Apple iPad Pricing and Availability: $600-$1000, March 1st?

[peterdevries]

Sure, I referred to the one year apple warranty. Why not?

And the 2 Years wich you are speaking from is in german called "Gewährleistung". This has nothing to do with the manufacturer, only with your dealer. But if you buy a product directly from the apple store (for example in germany), apple is dealer and manufacturer at the same time.

When you buy a apple product from a different retailer like gravis (germany again) then you have the warranty wich you speaking from (gewährleistung) by gravis. And so on and so on.

You should now the facts. There is so much lack of knowledge...

Allright then. The effect is the same. I know about gewährleistung (lived in Frankfurt and Munich for 10 years).

The point here is that your device has two years of protection in the EU, meaning that if it breaks within this period through no external fault (like dropping it, or dropping it into the toilet), than you are entitled to two repair tries and after that a new or refurbished item.

I'm personally not convinced though that this is the reason for the higher prices of Apple products here in Europe.

 

[Dave00]

It's not that hard to understand

$1000 - No contract, just use Wi-Fi
$600 - 2 year data contract. 3G + WiFi.

arn

But that would require a paradigm shift for most people. Would you get a contract for just 3G service for your computer, without the option of a phone? I'd bet most people wouldn't, unless there was some tie-in with an actual phone. I'm betting 3G is included but you have to get a data plan with a provider of your choice.

 

[zub3qin]

The idea of a tablet is so very cool to me.
But Apple's idea of a tablet is different than all of ours.

We all generally want a tablet that replaces a laptop. A real computer that lets you run real software the same as a laptop (not iPhone apps which are really scaled down no matter what people are going to say.... I want real OS X.) Perhaps a way to dock the tablet into the laptop, so your two pieces of hardware are always in sync (same desktop, files, etc).

Apple's idea of a tablet is a touch screen e-reader and movie reader and place to buy even more iphone apps-- basically a mechanism for apple to sell more content, not just a piece of freestanding hardware like a desktop or laptop. In fact, I think Apple has shifted from a company that wants to sell hardware and make money once, towards a company that wants to sell content and make money continuously. A Macbook makes Apple money once. No ongoing fees to Apple. iPhone gets Apple $$ every month from the carrier as well as from all of us who are buying apps. iPod is the same-- with music. AppleTV will be next with monthly content fees and movie rental fees. I suspect Apple will at some point transition the Macbook to a cloud based device that will cost us monthly.

Now, the idea of flippping through the NYTimes or Sports Illustrated on a tablet seems cool, except that I have already been able to read these media on a portable device (my macbook and iphone) for years. NOW I will have to pay or subscribe to it, and have to pay an extra monthly contract for the 3G connection. For all the hype about this new thing called e-books and e-magazines with extra content, aren't they just simply WEBPAGES?

Can someone explain to me, beyond the hype and cool-factor of a sleek touchscreen device, WHY would I want to pay for something I can get for free now? And something that really isn't the tablet that I want? Am I alone on this?

 

[peterdevries]

But that would require a paradigm shift for most people. Would you get a contract for just 3G service for your computer, without the option of a phone? I'd bet most people wouldn't, unless there was some tie-in with an actual phone. I'm betting 3G is included but you have to get a data plan with a provider of your choice.

I currently pay 30 € ($45) per month for my iPhone 3G plan, which includes unlimited data.

I would consider paying 10 € ($15) per month for an unlimited data only 3G plan in addition to my iPhone plan, but not a penny more than that.

 

[Somtaaw]

The idea of a tablet is so very cool to me.
But Apple's idea of a tablet is different than all of ours.

We all generally want a tablet that replaces a laptop. A real computer that lets you run real software the same as a laptop (not iPhone apps which are really scaled down no matter what people are going to say.... I want real OS X.) Perhaps a way to dock the tablet into the laptop, so your two pieces of hardware are always in sync (same desktop, files, etc).

Apple's idea of a tablet is a touch screen e-reader and movie reader and pace to buy even more iphone apps-- basically a mechanism for apple to sell more content, not just a piece of freestanding hardware like a desktop or laptop.

Now, the idea of flippping through the NYTimes or Sports Illustrated on a tablet seems cool, except that I have laready been able to read these media on a portable device (my macbook and iphone) for years. NOW I will have to pay or subscribe to it, and have to pay an extra monthly contract for the 3G connection.

