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iPod Mini Countdown
- Thread starter arn
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iPod engraving
Just wondering what kinda things people were getting for engraving on their iPods. I can't decide what I want on mine.
Just wondering what kinda things people were getting for engraving on their iPods. I can't decide what I want on mine.
I picked up a silver one at Fry's on my lunch hour. Haven't had the chance to play with it yet though since I'm at work. Strangely, they had more silver ones available than any other color. A quick glance estimation was that they had about 10 silver, 5 each of the gold, green and blue, and only one pink. I'm sure they'll all be gone by this evening, so I went on ahead and picked one up.
P.S.: I forgot to mention that they also had a few of the mini docks and armbands already out for sale as well.
P.S.: I forgot to mention that they also had a few of the mini docks and armbands already out for sale as well.
I completely agree with you raven, the iPod mini is so obviously superior in every aspect except price. While I do think that the price should be lowered to 200, lets keep in mind that the iPod has not even been released yet, Apple hasn't had a chance to reduce the price. Maybe a week from now the price will be dropped to 200, apparently thats how long it took the muvo according to rogo but who knows if thats even accurate. I did a search for muvo on epinions and I did see the 4GB muvo for 205 but then again I saw their 512MB model for 240...wow muvo thats some great marketing. Way to move the products.
I absolutely agree with you. I think Apple needs to sell the iPod mini for $49, lest they wish to dominate this market. If they can get it down to $29, Apple would just sell them like hotcakes.
<EoS>
Re: iPod engraving
I gave my valentine an iPod engraved "Be my bitch". Suffice to say, he wasn't too amused.
I gave my valentine an iPod engraved "Be my bitch". Suffice to say, he wasn't too amused.
"And why is it that Creative can make a profit (we're making a large assumption there)...."
Only in Apple RDF land could this statement even be made. They have no attach rate of songs and minimal (if any?) accessory sales on Muvo. And yet they choose to sell it at $199.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product_jump.asp?sku=90130892
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001BXCFS/jewishbookmal0a-20/103-0557272-9720617
It appears to be selling out everywhere.
What a dumb plan by Creative! Sell a ton of players!
Sure, the Mini is "superior" and I actually agree it has better parts.
The fact that all of you are such AppleHeads you can't see my point says just about everything there is to say. There is a forest out there, and all you see is trees... Alas.
I hope Apple mgt. is more "in tune' than they seem to be and this initial price is merely the typical early-adopter tax.
If not, well, history will repeat...
Only in Apple RDF land could this statement even be made. They have no attach rate of songs and minimal (if any?) accessory sales on Muvo. And yet they choose to sell it at $199.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product_jump.asp?sku=90130892
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001BXCFS/jewishbookmal0a-20/103-0557272-9720617
It appears to be selling out everywhere.
What a dumb plan by Creative! Sell a ton of players!
Sure, the Mini is "superior" and I actually agree it has better parts.
The fact that all of you are such AppleHeads you can't see my point says just about everything there is to say. There is a forest out there, and all you see is trees... Alas.
I hope Apple mgt. is more "in tune' than they seem to be and this initial price is merely the typical early-adopter tax.
If not, well, history will repeat...
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You have to be joking. The mini is far superior to anything available from any company right now. Nobody touches the interface, nobody touches the design, nobody touches its integration with the iTunes and the iTMS. Get off me, bitch.
Precisely
Obviously, it must be. Haha, my blue is for me, not for you!
Originally posted by ALoLA
iPod envy
Obviously, it must be. Haha, my blue is for me, not for you!
Re: Re: Re: Complainers' Logic (or lack of)
I think that Apple is usually very good at picking a price. When the iPod mini first came out the arguments for a $200 price seemed very persuasive yet look at the strength of the sales. If they had come out at $200 they might not have been able to meet demand and they might have left money on the table.
I used to work with a guy in marketing with that talent. He would price something at a level that would cause our stomachs to churn, yet the customers would pay it. My hats off to people with that skill.
I think that Apple is usually very good at picking a price. When the iPod mini first came out the arguments for a $200 price seemed very persuasive yet look at the strength of the sales. If they had come out at $200 they might not have been able to meet demand and they might have left money on the table.
I used to work with a guy in marketing with that talent. He would price something at a level that would cause our stomachs to churn, yet the customers would pay it. My hats off to people with that skill.
I'm sorry Rogo, did you just finally admit that the mini is superior??? And yet you still want them to price it at the same price as something that is inferior in every respect??? Well, when you get them to do that could you also get BMW to price the Mini Cooper the same as the Ford Escort? I'm sure if BMW could just get the Mini Cooper down to under 10,000.00 they would sell like hotcakes. Wait a sec- they're already selling like hotcakes and they cost double their competition! What gives?
