over and I will stop gripping.

This can only be good news.

Oh, first post :D

[nagromme]

I was thinking of getting one of these for my little sister for her birthday... hmm might have to have a look at the muvo's now.

I'm sure she'll be pleased :D (There's more to the iPod's value than GB, BTW. Usability comes to mind--the mini being even easier to use than the full iPod, in my experience.)

[Stella]

I expect, as usual, that Apple special offers aren't that special if you don't live in the US.

Why are apple 'offers' only available in the states?

It's a shame this doesn't apply to the iPod mini:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/579/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/cp_top_cramjam_ipp_0704.gif

[discoteca]

at prices like that for only 4gb... im sorry but colour doesn't cover it up!! + the fact they have been fabricating some tale about lack of drives so they can sell to their primary market (the us)


I think £179 for a *small* Hard Drive based player is a good competitive price esp as its 4GB, for £150/£189 you can only get 1.5GB :)

[CrackedButter]

I expect, as usual, that Apple special offers aren't that special if you don't live in the US.

Why are apple 'offers' only available in the states?

Maybe because Apple is America America America orientated, they don't realise that America isn't the only world on this planet.

[Apple //e]

What a rip-off
The UK price is in dollars:
$283 + Tax = $335
No way I will buy one.

thats not bad actually, since it includes sales tax.

in mexico it costs 415 usd including sales tax.

[dongmin]

As true as it is that you can't get an iPod mini if your life depended on it, PT (Paul Thurrott) couldn't write an insightful and evenhanded analysis, if his life depended on it. This is just pure speculation of the simplest kind. I bet Apple gets a contingent of Hitachis 1" drives, and not each and every one that goes off the production line. I seriously doubt Apple is holding back the iPod mini to boost iPod sales. This is nuts, as many people who would buy a mini aren't in the market for a bigger one.

PT is off the rails again, nothing new there.

I'm sure this Thurrott guy tried buying a mini (or maybe he tried to finagle a free one from Apple) and was denied so he's pissed off and is now going on groundless rants.

I've been calling around looking for a silver mini and the replies I'm getting is that they ARE getting shipments but they don't know when the shipments are coming. Some stores I've called have certain colors in stock, just not the color I'm looking for. Bloody hell.

[drlunanerd]

Uh, not much more? A 15 GB iPOD costs £ 248.99, so the difference between this and the mini is £69.99. In the Netherlands the difference is 80 Euro between the mini and the regular white iPod. Now I don't think that these prices can ever be considered "for not much more". And even if it's not much, because, hey, you are loaded with money, I think colour and form factor do, in fact, matter.

I agree - form factor most certainly does matter, for me at least. I have way too much music for any current iPod capacity, and even a mythological 60GB version would be pushing it for me. It's a never-ending battle that I've accepted defeat on - I'll never be able to have absolutely all of my music with me in my pocket. That's why I've cracked and ordered a green iPod mini as a cross-grade to my 1st gen. 10GB iPod (which has been fantastic since I got my sweaty palms on it 2 years ago; battery still going strong). The minis really are tiny (I know as I've already got a blue one that I kindly donated to my girlfriend), and that has swung it for me...

...plus the fact that I've landed a £30 discount, heh.

[ScotRobson]

I've been calling around looking for a silver mini and the replies I'm getting is that they ARE getting shipments but they don't know when the shipments are coming. Some stores I've called have certain colors in stock, just not the color I'm looking for. Bloody hell.[/QUOTE]

I couldnt wait for anyone to help me choose between blue or silver. I have just ordered silver from the UK store with a two week build date :D Also ordered the dock.

Scot

[drlunanerd]

I couldnt wait for anyone to help me choose between blue or silver. I have just ordered silver from the UK store with a two week build date :D Also ordered the dock.

Scot

I faced a similar deliberation. I ruled out silver cos I felt it was too boring (no offence!) and would be more common. Blue I can't have as my girlfriend's is that colour, pink ditto my little sister, and gold I just don't fancy cos I ain't a bling bling type of guy. Rosso red and white would have been ideal (to match my motorbike and Dainese jacket) - but you can't have that!

A colleague at work had been asking me for info on availability of the minis for a while now - he cracked and actually bought an iRiver instead last week. I now find out he's having to transcode all his AAC files in iTunes as it doesn't support them... jeez!

[shawnce]

Maybe because Apple is America America America orientated, they don't realise that America isn't the only world on this planet. No the must not... since they only sell about half of their products in markets outside of America (the United States of)... they must not realize anything else exists. :rolleyes:

[wdlove]

This is great news that the iPod mini is available World wide. The sales should also stimulate iTunes Music Store sales. The music side is becoming a big market for Apple.

[mhouse]

Maybe because Apple is America America America orientated, they don't realise that America isn't the only world on this planet.

No, there is no America-centered bias at Apple or any any company. Apple is more concerned with the American market for the same reason most companies are: massive sales potential. Apple can use one campaign, in one language, to market to 400 million people. Many of whom can afford their products.

These are the same reasons that the Japanese market is usually number two on the agenda. Large, affluent population, one language and set of rules to deal with.

India has a billion people but very few are in the middle class. Ditto China.

Europe has lots of affluent citizens but the marketing is much more complicated with multiple languages, laws, etc.

Maybe, after adopting the Euro across the continent, Europeans might consider adopting English as the official language. France would love that!:)

[micvog]

I've been calling around looking for a silver mini and the replies I'm getting is that they ARE getting shipments but they don't know when the shipments are coming. Some stores I've called have certain colors in stock, just not the color I'm looking for. Bloody hell.

Have you tried Best Buy? All the Best Buys around me have multiple minis in stock (all silver) and have had them for the past 3 weeks or so.