Can someone explain to me, beyond the hype and cool-factor of a sleek touchscreen device, WHY would I want to pay for something I can get for free now? And something that really isn't the tablet that I want? Am I alone on this?

I agree with you 100%, but the fact of the matter is that we don't know for sure exactly how the Tablet will be pitched. It may be just a iPhone App player with a larger display, but it could be more. The point is, no is going to be able to explain why you would want to pay for this, because no one knows yet . Tomorrow's the day we'll finally understand lol

 

[Mastidon]

I'm personally not convinced though that this is the reason for the higher prices of Apple products here in Europe.

I agree with you it is not the only reason it is higher as I am sure Apple is taking advantage of the high Euro but it is a factor as the total cost of goods is higher and as shown by yesterday's financials, Apple certainly cares about % of profit.

 

[G77]

Allright then. The effect is the same. I know about gewährleistung (lived in Frankfurt and Munich for 10 years).

The point here is that your device has two years of protection in the EU, meaning that if it breaks within this period through no external fault (like dropping it, or dropping it into the toilet), than you are entitled to two repair tries and after that a new or refurbished item.

I'm personally not convinced though that this is the reason for the higher prices of Apple products here in Europe.

Well it is.

There are two main reasons for higher prices in EU:

1. VAT (20% on average - vary in different EU countries)
2. 2 year warranty - it really cost big money.

Apple products are aproximately 30% more expensive in my country.

 

[Keva161]

wtf.. MOST people wouldnt use this outside of their homes and since most homes have WiFi accessthe 3G tie in seems a little pointless.. cool but pointless.

So that pushes the price to nearly a thousand £'s for those of us in the UK?.. I could buy the baseline macbook pro for less than that which has a bigger screen etc.

 

[Virtuon]

A laptop costs more than a desktop with monitor because they're using smaller parts. Following this line of logic the iPhone will cost more than the iPad because they're using smaller parts. Maybe the tablet WILL be cheaper if it's using larger, more common, more available parts.

The tablet is still a small device mister. Why is the Macbook Air so expensive if it's a larger device? It's slim, as the tablet will be. Slim equals the necessity to use smaller parts.

Yeah, for the super hardcore Apple fans only. Like what your signature shown.

I am not a hardcore fan. I am an enthusiast and a minimalist. I stick with certain companies for the certain areas of my life. Apple: Computers, Phone, iPod. I buy only what I need, and what I own, I use consistently. I stick with Sony for my television, DSLR, console, etc. I stick with Kohler for my bathroom accessories. I've done my research, and I use what I use for a reason. It has nothing to do with being a fanboy. It's all about quality.

Finally, someone dare speaketh the truth.

Are you a derider?

 

[Gregorski]

Apple's idea of a tablet is a touch screen e-reader and movie reader and place to buy even more iphone apps

So you've seen this device then and spoken to Apple about their business model? No, I didn't think so. You might be right, but no-one will know until tomorrow so it's better not to make sweeping statements like that.

In fact, I think Apple has shifted from a company that wants to sell hardware and make money once, towards a company that wants to sell content and make money continuously.

This is the holy grail in any business. Recurring income. Also, once you've hooked a customer into this model it's easier to keep them as you have constant contact with them and therefore the ability to keep them as a customer through your communications channels and proven customer service.

 

[dooyou]

Allright then. The effect is the same. I know about gewährleistung (lived in Frankfurt and Munich for 10 years).

Okay, one more thing because it is not.

The point here is that your device has two years of protection

Sure, but after six month you are in the burden of proof and not your dealer. This "protection" is only a peace of paper. But not every dealer is well informed and most of the products in germany were sold anyway with a 2 year manucaturer warranty like sony.

So, okay, I take a coffee now. I really don't want to be the person who knows everything about that, but i wrote this lines because a lot of people doesn't know what they are talking about.

 

[zub3qin]

wtf.. MOST people wouldnt use this outside of their homes and since most homes have WiFi accessthe 3G tie in seems a little pointless.. cool but pointless.

So that pushes the price to nearly a thousand £'s for those of us in the UK?.. I could buy the baseline macbook pro for less than that which has a bigger screen etc.

I disagree-- if you are at home, you will use your macbook, not a tiny 10 inch screen device with a touch screen keyboard.