You know when I got to my local Apple store just 20 minutes after they started selling the mini they were already sold out of 3 colors and there was at least 50 people in line to get one of the 2 remaining colors (Blue & Silver). However when I was at Fry's the other day I didn't see anyone in line to get Creative mp3 players. I haven't seen any press releases from Creative stating that they sold over 100,000 of them even before it was in stores. I haven't seen any glowing reviews from Cnet or ZDNet over the Muvo2- I'd call their reviews of the Muvo2 less than glowing- ie ZDNet's "However, navigating lists is a pain, as you can see only one song title at a time on the one-line display. If you're the type who often wants to hear a specific song, this is not the player for you"
Or:
"But on each machine we connected to, the MuVo² froze unless we used the AC adapter/charger. Also, files developed skips when we dragged a bunch of individual folders onto the player simultaneously."
Say what??? The Muvo skips, freezes, and you can't find your music???? My iPod doesn't develop skips when I download files. It doesn't freeze either. And I have no problem listening to a specific song. Perhaps that is why I don't mind paying a miniscule 20% more for a mp3 player that actually does what I expect it to- Be able to find and play the specific music I want to listen to- right now, with no pain, no skips, and no problems.
Of course it would be great if the iPod mini were 50 dollars cheaper but like I already said it was JUST RELEASED TODAY. Muvo has an inferior product and therefore it costs an inferior price. Imagine when Apple does reduce the price, who in their right mind would choose the Muvo, or maybe they will choose the 512 MB Muvo that costs 240 dollars. Apple hasn't realized their mistake?....I don't know, pricing an mp3 player that has 8x less space for 40 dollars more than their other 4GB player sounds pretty stupid to me. That would be like if the Apple made the mini cost 350 dollars. Better products costs more money. Period.
I couldn't be bothered to read every post in this thread - life's too short - so my apologies if this has been said before.
Value is different to everybody. A child who gets $5 a week and a $20 birthday gift may think the iPod mini is very expensive. The exec earning $250,000 dollars may not think the same. It is also how you value the item. If music is important and you are looking for a product like this, and can afford it, it's great value. Even better if you were considerin g buying something from the competition because you needed something lighter and smaller than the iPod, now you can pay a little more and get the mini. Maybe the iPod was just too big - in HD size as well as well as physical size.
Personally, for me, I can afford either, would like an iPod, but don't need it. I have 9Gig of music in iTunes, but I bet I havent listened to 6+ of those Gigs in the past few months. If I am going anywhere for more than a few hours, I always have my PB with me, so I would be able to swap my tunes.
The mini looks a little more solid and practical, I may be wrong, and haven't actaully held one to test this. For me, it wouldn't be the case that I am torn between the iPod and mini iPod because of a few $ more. I think it is the better product, for what I need, which is a small light solid mp3 player that can slip in my pocket, or go to the gym with me. I want it to be connectable to my PB, and just work.
For me, the mini is good value, and it;s not about price.
This won't be the case for everyone, but you have to remeber that value is relative. If you are the type of person who wont buy the mini because the iPod is not much more money, then the mini was never made and priced for you, it the iPod was, and it makes the iPod a much better value product. Stop moaning, and go and buy one! If you already have an iPod, of course the mini seems like bad value, but again, it isnt for you, you already have a great value iPod!
And we mustn't forget, whatever any of us think about the price or the product, it is selling very well.
Marc
Value is different to everybody. A child who gets $5 a week and a $20 birthday gift may think the iPod mini is very expensive. The exec earning $250,000 dollars may not think the same. It is also how you value the item. If music is important and you are looking for a product like this, and can afford it, it's great value. Even better if you were considerin g buying something from the competition because you needed something lighter and smaller than the iPod, now you can pay a little more and get the mini. Maybe the iPod was just too big - in HD size as well as well as physical size.
Personally, for me, I can afford either, would like an iPod, but don't need it. I have 9Gig of music in iTunes, but I bet I havent listened to 6+ of those Gigs in the past few months. If I am going anywhere for more than a few hours, I always have my PB with me, so I would be able to swap my tunes.
The mini looks a little more solid and practical, I may be wrong, and haven't actaully held one to test this. For me, it wouldn't be the case that I am torn between the iPod and mini iPod because of a few $ more. I think it is the better product, for what I need, which is a small light solid mp3 player that can slip in my pocket, or go to the gym with me. I want it to be connectable to my PB, and just work.
For me, the mini is good value, and it;s not about price.
This won't be the case for everyone, but you have to remeber that value is relative. If you are the type of person who wont buy the mini because the iPod is not much more money, then the mini was never made and priced for you, it the iPod was, and it makes the iPod a much better value product. Stop moaning, and go and buy one! If you already have an iPod, of course the mini seems like bad value, but again, it isnt for you, you already have a great value iPod!