[Earendil]

Maybe because Apple is America America America orientated, they don't realise that America isn't the only world on this planet.

mhouse sums it up pretty nicely. I'm going to sum it up not so nicely ;)
I'm pretty sick and tired of other countries spouting the "America companies and specifically Apple hates us and is out to screw us" chatter. Like a bunch of little girls. WHY, oh WHY would it make sense for a corporation, out to make money, to DELAY a product to another country? For kicks and giggles?
Someone else said something about the whole Hiatchi keeping up with production being a lie. Why must that be a lie? What are some good reasons for Apple hating the rest of the world?

If you don't like dealing with international corporations/taxes/laws than I suggest you buy local crafts from the man down the street.
Gah!!!!!
[/rant]

Anyhoo... I personally think that it's great Apple thinks they can start supporting the demand of the European market. I just hope that they can keep supply up.

And who said that because of Apples strict negotiations that Hiatchi must have Apple low on the priority list... Please enlighten me about who else Hiatchi is selling so many 1" dives to. I could be mistaken, but I would think Apple is one, if not THE largest buyer of their drives right now...

Tyler

[garybUK]

Uh, not much more? A 15 GB iPOD costs £ 248.99, so the difference between this and the mini is £69.99. In the Netherlands the difference is 80 Euro between the mini and the regular white iPod. Now I don't think that these prices can ever be considered "for not much more". And even if it's not much, because, hey, you are loaded with money, I think colour and form factor do, in fact, matter.

I can only say that the price in Pounds is high, but the price in Euro is just about right, considering the "alternatives" which are usually priced way higher than the mini.



how shallow, there are much more factors than colour tbh, how about battery life? sound quality? for your money the white earphones stink. having seen a mini, the size difference doesn't really add up to me, its about <0.5" smaller either side and about the same thickness. duh??!

for under that price you can get a 20gb Zen, i know the navigation is pants, but these things sound awesome and the battery lasts like 20hours on one recharge....

and no.... £70 isn't a lot to me, if im spending that much money, i would spend the little extra and get more value for my money. Please do not bring individuals finance situations into this, it wasn't a flame, so calm down

[VincentVega]

Yay!

Ordered mine today, in an attempt to get in before the rush. I've got a silver one coming, along with a dock thingy.

[Yvan256]

Hello all. Long time reader, first time poster (and what a long post, too).

First, a bit of history just so you can understand my point of view (if you care to read. If not, skip to the next post).

I grew up with computers. I've lived through the TI-99, Coco/C64/Apple II GS, Atari ST / Amiga / Apple / IBM PC XT, 286/386/486/Pentium/etc phases (didn't have all those however, but knew some people who had some of these).

Personally I've been through Coco2+tape, XT8, 286/12, 286/20, 486 SX/33, 486 DX2/66, and some others (too many to remember, but mostly Celerons).

I'm now on an Athlon XP 2600+ with 512MB DDR with Radeon 9600XT (and WinXP just so I can use iTunes and my 10GB iPod). And to be honest, this Athlon doesn't really feel that much more powerful than my previous Celeron 700 system. I mean, shouldn't it feel about at *least* 3 times more faster?

But it doesn't. It just feels "somewhat faster". And no it's not XP slowing me down, I'm running in "Windows classic" mode with all the (crappy) eye-candy turned off.

So basically, yes, the speed race is over. The only real things that require computing speed are science projects (weather simulation, protein folding, SETI@home, etc), businesses (servers, number-crunching, etc) and games.

Now, before you start flaming me for the next few paragraphs, just read the entire post - thanks.

---

I really hated Apple.

Stupid operating system that couldn't even take care of system memory ("what do you mean, you didn't allocated enough memory for Photoshop? Isn't the computer supposed to do that for you?")

Stupid computer with proprietary connectors ("what the hell is ADB? Can't they use industry-standard connectors? Why do you need to buy a special Apple-only printer?").

Stupid everything. Having a Mac meant you were confined to your own little Apple world. Even the Amiga was more open than that.

---

But now, enter OS X.

Enter a company that is not only pushing industry standards, but dropping their own proprietary ones when the other can work just as well (ADC vs DVI). AAC format for audio (with is MPEG-4 audio developped by Dolby, as I understand it).

Enter a company that has completely ditched its own operating system and built a new one based on industry standard Unix (BSD).

---

Apple has changed.

I've been following Steve's speeches for the last 2-3 years, and the last one just blew me away. System-wide searches (Spotlight) and complete hardware utilization (Core Image and Core Video) is getting me excited about computing once again.

The speed race is mostly over. The race is now the software. And Apple has so much of a head-start it's not even funny. Apple's philosophy is paying off. The computer is there to help us with our daily stuff. We're not here for the computer (This is what Linux zealots don't get either, and this is why Linux will always be a small % of desktop users, unless they change their ways. I wish them the best of luck on that, because Linux desktops eat away at Microsoft desktops, and this can only be a good thing).

I used to only use a file explorer and winamp. And carefully placed MP3's in their respective folders. And I was happy with that. It worked.

Then, Apple released iTunes for Windows. Alright, let's try this "great Apple software". Oh man, why does it play around with my music files and folders? How will I be able to find my music now? Oh, I see. The software helps me find my music. That's nice. But what about playlists? Oh, there they are. What the hell is a "smart playlist"? Oh, I see. Wow. Why wasn't that other music player that good?

After two weeks, I deleted WinAmp. After using it for years. I was starting to understand that "Mac philosophy" thing.

Well, it's a shame my Flash MP3 player isn't compatible with iTunes. Well I guess I'll drag'n drop my files manually then. Nice, iTunes does allow that. But wait, iTunes was so great (taking care of ripping, tagging, placing files on my HD) that I actually did rip all of my 50+ CDs for the first time. Ouch, those 2.5GB+ files don't fit onto my 256MB CF MP3 player... And won't fit on a single CD-R for my MP3 CD player either.

I sold my Flash and CD MP3 players on eBay. And bought a 10GB iPod a week after Apple dropped it in favor of the 15GB model. After all, I barely got 3GB of music, I only buy about 4-5 CDs a year and won't need more than 10GB for years to come. And I was able to get a 50$ discount on a brand new 10GB iPod because the store just couldn't sell me a 10GB for the price of the new 15GB.

