iPods Sold Out?

[MacRumors]

BBC News reports that the iPod is "flying off shop shelves" with demand clearly outstripping supply.

Some British shops have been left to take post-Christmas sales despite Apple "doing all it could to increase production".

This echos consumer and retailer experiences in the United States with many locations selling out of the popular Apple peripheral. An AdAge article (pay content) had previously noted that Apple executives had predicted that they would sell out its iPod inventory this holiday season, suggesting that Apple was unable to further ramp up production.

 

[arn]

Is the iPod the in-demand holiday gift this season?

I haven't been in the market for one ... others have trouble finding one?

arn

 

[Head Wound]

Can't ramp up production?

Maybe they are spending all there extra production time on new iPods?

 

[zulgand04]

Hey thats awsome there selling like crazy but not so good they cant meet demand.

-Neal

 

[alset]

Wes (a member of this site) told me that the iPod was the hottest XMas gift in the UK (his locale). That was about a week ago, so I guess it's true.

Dan

 

[sonofslim]

well, i've been shopping for iPod accessories and i've been to a lot of stores have run out of carrying cases and other stuff. so if that's any indication of iPod demand, then i'd say it's pretty high...

 

[Stella]

Excellent the iPod is doing well, shame Apple couldn't keep up with demand.

My brother will get a mp3 player, as will my step Dad for christmas, but not iPods, too expensive. Shame Apple couldn't have released cheaper iPods sooner... but if they do next month, better late than never.

With the iPod doing so well... how long will it take before online Music Stores stop using WMA crap and use AAC? I remember one of them saying.. "when AAC is more popular, then we will revise our decisions".. when is popular, popular - Apple already have the largest market share of MP3 players.. will 50, 60% be enough for them.

I'm sure they could negioate with Apple about using the Fairplay DRM... Apple should realize, the more Music Stores that support AAC, the more iPods sold - people won't have to rely on iTMS as their single source.

OK, the iTMS is only there is sell iPods, but so could other music stores.. This is a very real weakness of iPod and Music Store - only one Music Store is compatible, and not everyone likes iTunes... so they don't have any alternatives.

 

[Macette]

i didn't have any trouble getting one a week ago for my brother, but i wouldn't want to be trying in the centre of any major (australian) city today. some of the suburban places still have a few though.

 

[Grimace]

Well, this would make sense for a space bump at MWSF.

15GB $299
30GB $399
50GB $499

2GB $99
4GB $149

 

[pivo6]

I was going to try and buy myself one for Christmas, but thought I might wait out MWSF. Now it looks like I couldn't get one if I tried.

if the rumors are true for newer iPods, I hope that Apple can supply them in sufficient numbers.

 

[kb9000]

Not too surprising, I suppose...

Many of my [PC using] friends want an iPod for themselves, when in the past those sort would scoff at mine.

They still think that simply using iTunes for their existing music will cost them money per song_

 

[j33pd0g]

I had typed some long winded paragraph about Apple executives, but decided not to go with it. I'll just say congratulations Apple. They're getting their product and name out there. The iPod is holding it's own against flimsy competition.

 

[warcraftmaster]

"Apple's digital jukebox"

"Apple's digital jukebox" i hate how that sounds , its sound like delll or some other crap player that are out there
it should be called iPod and that is it.
not a d*mm "digital jukebox" the iPod does so much it should be only call a iPod



just my 2 cent

 

[dongmin]

So I guess the next questions is What will Apple do to keep the iPod current for next year's Xmas?

With the advertising blitz and the publicity generated by the iTMS, Apple was successful in keeping the iPod at the front of the public's consiousness. I'm curious about what new amazing feature (music videos? album art? wireless, anywhere iTMS?) will make the iPod next Xmas' must-have gadget. Any guesses?

 

[Macmaniac]

Well this is good news/ bad news/ Its good to see that iPods are flying off the shelves, however its a shame that Apple did not have enough in production to meet demand. Hopefully demand will be high next year as well. 2 Million here we come.

 

[Gymnut]

The Dell DJ must be looking pretty lonely on those store shelves.

 

[Grimace]

The Apple Store still seems to have a healthy supply.

The 10GB and 40GB models have 1-2 day ship times. The 20GB model has a 1-3 day ship time.

Time to clear out the stock for the upgraded models!!!

 

[pbooktebo]

Palo Alto

I was in the Palo Alto Apple Store yesterday, and a clerk told me that they were out of 10 and 20 GB models, and that some people were upgrading to 40 GB models.

She said that she had heard that 3rd party places were also out.

Of course, even with the tech slump, Palo Alto is a bit richer than many areas. However, I'm impressed that they're selling so well. It's also nice that they had inventory until 1-2 days before Christmas, as I expect they met most of the holiday demand.

Go Apple!

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by Gymnut
The Dell DJ must be looking pretty lonely on those store shelves.

Speaking of the Dell DJ, does anyone know what kind of sales its' been getting around the country/world. As much as I would love to see it happen, I'm sure the iPod is not the only player selling this holiday season.

 

[TomSmithMacEd]

Originally posted by Gymnut
The Dell DJ must be looking pretty lonely on those store shelves.

If they even sold those in stores. I would just feel ashmed if I got a Dell DJ for christmas. Sort of like I'm not good enough to get the best, I have to just try to be. And as far as I know you can still buy the iPOd's at the local best Buy and they had some at the Minneapolis store... I think it is more of a problem in UK.

 

[~Shard~]

Wow, this is excellent for Apple! Sure, it's a problem if they've ran out and can't meet consumer demand, but it's a good kind of problem!

Good strategy too - Apple sells out of iPods for Christmas, then come MWSF, releases the new iPods/mini-iPods or whatever at lower prices. And then more people will start buying them!

Well, this definitely proves that Apple isn't losing money or made a mistake by not releasing the rumored mini-iPods before Christmas - the current ones are selling amazingly on their own!

 

[crees!]

Originally posted by kb9000
Many of my [PC using] friends want an iPod for themselves, when in the past those sort would scoff at mine.

They still think that simply using iTunes for their existing music will cost them money per song_

You seriously need to talk to your friends. I had to do the same with mine as well. They don't care too much to look into all the details and they need someone like you and me to straighten them out.

 

[Essefgy]

Maybe individual stores are out of stock, but Apple isn't. I ordered one last night from the online store (20GB) and have already gotten confirmation it's been shipped.

Sounds like the media are trying to scare people again. Tomorrow's story will be that radiation from the iPod might cause brain damage.

 

[elgruga]

ipods selling out is a GOOD thing

All best selling stuff sells out at christmas - its great to see Apple in this position.

Apple have a serious chance at becoming a major music industry player, possibly even a major label, because the old rules are gone, and he who controls the download, controls all of the business.

The new low-price iPod (if true) will be the big move.

CD's and all that record business crap is shakier by the minute.

Most artists HATE their record companies, (I used to work in the biz), and would love to get their product out direct to the fans.

Next? The film biz. Buy a DVD? Why, when you can d/l it.......

I just want Apple to be successful so they will always make a cool laptop for me.

And did I hear of a powerbook G5 soon?!!!!!!

 

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by Essefgy
Tomorrow's story will be that radiation from the iPod might cause brain damage.

It does?!?! OH DEAR GOD!!!
<jumps out nearby window>
<continues to listen to iPod en route to the hospital because it's just so damn cool>