And we mustn't forget, whatever any of us think about the price or the product, it is selling very well.
Marc
I think the new iPod mini is amazing, the resistant aluminum case, the neat colors, and its great size make it a winning product. I already have a 15 Gig iPod and I am seriously considering getting a mini. Like people have already said, the mini is aimed at the market that wants a small mp3 player that they can carry around with them without worrying about it getting damaged or becoming uncomfortable in a pocket. The 15Gig I have right now is great for going on trips where I want my entire music collection and using as a portable hard drive in case I want to transfer some files to somebody elses computer. But on a purely music level, the mini would be perfect for me. I don't necessarily want to listen to or for that matter even like all of the music that I have on my ipod right now and there is no need for me to be carrying around files with me all day when I could compromise these for a smaller form factor. I know right now that I don't really like to carry around my iPod in my pocket as it can get uncomfortable, however my cell phone is fine in my pocket which is what the mini would be like. I think I gotta get one now....silvers nice.
From my experience, the mini is almost unnoticeable in my pocket. Apple should adopt that bra companies slogan, "Barely there."
It honestly feels like that, you sense some weight but there is no hinderance or bulge that forms. It is really one of the most marvelously small, yet sickly functional pieces of technology I have ever seen or owned. Go get one, you wont be dissapointed.
It honestly feels like that, you sense some weight but there is no hinderance or bulge that forms. It is really one of the most marvelously small, yet sickly functional pieces of technology I have ever seen or owned. Go get one, you wont be dissapointed.
Here's my 'official' review.
Size: Although at first glance and from what pictures you may have seen online, the iPod mini seems "not that much smaller" than the current iPod. In reality, it is not really that much smaller! But, the 3G iPod is small as it is, that the iPod mini being even smaller, makes it unreasonably small, yet still insanely functional. Stand an iPod mini up to a mini DV tape, and you'll be impressed.
Actual Feel: The difference between the original iPod and the mini in terms of weight alone is reason enough for runners to buy it. I used to run with the original iPod and if I would try to put it in my pocket, it would either pull my pants down or swing dangerously. The ladies would like me to keep on using the original iPod, but he mini is better for those of us who are self conscious about our manhood, among other things. By placing the iPod mini on your arm for running with the optional armband, you wont know its there. It is an incredible feeling to be running and hearing music, but not even have a constant reminder from the source itself, that the music is being played from it. It is like weightless music. I took the mini to school with me, with no case. I just dropped it into my jean's pocket and off I went. Hardly any noticeable weight, and nearly zero bulk.
Construction/Design: The mini is really well protected in its aluminum shell, it has picked up no scratches or blemishes of any kind to its body. The only concern I have, is that the scroll whell is prone to getting dirty, because I must have had pencil lead on my finger, which rubbed onto the scroll wheel. I rubbed off the mark in time, so it didnt stain, but it is something to be careful about. Wash your hands before using the mini! I havent dropped it yet, thank god. I hope I never do, but I feel confident that if I did accidentally happen to fumble the mini, it is made out of a resilient grade aluminum and it wouldnt break.
Price/Value: Obviously, this is the most touchy of all of the subjects surrounding the iPod mini. For me, there is no question that the price was well worth it for the product. I am able to go running with the iPod mini now, and not have to worry about dropping it or switching the hands that hold it as I run. It can slip into my pocket and it wont pick up scratches or blemishes. Maybe the only thing I miss is being able to covertly check out my hair in the reflective mirror of the old iPod. As many people may say, the difference of 11 GB's just wont allow them to spend $50 less. For those people it is understandable that they would feel like that. If I were not as active and on-the-go as I am, I would not buy an iPod mini.
Conclusion: So far the experience I have had with the mini really outdoes my original iPod experience. I am not able to carry as many songs, but I also only listen to so many. Portability may come at a slight premium but as far as Apple's players go, the most portable one is the least expensive option. I would encourage anyone to go see it for themselves to get an idea of the fit and finish, that Apple is famous for, and the mini is no exception to Ive's wonderous design skills. I truely believe this iPod mini is going to be the reason why Apple retains its lead in digital music, now and into the foreseeable future.
Size: Although at first glance and from what pictures you may have seen online, the iPod mini seems "not that much smaller" than the current iPod. In reality, it is not really that much smaller! But, the 3G iPod is small as it is, that the iPod mini being even smaller, makes it unreasonably small, yet still insanely functional. Stand an iPod mini up to a mini DV tape, and you'll be impressed.