---

2) Did anyone else notice that the 15 gig iPod has gone down in price? At least I think it has. There's a "new" label beside it and I thought it was more than $399CDN. I suspect the 20/40/60 gig line is imminent.

Nope, I bought my 10GB for 349$CDN when the 15GB was released, and the 15GB has always been 399$CDN (same price as the 10GB it replaced). So to answer your question, no, the 15GB didn't drop in price.

---

And now, for the (yes, you guessed it) "headless Mac" rumors/hopes.

You know how Apple is always striving to break that "1000$ barrier"? Well, that barrier exists in other countries too. Canada, for exemple.

In the US Apple Store, the eMacs cost 799$ and 999$. That's fine and all, but it means that in the Canadian Apple Store they cost 1049$ and 1299$. So in the US, the superdrive model is indeed under 1$K, but in Canada even the combodrive model is above that 1$K barrier. To make matters worst, brand models *easily* break the 1$K barrier. I'm talking Dell, Compaq, HP.

For about 1000$CDN, I get a 1.25GHz G4 eMac, combo drive, 256MB DDR, Radeon 9200/32MB with a 17" CRT.

Or for 600$CDN (which is 40% less, we're not talking small change here) I get a Celeron 2.7GHz, 256MB DDR, 40GB HD, 48x CD-RW drive, and 17" CRT monitor. Of course, that Celeron system doesn't come with OS X (which, I know, is the main point of having a Mac), but let's set that aside for a moment.

If you can get a brand-name system for 600$CDN (all included), Apple should at *least* try to under-cut their own lowest-priced Apple system. Yes, I'm talking headless eMac.

No, I'm not talking about a new motherboard, I'm literally talking "headless eMac", as in a new case that can hold the current eMac motherboard/power supply/drives/hd/etc. A cheap 17" CRT costs about 150$CDN. I'm guessing Apple isn't using cheap CRTs in their eMac, so let's say *my* added cost for the CRT in the eMac price is 200$CDN.

It also means the eMac case costs more (to hold the CRT, maybe more heat-related heatsinks, etc), takes more place in inventory (so stores don't have that many in the backstore) and costs more to ship (the CRT being the heaviest part of the eMac).

Now, imagine that headless eMac. No CRT, smaller/lighter case, takes about 1/3 inventory space, costs 200$CDN less (about 125-150$US). And since it's for switchers who already have a CRT, they probably already also have a USB mouse and keyboard. Heck, they already have a HD and RAM too.

So here's my idea: a headless eMac, for do-it-yourself switchers only. No display, no RAM, no HD, no combo/superdrive, no mouse, no keyboard. Of course, Apple can (and should) limit what hardware is supported (especially for the CD drive), but a HD is a HD, RAM is RAM (as long as it's the required speed/type/etc), a USB mouse/keyboard is a USB mouse/keyboard.

Open up your HLS Mac (Head-Less Switcher Mac), open up your old PC. Switch your components (hence the "Switcher name is for both your computer and yourself)l, boot up and install OS X (I've read it only takes about 15 minutes to install OS X anyway).

Imagine the final price tag for a eMac without CRT (-200$CDN), without HD (-100$CDN), without keyboard and mouse (-70$CDN each, prices from to the Canadian Apple Store) and without RAM (let's say 50$CDN for 256MB DDR).

That would put the combodrive/superdrive HLS Macs to about 550$CDN/800$CDN, or about 400$US/600$US. Quite a price drop.

Yes, some people will tell me "you're an idiot, those other parts do costs something too", to which I reply "yes but the switchers already HAVE those parts - no point in buying something you already have. If you don't have those parts, buy the eMac. That's the whole point of a headless Mac (and no, don't tell me to buy an old G4 PowerMac, those systems are more expensive than the lowest-priced eMac!)"

Heck, some stores could even offer potential switchers to transfer their hardware from their PC to their HLS Mac.

The sad thing is, I know Apple would never do such a thing ("OMG the switcher's monitor/mouse/keyboard won't fit with our design!"). But for switchers, I still think it would be the best idea.

Unfortunatly, my best bet on that is to check eBay for a discounted G4 eMac with a non-working CRT and make that "case mod" myself. But even a non-working CRT weights a lot, so shipping costs would kill the discount anyway.

---

So here I am, waiting for the Paris Expo in september, to see the "next iMac" (hoping, like many, for a headless G5 Mac with an AGP slot or at least a PCI-whatever for those next-gen videocards).

If the next iMac isn't at least G5 (or dual G4?!), or is priced too high, then I'll have to decide between the combodrive eMac and the 12" iBook.

Thanks for reading.

P.S.: Anyone here on the World of Warcraft Beta with a G4/1.25Ghz eMac or a G4/1GHz 12" iBook? (Radeon 9200/32MB in both).

[Dave00]

at prices like that for only 4gb... im sorry but colour doesn't cover it up!! + the fact they have been fabricating some tale about lack of drives so they can sell to their primary market (the us)

Uh, OK.

You really have to see one of these in person to realize there really isn't any competition - there's simply nothing like it available. I have both a 2nd and 3rd gen iPod, and even these look huge and uncouth next to the mini. I don't plan to get a mini anytime soon, as the regular iPod serves my needs quite well. But, the Ipod mini on your belt/arm definitely turns heads. Hopefully the supply problems are fixed now.

--D

[Trekkie]

It's a shame this doesn't apply to the iPod mini:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/579/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/cp_top_cramjam_ipp_0704.gif

Let's see, you have a product selling so well you can't fulfill orders for almost a month. Marketing 101 says don't offer a discount on it, make it attractive to move to other itmes so you can recognize the revenue today vs tomorrow.

