$329 - why it works

[ryannel2003]

People do like to compare Apple to car brands. I've never used the comparison myself, but the analogies are interesting.

 

[zhenya]

I drive a Mercedes CL. You know, the one that's considered the benchmark for luxury coupes?

It's a very nice car, but it's been a long time since Mercedes has been the benchmark in this segment. I prefer older Mercedes myself, from the time before the bean counters took over. (Owner of a flawless 1987 190e 2.3-16 here...)

They've come around again since the dark years of the late 90's to early 2000's and I do admit that the w204's are sharp looking cars.

 

[bri1212]

And isn't that the purpose of owning a tablet device?
You realize it's useless without content?
Less money spent on device = more $$ for content!
Another point for a cheaper, better 7 incher.

That is the point. Apple is not making it's money on content. Apple makes it's money on device. The 30% cut (on content) apple gets, mostly goes to regulating and administering the App store. So why would Apple care if you have more $$ for content when they do not make money on that. The other thing about content is that there are literally hundreds of thousands of apps that are free. Many of which are very useful.
The truth of the matter is that Apple has a certain markup that they want to make on their products. That is the reason why it ended up at 329. Truth is, When I am spending $300 on something, I don't think there is that much difference between 299 and 329, and If I really want it the difference would not make me balk. Especially when I already own loads of content for it.

 

[mrsir2009]

You realize Barnes and Noble- a book seller- is releasing a tablet next week with far better specs- better screen, more Ram, storage card- for a much cheaper cost? And it's a true 7 inch.

Apple can't do better than a book seller?

Apple is nuts with this silly mini ipad.
Good luck.

Better specs don't mean ****** to most people - They'll buy an iPad Mini because it's an iPad and it's made by Apple so they know it'll be good. We'll just wait and see who does "better"