iPod Line: My Predictions

[StarbucksSam]

I will very VERY rarely predict things related to computing and new releases, becuase I very VERY rarely end up being right, but I think I deserve a fair shot at the new iPod line. I do believe this will occur at MWSF, but there are no guarantees... we tend to have those February announcements that seem like afterthoughts.

My thoughts on iPod line:

iPod will still be available in 20 GB and 40 GB at 299/399, but I'm not going to rule out the POSSIBLE release of a 60 GB at 499. I do NOT see price drops happening on the regular iPods, or color screens.

iPod Mini will still be available, but I have two possible scenarios. It will either drop in price to $199 and remain at 4 GB or stay at the current price and evolve into a 6 to 7 GB drive.

iPod Photo will remain the same with no changes.

iPod FLASH model that is rumored - I DO believe this is going to happen, but I think some of the numbers being tossed around like $199 are a bit over the top. I'm seeing a 1GB (Apple just won't go lower than that, they DO have dignity) iPod Dinky (just making up the name) for $149 or so.

Therefore, I see the iPod product line as such.

149 - 1 GB iPod Flash
199/249 - 4/6 GB iPod Mini (new colors?)
299/399 - iPod 20/40
349 - iPod U2 Edition
499/599 - iPod Photo


Any thoughts?

 

[jxyama]

if apple's past pricing is an indication, mini will never go below $250. apple has typically raised the capacity but kept the price.

iPod Photo will remain the same.
iPod will go 30 GB/40 GB for $300/400
mini will go for $250 but with 6 GB HD
flash will go for $200 with 1 GB

 

[StarbucksSam]

If Apple does 30 for 300, I'm going to be VERY pissed as I just bought a 20.

 

[OryHara]

...flash will go for $200 with 1 GB

i doubt many will buy a 1GB ipod for $200,
then again i didnt think anyone would buy the 4 GB ipod mini for $250 when all they had to do was lay down another $50 for an extra... 6GB, when it first came out

 

[Dr. Dastardly]

i doubt many will buy a 1GB ipod for $200,
then again i didnt think anyone would buy the 4 GB ipod mini for $250 when all they had to do was lay down another $50 for an extra... 6GB, when it first came out

They would if it was a more compact player with included arm band and such for working out. Thats the only time I see these people using those little mp3 players like the Nike one for example.

But is this iPod flash rumor really fathomable. I must have missed the discussion with at least some tid-bits of Apple buying numerous flash drives for small players. I'm not saying they aren't but could someone direct me to something if they have anything.

 

[Mechcozmo]

POSSIBLE release of a 60 GB at 499.

It costs ~20 bucks to add a color screen to an iPod. It won't happen. The hard drives are the most expensive parts of the iPods.

 

[Koodauw]

i doubt many will buy a 1GB ipod for $200,
then again i didnt think anyone would buy the 4 GB ipod mini for $250 when all they had to do was lay down another $50 for an extra... 6GB, when it first came out

haha, your not alone in thinking it wouldnt seel at 249. ( I thought It would, I bought one right away, but I'm tryin to gloat.) Also, check out the 17 and 12'' inch PB rumors, NO ONE thought those were true. I cant find the thread right now, but its a good read.