[Sabbath]

At last, I was hoping we were not going to have to wait till the last day of July. I ordered one the minute the store went up at £164.50 for edu it was a fair bit cheaper than I thought it was going to be. I went for blue as I only really like blue and pink and I don't think I could quite pull off pink :rolleyes:

My next worry is if it's shipped on the 24th as it states and takes the maximum delivery time of 7days I will get it on the 31st. My lease runs out on the 31st :o just make sure it's on time Apple!

Edit: Time to change my sig I guess, although I think I will keep it until it's in my hands.

[djdarlek]

....Firebox/HMV taking pre-orders at £199, I welcome the news from Apple. So much so, that I've bought one. I'm sure that there won't be much of a problem with demand at £179.


eggsfeckingzactly! HMV will be posting out about 125,980 "hey, here's a £20 giftvoucher.. we underestimated Apple's pricing for the iPod mini" letters to all the happy iPod mini pre-orderers. :D

my misses is going to get one ASAP :)

nice one apple :cool:

[Bhennies]

How does a 4-week delay equate with "available"?
This is apple. Where's my damn display?

[The Man]

how shallow, there are much more factors than colour tbh, how about battery life? sound quality? for your money the white earphones stink. having seen a mini, the size difference doesn't really add up to me, its about <0.5" smaller either side and about the same thickness. duh??!

for under that price you can get a 20gb Zen, i know the navigation is pants, but these things sound awesome and the battery lasts like 20hours on one recharge....

and no.... £70 isn't a lot to me, if im spending that much money, i would spend the little extra and get more value for my money. Please do not bring individuals finance situations into this, it wasn't a flame, so calm down

The catch is that I am not that familiar with the prices in the UK. My brother says that prices for some products are higher compared to Euro-land. The iPod mini price of €269 is not that high, compared to other products. Creative Zen is about € 330 - € 380 here. But I searched a bit on the web, and I see that the price of the same Zen is close to the price of the iPod mini in pounds. Okay, you got a point there. But for other countries in Europe, the prices of other comparable products are higher. I have already mentioned a few products in an earlier post.

And since when is buying stuff not about individual finance situations? Not everybody has the money to go over and spend a bit more, or some can but choose not to go over a certain price. Where does one draw the line when buying a product? You can always go up and up and eventually buy the best thing around - for a bit more. When it was time for me to buy a new notebook, I could have said: If I am spending that much money on a computer, I could just spend a couple of hundred euros more and get me a PowerBook instead of an iBook, but I didn't. I drew the line, even though I could get the finance together for a PowerBook.

I am certainly not saying that you don't have to consider price/quality/performance. I think iPod battery life stinks - should be closer to 10-12 hours, but I'm sure that Apple is working on that. Sound quality seems to be great, though. Those white earphones, that's up to personal preference; some like them, others don't - it depends on how they sit in your ears and what kind of sound you like. But in questioning the purchase of an iPod mini, price does matter, even if it is just £ 70 or € 80. Not for all, like you point out, but for some people out there. Hey, I'm certainly not saying that you shouldn't buy a Zen. I have nothing against that. :)

[Trekkie]

...but the real question is when are we getting the 60Gb iPod?? I need to upgrade my 20Gb 2G and have $$$ burning a hole in my pocket!!!

:) :) :)

Man, I have a 2G 20GB too and it's wearing out (headphone jack cracked) but buying a 60GB would mean I'd need to add an 80GB drive at a minimum to my powerbook to hold everything I need + my music. There is a point where I have to scream 'enough' on some of this.

EIther that or iTunes support 'near line' storage so I don't have to have everything loaded all the time

[neon]

oh boy.

i adore my 20gb ipod... but i knew i'd be tempted when this day came, and tempted i am.


the price is not too bad actually considering most speculation put it at £199.

not wanting to be pessimistic really but i wonder if the delivery dates will change... for the worse... i don't want to get an email offering me a 15gb for the same price...
at least i can wait now i have a 20gb though :)

[MacFan25]

This is great news for everyone in other countries. I hope that Apple is planning on churing the Minis out at a faster rate now, or the waits are going to be even longer. I think there was a Reuters article a couple months ago about how the hard drive maker was going to double production of the hard drives, so maybe this is going to help.

[Borg3of5]

It's a shame this doesn't apply to the iPod mini:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/579/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/cp_top_cramjam_ipp_0704.gif

This promotion is probably the signal of an imminent, and long-awaited 4G iPod.

[Borg3of5]

Here in the US we have taxes too you know, no sense comparing US non-tax prixes to UK prixes+tax.
$250 + Washington Sate sales tax of 7% = $267.5

If you don't like your tax system than perhaps try and shoot for a government overhaul ;)

Tyler
Earendil

Not only that, but prices in Euros for the SAME item differ from country to country even though the same currency is used. Although not related to this anyone care to enlighten us why?

[xy14]

People, the iPod Mini doesn't have a hard drive! It has a flash drive!

[rhpenguin]

Maybe because Apple is America America America orientated, they don't realise that America isn't the only world on this planet.

Like every other American company... AMERICANS ARENT THE ONLY PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD!!!

[Hattig]

What a rip-off
The UK price is in dollars:
$283 + Tax = $335
No way I will buy one.

Crikes, yeah. I hadn't noticed the US dollar collapsing again ... £1 is $1.85 now. Sheesh.

$283 isn't *that* bad considering, but that is another $34 on top of the price vs. the US version. Considering they aren't made in the US (AFAIK) either the price will rise in the US soon to account for their weakening dollar, or Apple are simply raping non-US customers as per usual (and this is the reason I don't have an Apple system at the moment).

[dongmin]

People, the iPod Mini doesn't have a hard drive! It has a flash drive! it's flash-compatible but a hard drive it is

[Hattig]

People, the iPod Mini doesn't have a hard drive! It has a flash drive!
It has a 1" 4GB Hard Drive.

[painimies]

Hello all. Long time reader, first time poster (and what a long post, too).
...

Thanks for reading.


Well, thanks for writing. That was interesting, albeit lenghty read.
...You just should've posted it to some other thread since it's really mostly about a headless eMac and your computing history.