The small size of the tablet is useful only because it makes it portable. Hence, the reason to have a tablet is to use it outside your home, where there is not typically wifi. The device as it stands needs 3G. If it was a "real" tablet (basically a touchscreen macbook) rather than a e-reader and appstore front door, then wifi would be ok. But you can't do much with this device I suspect beyond consuming content- which requires an active internet connection.

Also, Apple has made it clear its business model is making money off of content- not just selling hardware. They LOVE app store, itunes, and soon will be selling television content and perhaps cloud based apps. Apple will insist that you are able to buy your apps anywhere, not just at home when on wifi. They want to maximize app store sales.

 

[Gregorski]

Well it is.

There are two main reasons for higher prices in EU:

1. VAT (20% on average - vary in different EU countries)
2. 2 year warranty - it really cost big money.

Apple products are aproximately 30% more expensive in my country.

It should be noted that the US consumers on this site will most likely be quoting prices exc. VAT/sales tax, while the European consumers will be quoting inclusive of VAT. This is a large percentage of the perceived price difference, but not all of it. I suspect some is just Apple creaming it on the exchange rate and hoping you won't notice.

 

[peterdevries]

Well it is.

There are two main reasons for higher prices in EU:

1. VAT (20% on average - vary in different EU countries)
2. 2 year warranty - it really cost big money.

Apple products are aproximately 30% more expensive in my country.

Although I consider it definitely a factor, it just cannot be the sole reason. There is also VAT in the US and clothing is also generally much more expensive here in Europe, and I don't think there is any warranty on clothing, or is there (not sure on that point)?

 

[Gregorski]

wtf.. MOST people wouldnt use this outside of their homes and since most homes have WiFi accessthe 3G tie in seems a little pointless.. cool but pointless.

So that pushes the price to nearly a thousand £'s for those of us in the UK?.. I could buy the baseline macbook pro for less than that which has a bigger screen etc.

Surely part of the point of this device is that it is Apple equivalent of a netbook, and therefore is the ideal device for travelling on holiday etc. Great for watching movies on the plane, keeping the kids quiet, with some functionality to deal with you email/surfing habits while you're away.

 

[Dave00]

For $1,000, definitely not worth it when you can just buy a full running notebook (MacBook) less the Touch Screen interface. My take on this is $799 and not a penny more. If it's going to be a "tablet" or a "netbook" it would have to be under $999 since the MacBook is priced at that. This has nothing to do with a iPod Touch being $400.00 or an iPhone costing $600.00 retail. The truth is, if the Tablet cost $1,000 without contract, the majority of people would just pass it up and buy a Macbook or a MacBook Pro for that matter. Apple knows this and I'm sure they took the MacBook line into serious consideration when setting the price for the Tablet. Again, my opinion on this whole thing. No need for bashing me . Of course people are going to "Think Different" but that's why we're all here!

It depends on the positioning of a product. You could also make the argument, who would buy an iPod Touch when you can get a netbook "whole computer" for less, a much bigger screen, etc. It's a different product. The pricing will have to be higher than an iPod touch, and probably higher than a contract-free iPhone, since they're similar devices and this one will have about 4x the screen space. My bet is $799 for lower-memory device, $899 for higher memory device. Maybe even $699/799. But not lower, and certainly not $999, since that's getting into the space where people aren't willing to pay for a small consumer-electronics device.

 

[Mastidon]

wtf.. MOST people wouldnt use this outside of their homes and since most homes have WiFi accessthe 3G tie in seems a little pointless.. cool but pointless.

So that pushes the price to nearly a thousand £'s for those of us in the UK?.. I could buy the baseline macbook pro for less than that which has a bigger screen etc.

Its really funny you say that. I was just looking at the Apple Store online thinking the same thing.

If I think about the advantages behind having a netbook, the biggest is that it is a very small laptop to take with you. Not having a physical keyboard makes it complicated to use on a plane. Would you want to hold your macbook in your hand for 2 hours while typing something? Not likely.

I hope Apple came up with a solution to stand the thing up so it can be used on a plane without having to hold it for hours on end. If not, we are looking at the next Lisa.

 

[Gregorski]

Although I consider it definitely a factor, it just cannot be the sole reason. There is also VAT in the US and clothing is also generally much more expensive here in Europe, and I don't think there is any warranty on clothing, or is there (not sure on that point)?

In the UK, the sale of goods act gives a level of cover at least over poor quality items being "fit for purpose". i.e if you buy a winter coat and it falls apart after 3 months you have some come back with the retailer.