I think your post deserves more discussion, and the points you make about Apple having a cheap computer are all good and relevant, you still being on the PC side and all.

Anyway, welcome to the good side.

[Loge]

After a long wait this is welcome news! Here's hoping the colors are all the "correct" shades. To some this matters a great deal ;)

[daxdagr8t]

i like the idea that apple released the ipodmini to the whole world but then i ordered more than a month ago and i still havent received mine.i presume they will increase supply but it will be nice if they start shipping their customers to those who have ordered them already.

[rastap]

Literature has always been up to the crazy and deranged interpretations of others who happen to be in the good graces of some senile academe. Linguistics, however, is an exact science. Get off your high-horse. We had a revolution in America a few hundred years ago, to get rid of pompous asses like yourself, jackass. Furthermore, if you don't like it go tell yo mamma!

I didn`t know you had a revolution to get rid of writers (my history book strangely enough does explain the whole thing a bit differently- but what do I tell you, you know how writers are...).
But at last this brings a bit of light into some things I didn`t understand about your culture. :p

[shawnce]

People, the iPod Mini doesn't have a hard drive! It has a flash drive! Ummm, no... it has a 1 inch hard drive in it.

[liketom]

now i am a happy chappy , just orderd my powerbook 12" and now i am skint i will have to wait until next payday to buy the mini !!

well done apple for just getting it to the rest of the world before we almost forgot about it! still .... very pleased

[manu chao]

Not only that, but prices in Euros for the SAME item differ from country to country even though the same currency is used. Although not related to this anyone care to enlighten us why?

Apart from different VAT rates in different countries (the minimum within the EU is 15%, Germany has 16%, France I think 21.6%), a number of countries have so-called intellectual property fees on stuff like copy machines, blank CDs , MP3 players etc., that fee is 9.57 Euro in France, in Germany it is 2.63 Euro.

[virividox]

yay i can finally get my sister a pink one :)

[oingoboingo]

No, there is no America-centered bias at Apple or any any company. Apple is more concerned with the American market for the same reason most companies are: massive sales potential. Apple can use one campaign, in one language, to market to 400 million people. Many of whom can afford their products.

Errr...where do the 400 million people figure come from? According to Wikipedia the U.S. population is 293 million, and Canada is 32 million, making a total of 325 million. Since the U.K. and Australia are often regarded as subservient dependencies of the U.S., perhaps you were adding in the U.K. population (60 million) and the Australian population (20 million), which would get you to 400 million.

If that's the case, then why did we have to wait until now for iPod minis, still no iTunes music store!?!? ROAAARRRR!!!! ;)

[Mac Boy-Canada]

Hello everyone,

Finally, the wait is over! As a Canadian, I have been waiting too long for this to come here. It's been 3-4 (not sure) months of jealousy to our neighbours down south! I can't wait to get my hands on one. Now I am stuck with the decision our American iPod Mini users had: WHAT COLOUR???

About the language debate: come on, we're more civilized than that.

[oingoboingo]

About the language debate: come on, we're more civilized than that.

Hmm...maybe. Just don't get people started on C++ versus Java.

Is there free trade across the US/Canadian border? By this I mean, could you have gone to the US, bought an iPod mini, and then brought it back home to Canada without paying import duties or taxes? Or do the usual types of excises apply?

[dcentity2000]

Got mine - it rules :D



Rich::

[Stoffel]

This promotion is probably the signal of an imminent, and long-awaited 4G iPod.
Huh. This promo runs until the end of September. Does this mean we will not get any 4G ipods before the end of summer? Argh...

[mhouse]

Errr...where do the 400 million people figure come from? According to Wikipedia the U.S. population is 293 million, and Canada is 32 million, making a total of 325 million. Since the U.K. and Australia are often regarded as subservient dependencies of the U.S., perhaps you were adding in the U.K. population (60 million) and the Australian population (20 million), which would get you to 400 million.

If that's the case, then why did we have to wait until now for iPod minis, still no iTunes music store!?!? ROAAARRRR!!!! ;)

The wikipedia number is probably based on US census reports which are (as they are in any country this size) not particulaly accurate. Also, there are some 10-15 million undocumented (and uncounted) workers in America.

But regardless of the exact number, the point is the same. Apple worries about America first because this is the place they can sell the most stuff. Not because of any pro-America bias.

And I like iPod minis. They are cool;)
There, all on-topic and such!

[teermin8r]

Hope this means I'm receiving my mini iPod soon. Have had a pink mini iPod on order for 8 weeks now.

[rendezvouscp]

Huh. This promo runs until the end of September. Does this mean we will not get any 4G ipods before the end of summer? Argh...

I'm guessing that's when they'll do a release. I don't see them introducing a new iPod until the 60GB HD becomes available. I'm actually almost certain they wouldn't.
–Chase

[Sabbath]

oh boy.

i adore my 20gb ipod... but i knew i'd be tempted when this day came, and tempted i am.


the price is not too bad actually considering most speculation put it at £199.

not wanting to be pessimistic really but i wonder if the delivery dates will change... for the worse... i don't want to get an email offering me a 15gb for the same price...
at least i can wait now i have a 20gb though :)

Same boat I have a 20Gb but couldn't resist a mini aswell.

And the Bad news, my ship date has already gone back to the 26th from the 24th and I literally bought the second the apple store came up! This doesn't look good, I move house on the 31st!

[BWhaler]

For those considering purchasing a mini:

I confess, I sat in the keynote in January and I didn't get it. Slightly smaller, 4 gigs for USD$250? My buddy and I bashed Apple for being so stupid.

I own a mini now, and let me admit to you that I was categorically wrong. I also own a 40 gig iPod, and it is gathering dust.

Let me explain why:

1. The size. Looking at the specs on a piece of paper does not capture how much smaller it is in real life. It is so small you forget the mini is in your pocket, which is not true of the iPod.

2. It is light as a feather. Again, you forget you have it with you.

3. 1,000 songs is the magic number. I owned MP3 players before buying an iPod and I hated each one since I got bored of the music after a few hours. I loved the iPod's capacity, but it was also a hassle managing that many songs. The mini's capacity is the perfect balance. Enough songs so you don't get bored, but easy to manage.

4. It's beautiful. The silly post earlier about it just "coming in 5 colors" is obviously someone who has never seen a mini in person. The color hues and way it blends with the metal looks like one of those $8,000 pain jobs you can get as an option on a high end automobile.

5. The new dial is amazing. It is the interface that should be on the bigger sibling iPod.

I saw the mini at MacWorld and at the Apple store here in San Francisco, but I didn't really appreciate it until I owned one.

It is better in ways the specs don't truly capture. If you are thinking about buying one, I strongly recommend it.

[ChrisH3677]

sorry if any other Aussie has already highlighted this...

In conversion, the iPod 15Gb is 150% of the US price
Whereas the iPod mini is 160% of the US price

That sounds like a bit of profiteering on Apple Oz's behalf.

(And the Aussie dollar is currently 142% of the US dollar)

Am not impressed. I was already reaching for my credit card but, in protest, I will wait til they come down. :mad:

[Julianne]

I just got done ordering mine :)
I can't wait to get it.. I know its a rip off in price compared to what you lucky USers get to pay but I'm to excited to care! :p

[winmacguy]

All I can say is that I hope Apple has got enough iPodmins being produced to meet worldwide demand. We are not just talking Mac lovers here, they are hitting a huge market of women who own PCs who go to the gym, who exercise, walk the dog, girls etc who just love sexy devices that play music and do it all with ease. I hope they have something like 2 or 3 million iPod minis ready to hit the shelves becasue they are going to need that many if you spread that out for say 1,000,000 for the UK and Europe (minimum) for initial stock to be on the shelves and the rest to be spread around the rest of the world.

Just my 2 cents

[cheekyspanky]

Does anyone else think that there won't be a 4G iPod for a quite a while? I think that the hard disc sizes will go up to 20 40 and 60 soon, but wouldn't it be crazy to change the design much - just at the point most of the general public knows what it looks like?

My prediction: next scheduled update, 20GB 40GB and 60GB capacities, in the current form factor.

When the 4G iPod does arrive, possibly in time for christmas or otherwise 1st half of 2005, the click wheel will be introduced, and the size will reduce slightly, (so the screen will sit just above the wheel - without the gap where the buttons are), and a range of shades from white to silver to charcoal will be added - making them look more sophisticated and expensive than the more colourful mini.

Or I could be totally wrong!!



And to try to keep this on topic - I'm glad the price is lower than we expected, £165 in the edu store - I think I'll be seeing a lot more people around University with iPods when the next Academic year starts!

[michaelb]

sorry if any other Aussie has already highlighted this...
the iPod mini is 160% of the US price

That sounds like a bit of profiteering on Apple Oz's behalf.

(And the Aussie dollar is currently 142% of the US dollar)


Whoa, so many errors! If the AUD was 142% of the USD, we'd all be friggin' rich! It's actually 72% currently, or more correctly stated, the Australian Dollar is worth 72 US cents, that is, $0.72 USD.

You're comparing $249 USD with $399 AUD, but that is incorrect because the Australian price includes GST, whereas most US states add their tax to the price at the checkout.

In any case, the normal way you do the conversion to find what the price "should be" is to divide the US price by the current exchange rate then multiply by GST. So:

249 / 0.72 * 1.1 = 380.40

That means that as of today's exchange rate, Apple is "overcharging" you only $18.60...

(And that doesn't take into account that most Americans pay around $270 when their state's tax rate (8.5% in California) is taken into account, or that the exchange rate could go back down to 0.68 where it was a few weeks ago, in which case iPods would actually be cheaper here than the US.)

Am not impressed. I was already reaching for my credit card but, in protest, I will wait til they come down. :mad:

Maybe to save that $18.60, you should book a flight to LA...

Seriously, you're getting outraged over a very mild difference. You couldn't even get it posted for that. And if the exchange rate fluctuates in the meantime, you would end up paying more. Really.

[Yvan256]

For those considering purchasing a mini:

1. The size. Looking at the specs on a piece of paper does not capture how much smaller it is in real life. It is so small you forget the mini is in your pocket, which is not true of the iPod.

If you look at a folded piece of paper (http://www.ipodhead.com/index.php?p=97) then you might get a better idea.

When I compare the (paper) iPod mini and my 10GB iPod, there's a huge difference. The 10GB iPod looks terantuous*.

I hope I'll be able to buy a 10-12GB mini in a few years.

* terantuous is a made-up word which means "incredibly huge", or a thousand time bigger than gigantuous**.

** gigantuous might not be a real word either.

[ecche]

it was such happy news! i immediately ordered a pink mini for my wife's birthday, which is end of august, so there will be enough time for apple to actually come up with it (i hope). if not, it will be a present for our wedding anniversary, which is in september. i just hope i won't have to give it to her with a xmas card.

then again, it was very sad news for all the highwaymen who try to sell you minis at a large profit on ebay :D .

[JFreak]

it was such happy news! i immediately ordered a pink mini for my wife's birthday

i ordered one pink beauty too, but that's gonna be mine :)

[dobbin]

I have also ordered a PINK one for my wife's birthday!

Pink seems to be the most popular colour (judging by this thread alone) so I hope that doesn't mean more delays for pink. Does Apple make different numbers of different colours - I guess they know by now which colour people like the most?

Shipping date is supposed to be 26 July + 3-7 days to ship. Its going to be tight as to whether it gets here in time for her birthday on 2 August :o

[CrackedButter]

mhouse sums it up pretty nicely. I'm going to sum it up not so nicely ;)
I'm pretty sick and tired of other countries spouting the "America companies and specifically Apple hates us and is out to screw us" chatter. Like a bunch of little girls. WHY, oh WHY would it make sense for a corporation, out to make money, to DELAY a product to another country? For kicks and giggles?
Someone else said something about the whole Hiatchi keeping up with production being a lie. Why must that be a lie? What are some good reasons for Apple hating the rest of the world?