 

[zub3qin]

The idea of a tablet is so very cool to me.
But Apple's idea of a tablet is different than all of ours.

We all generally want a tablet that replaces a laptop. A real computer that lets you run real software the same as a laptop (not iPhone apps which are really scaled down no matter what people are going to say.... I want real OS X.) Perhaps a way to dock the tablet into the laptop, so your two pieces of hardware are always in sync (same desktop, files, etc).

Apple's idea of a tablet is a touch screen e-reader and movie reader and place to buy even more iphone apps-- basically a mechanism for apple to sell more content, not just a piece of freestanding hardware like a desktop or laptop. In fact, I think Apple has shifted from a company that wants to sell hardware and make money once, towards a company that wants to sell content and make money continuously. A Macbook makes Apple money once. No ongoing fees to Apple. iPhone gets Apple $$ every month from the carrier as well as from all of us who are buying apps. iPod is the same-- with music. AppleTV will be next with monthly content fees and movie rental fees. I suspect Apple will at some point transition the Macbook to a cloud based device that will cost us monthly.

Now, the idea of flippping through the NYTimes or Sports Illustrated on a tablet seems cool, except that I have already been able to read these media on a portable device (my macbook and iphone) for years. NOW I will have to pay or subscribe to it, and have to pay an extra monthly contract for the 3G connection. For all the hype about this new thing called e-books and e-magazines with extra content, aren't they just simply WEBPAGES?

Can someone explain to me, beyond the hype and cool-factor of a sleek touchscreen device, WHY would I want to pay for something I can get for free now? And something that really isn't the tablet that I want? Am I alone on this?

And one more thing
Doesn't it really annoy people that SJ is purposely crippling the device to maximize Apple profits? We know Apple *could* make a tablet that replicates a Macbook pretty well, but they don't want to cannibalize sales. I know it is a business, so I understand the reasoning... but still, can't they give us what *we* want, not what *they* want us to have?

 

[G77]

Although I consider it definitely a factor, it just cannot be the sole reason. There is also VAT in the US and clothing is also generally much more expensive here in Europe, and I don't think there is any warranty on clothing, or is there (not sure on that point)?

There is 2 years warranty on clothing too.

 

[star-fish]

Well it is.

There are two main reasons for higher prices in EU:

1. VAT (20% on average - vary in different EU countries)
2. 2 year warranty - it really cost big money.

Apple products are aproximately 30% more expensive in my country.

VAT is 15%-17.5% in most EU countries.

Most people don't know they have a 2 yr warranty as it's advertised everywhere as one yr.

Do retailers ever get info ahead of time?
I'm not buyin'

I work for a big authorised Apple reseller, and I can confirm we NEVER get info ahead of time. Even last release when we got the products physically in stock just before the info went live on the Apple website, we hadn't got as far as finding out the specs before it was on Apple's site.

 

[Sokratesagogo]

<snip> Can someone explain to me, beyond the hype and cool-factor of a sleek touchscreen device, WHY would I want to pay for something I can get for free now? And something that really isn't the tablet that I want? Am I alone on this?</snip>

Well, I'm in the market for a netbook for casual web browsing and IM and an e-book as a replacement for the piles of books my baby son is gnawing through on my study floor.

If this device can combine these functions at a price around £500 I'm in

 

[peterdevries]

Okay, one more thing because it is not.



Sure, but after six month you are in the burden of proof and not your dealer. This "protection" is only a peace of paper. But not every dealer is well informed and most of the products in germany were sold anyway with a 2 year manucaturer warranty like sony.

So, okay, I take a coffee now. I really don't want to be the person who knows everything about that, but i wrote this lines because a lot of people doesn't know what they are talking about.

Don't worry, I don't mind being wrong and being educated by other people.

 

[dooyou]

[...]in the US and clothing is also generally much more expensive here in Europe[...]

You come to america with your strong currency, the euro. Also is the purchasing power different. There are a lot of facts. For us here in germany, england (for example london) is expensive or the whole GB. And this has really nothing to do with the warranty

Don't worry, I don't mind being wrong and being educated by other people.

It is not in my intention to teach you or anybody else here.

 

[star-fish]

Well, I'm in the market for a netbook for casual web browsing and IM and an e-book as a replacement for the piles of books my baby son is gnawing through on my study floor.

If this device can combine these functions at a price around £500 I'm in

And what happens when your baby son pushes it on the floor or stands on it and it's got no lid to provide some protection?