If you don't like dealing with international corporations/taxes/laws than I suggest you buy local crafts from the man down the street.
Gah!!!!!
[/rant]

Anyhoo... I personally think that it's great Apple thinks they can start supporting the demand of the European market. I just hope that they can keep supply up.

And who said that because of Apples strict negotiations that Hiatchi must have Apple low on the priority list... Please enlighten me about who else Hiatchi is selling so many 1" dives to. I could be mistaken, but I would think Apple is one, if not THE largest buyer of their drives right now...

Tyler


I wasn't complaining.

[JFreak]

Shipping date is supposed to be 26 July + 3-7 days to ship. Its going to be tight as to whether it gets here in time for her birthday on 2 August :o

if it doesn't, you can always print a nice picture of it to a quality glossy photo paper and say that "this is what you're going to get when it gets delivered" :) oh man, it's going to be tough to wait for it...

[MacViolinist]

Is it not reasonable to assume that Apple has been able to produce a situation such that enormous quantities of iPod minis can be (perhaps already have been) produced, and that, in the interest of pumping up demand, they are "rationing" supplies to a certain extent? In other words, if you have a product that people can't get enough of, are you going to flood the market? I wouldn't.

[dobbin]

I severely doubt they are rationing supply! The best way to hype it up is to get as many as possible sold. Most of my friends have never seen a white ipod, let alone a mini.

A waiting list of several weeks won't help sell any when so many people don't even know they exist (in the UK at least).

I just checked the UKStore - estimated build date is now "4 weeks" which has changed from "24 July" yesterday. I really hope that they are still expecting some limited stock for 24 July and that one of those has my name on it.

I'm excited and its not even for me! I just hope Mrs dobbin likes it!

[obiwan]

I have also ordered a PINK one for my wife's birthday!

Pink seems to be the most popular colour (judging by this thread alone) so I hope that doesn't mean more delays for pink. Does Apple make different numbers of different colours - I guess they know by now which colour people like the most?

Shipping date is supposed to be 26 July + 3-7 days to ship. Its going to be tight as to whether it gets here in time for her birthday on 2 August :o

How many other people bought an iPod mini for their Wife's birthday? - I know I did - although I must admit she couldn't wait until the UK release date, so I ordered mine (whoops, hers) from ebay. She wanted a green one, 'cos the pink ones looked too girly. Maybe it should be re-named iPod g i r l y

[JFreak]

the pink ones looked too girly.

nah... pink ones look SEXY :) i want mine now.

[Porchland]

So does this mean the iPod supply problems are fixed? I noticed last time I considered buying one it had a few week lead time. What is this going to do to the demand?

If the supply problems are fixed, the results aren't yet on the shelf. CompUSA told me on Tuesday that they get about five a week and sell them out the first day. I've never seen a mini on the shelf there.

[Zaty]

She wanted a green one, 'cos the pink ones looked too girly. Maybe it should be re-named iPod g i r l y

I ordered a pink one for myself, I like it better than the other colours, I don't think it's too girly. My shipping date is on or before July 26 (which happens to be my birthday) but I don't think it will ship that day.

[210]

As the iPod Mini has been available in the U.S. for a few months now, does anyone know what the order of popular colors are? I'm surprised the silver version isn't the most popular.

I'm buying my brother for his birthday the blue version, although he said he doesn't mind the silver or green, either.

[dongmin]

As the iPod Mini has been available in the U.S. for a few months now, does anyone know what the order of popular colors are? I'm surprised the silver version isn't the most popular.

I'm buying my brother for his birthday the blue version, although he said he doesn't mind the silver or green, either.

my guess, based on an unscientific survey of local dealers who i've called in a fruitless attempt to secure a silver ipod:

pink
silver
blue
green
gold

i can see them ditching the gold at some point, unless they release a special edition mini layered with real gold.

how about ORANGE to replace the gold?

[neon]

green = <3

i printed out the pdf cut out for my colleagues to gawk at, one of them has taped it to the side of his apple display now :D

this afternoon i'm spending some time with my boss talking her through buying an ibook. in between doing some work :o
maybe i can convince her to add a mini to her order...

[Loge]

For what it's worth, sales rankings at Amazon.com currently show

Silver - 14
Pink - 29
Blue - 59
Green - 81
Gold - 220

I checked this some months ago, the only change (I think) is that pink has overtaken blue.

[joelypolly]

sorry if any other Aussie has already highlighted this...

In conversion, the iPod 15Gb is 150% of the US price
Whereas the iPod mini is 160% of the US price

That sounds like a bit of profiteering on Apple Oz's behalf.

(And the Aussie dollar is currently 142% of the US dollar)

Am not impressed. I was already reaching for my credit card but, in protest, I will wait til they come down. :mad:

Did you forget our lovely 10% GST

[AoWolf]

Hmm...maybe. Just don't get people started on C++ versus Java.

Is there free trade across the US/Canadian border? By this I mean, could you have gone to the US, bought an iPod mini, and then brought it back home to Canada without paying import duties or taxes? Or do the usual types of excises apply?

No you don't have to worry about any of that all you do is tell the border guard you came down to see some friends.

[Loud]

does anyone know what the status is on the reported "sound crackling"?
there were some thoughts about whether apple used the shortage of ipod minis to fix the issue before the worldwide launch.

can i expect to get a new ipod mini on the guarantee if the reported crackling sounds would show up?
after all - these are the same minis as were launched in US earlier?

i'm really curious about this as i'm desperate for my new silver best friend:rolleyes:

[Mac Boy-Canada]

Well, when I was looking at the colour selections a LONG time ago, I thought either the silver or the gold one would be great. I wasn't sure about the green or blue one, and definitely not the pink one! Hmm...something to think about....does the colour we pick tell something of our personality?

[ifudge]

I promised myself an iPod mini if I could get my sluggard body in shape for a little bike ride at the end of July (http://www.fresnocycling.com/kaiser/2004/courses04.htm#kaiser) - something to help pass the miles. I'm getting in shape, but unfortunately I am apparently the last person in the world to realize the minis are on back order. It looks like I'm going to be about a week late getting my mini. :(

[Telomar]

Did you forget our lovely 10% GSTYes he did otherwise he would have discovered it's only 145% of the US price. Pretty damn close to currency conversion actually.

[JFreak]

does the colour we pick tell something of our personality?

yes it does.

silver and gold are for people who decide by reasoning and play it safe.
green and blue are for people who decide by feeling.
pink is the sexy little sister for people who like that everyone sees the beauty.

[dongmin]

My local Apple store just got a shipment!!!!!


Boo-yeah!


I put a hold on a silver one. Come to papa!

[hkriffraff]

Well, apple has lost my business on the iPod mini. Available in April turned out to be available in July, then that turned out to be available to order in mid-July. Why would anyone endure a 4-6 weeks ("excluding weekends and public holidays") wait for a product that's almost due for an upgrade?

[sushi]

Well, apple has lost my business on the iPod mini. Available in April turned out to be available in July, then that turned out to be available to order in mid-July. Why would anyone endure a 4-6 weeks ("excluding weekends and public holidays") wait for a product that's almost due for an upgrade?
Relax!

Either wait until the new model is introduced -- whenever that will happen. Or, get the current 4GB version.

Either way, you will be happy with your iPod. It will be worth the wait.

Sushi

[Skatters]

I took this picture yesterday on the subway in Kyoto, Japan. iPod Minis are coming!

[Zaty]

Well, apple has lost my business on the iPod mini. Available in April turned out to be available in July, then that turned out to be available to order in mid-July. Why would anyone endure a 4-6 weeks ("excluding weekends and public holidays") wait for a product that's almost due for an upgrade?

The current mini won't be updated for some time. The only thing that could happen is the introduction of a new model with either a smaller or a bigger hard drive (i.e 2 or 6/8 GB) or even both. Before the mini was annouced at MSWF, there were lots of rumours of a 2 GB mini. The same rumours surfaced again a few weeks ago.

[RubberChicken]

I'm getting one of these when my 20gig passes on (I give it too my girlfriend). I thought I'd need the space, but my whole CD collection is only 6 GB in iTunes. Once I realised I only want to sync the stuff I like, now I've only got half that on my pod. The clincher is an article I read in SMH icon today that said the colours are actually very subtle. Phew, the whole candy thing is so last decade.

[sushi]

I took this picture yesterday on the subway in Kyoto, Japan. iPod Minis are coming!
Yep, they are coming soon.

Tonight my daughter informed me that she wouldn't mind a Pink one! :eek:

Who knows, she might just get lucky! :D

Sushi

[sushi]

The current mini won't be updated for some time. The only thing that could happen is the introduction of a new model with either a smaller or a bigger hard drive (i.e 2 or 6/8 GB) or even both. Before the mini was annouced at MSWF, there were lots of rumours of a 2 GB mini. The same rumours surfaced again a few weeks ago.
For myself, I am in a quandry. My iTunes shows about 22GB being used.

I have a Gen 1, 10GB model that works great. When the bigger ones came out, I figured that I would upgrade so that I could keep my whole collection on the iPod. However, the sync'ing works so well and fast with FW, that it has not been a issue for me.

I must say that I am excited to see the new Mini iPods as they come out this month in Japan. I am really looking forward to seeing them. My guess is that I will like them very much.

The question for me will be should I wait for the 2nd generation mini or just go with the 4GB one.

Decisions! :eek: ;)

Sushi

[coldspot]

iPod mini in Brazil: 512.90 dollars. I'm not going to buy one.

[Loud]

The current mini won't be updated for some time.
not even updates related to the sound crackling problems we keep hearing about? i'm curious about this issue...experiences anyone? :rolleyes:

[solvs]

not even updates related to the sound crackling problems we keep hearing about? i'm curious about this issue...experiences anyone? :rolleyes:
I managed to find a silver one a few months ago. No crackling. But then, I am very careful with it. :D

[abhi_beckert]

Maybe to save that $18.60, you should book a flight to LA...

Seriously, you're getting outraged over a very mild difference. You couldn't even get it posted for that. And if the exchange rate fluctuates in the meantime, you would end up paying more. Really.

It has already fluctuated. Today apple is overcharging ausies by AUD $1.10. I have $350 saved up already... :cool:

[iMan]

Today the consumer organisation in Norway publicised a test of mp3 players - and iPod mini crushed the competition! scoring a total of 82 (of 100) points (closest was at 73) it was in a class of its own. The best score it made from sound quality, but also user-experience/navigation was mentioned. This despite it had the tests lowest battery capacity and only medium storage capacity.

Tested players were:
Archos Video AV 320
Thomson PDP2860U
Apple iPod mini
Philips HDD100/05
Creative Labs muVo2
Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox Zen NX
Rio Nitrus
Thomson PDP2840U
Philips hdd060
Archos Gmini120
iRiver IFP-599T
Philips key005
Waitec Fusion
:D

[uv23]

An opportunity came up today and my impulse buy motivation was too strong to resist. As far as I know, I got the first iPod Mini sold in a store in Calgary. :) (the official release date isn't until Saturday... long story). A nice little silver iPod to match my nice little 12" PowerBook. I was shocked to learn that Minis can in fact be used as portable hard drives for storing any kind of media you want - for some reason i thought they lacked this ability. Also picked up the armband which seems very well engineered. Now it's time to hide/cut up/incinerate my VISA. :) On a not so wonderful note, the first time I tried to transfer over a song (a 500mb wav file) it locked up and took iTunes with it. I decided to convert it to mp3 and all transfers since have been smooth as butter. Woot!