Actual Feel: The difference between the original iPod and the mini in terms of weight alone is reason enough for runners to buy it. I used to run with the original iPod and if I would try to put it in my pocket, it would either pull my pants down or swing dangerously. The ladies would like me to keep on using the original iPod, but he mini is better for those of us who are self conscious about our manhood, among other things. By placing the iPod mini on your arm for running with the optional armband, you wont know its there. It is an incredible feeling to be running and hearing music, but not even have a constant reminder from the source itself, that the music is being played from it. It is like weightless music. I took the mini to school with me, with no case. I just dropped it into my jean's pocket and off I went. Hardly any noticeable weight, and nearly zero bulk.
Construction/Design: The mini is really well protected in its aluminum shell, it has picked up no scratches or blemishes of any kind to its body. The only concern I have, is that the scroll whell is prone to getting dirty, because I must have had pencil lead on my finger, which rubbed onto the scroll wheel. I rubbed off the mark in time, so it didnt stain, but it is something to be careful about. Wash your hands before using the mini! I havent dropped it yet, thank god. I hope I never do, but I feel confident that if I did accidentally happen to fumble the mini, it is made out of a resilient grade aluminum and it wouldnt break.
Price/Value: Obviously, this is the most touchy of all of the subjects surrounding the iPod mini. For me, there is no question that the price was well worth it for the product. I am able to go running with the iPod mini now, and not have to worry about dropping it or switching the hands that hold it as I run. It can slip into my pocket and it wont pick up scratches or blemishes. Maybe the only thing I miss is being able to covertly check out my hair in the reflective mirror of the old iPod. As many people may say, the difference of 11 GB's just wont allow them to spend $50 less. For those people it is understandable that they would feel like that. If I were not as active and on-the-go as I am, I would not buy an iPod mini.
Conclusion: So far the experience I have had with the mini really outdoes my original iPod experience. I am not able to carry as many songs, but I also only listen to so many. Portability may come at a slight premium but as far as Apple's players go, the most portable one is the least expensive option. I would encourage anyone to go see it for themselves to get an idea of the fit and finish, that Apple is famous for, and the mini is no exception to Ive's wonderous design skills. I truely believe this iPod mini is going to be the reason why Apple retains its lead in digital music, now and into the foreseeable future.
I love my Mini! My only complaint is I wish they would have put a tag on the front of it that says DO NOT LET SOFTWARE UPDATE UPGRADE YOUR MINI TO IPOD VERSION 2.1. - Instead of burying that little tidbit of info in the online documentation. Ah well, water under the bridge. At least they included documentation on how to restore it if you didn't read the owners manual first.... DOH!!!
All of you have to be joking because I've never argued the point about whether or not the Mini is superior. It is superior to the Muvo2. In fact, it is superior to the iPod in just about every measure of functionality (save for capacity).
I, incidentally, have a 3G 20GB unit. I was >>this close<< to swapping to the Mini this weekend. I would've if iTunes had been upgraded to do intelligent, incremental music swapping....
Back to the topic --
If you take two products, call them Good and Better, and price them such that Good costs 1x and Better costs 1.2x, well, you'll certainly sell your share of Better... It's Better, after all.
But if you sell Better for 1x alongside Good at 1x, you'll pretty much obliterate Good from the marketplace.
And what is obviously not clear here, despite my trying to write it several times is this:
The prize is not extracting a few million more dollars in margin on initial player shipments. In fact, it is not at all obvious that the higher price even will achieve that. [Why? Well, the higher price will dampen accessory sales; and the margins on those are off the charts.] The prize is the domination of digital-music distribution.
Apple is poised to win. To be the #1 seller of digital music for the next two decades. It's a long race, sure. But the head start is profound and rare in business. Kind of like the Macintosh's lead in GUI-based computing an eon ago.
Pressing the advantage is not about the standard Silicon Valley "early adopter" tax. It's about pressing the advantage. The sooner the Mini is $199 the better to press that advantage. Friday would've been a fine start date.
[Parting thoughts: I saw the Mini in all five colors. I held and used it. It is that rare, extraordinary digital device that simply transcends. It is the brilliant ergonomics of the original iPod -- minus the obnoxious sharp edge of that device -- without all the bulk of the original. It is what the 3G should've been -- the line of four buttons is a major backwards step vs. the around-the-ring buttons -- only shrunken. I quibble with the color choices and believe they were chosen on purpose to allow for better colors later on. I quibble with the price as you all know, because it is short sighted. I quibble with the continued insistence on a non-replaceable battery, when there was a way to offer one in the Mini. But, wow, what an elegant device.]
I, incidentally, have a 3G 20GB unit. I was >>this close<< to swapping to the Mini this weekend. I would've if iTunes had been upgraded to do intelligent, incremental music swapping....
Back to the topic --
If you take two products, call them Good and Better, and price them such that Good costs 1x and Better costs 1.2x, well, you'll certainly sell your share of Better... It's Better, after all.
But if you sell Better for 1x alongside Good at 1x, you'll pretty much obliterate Good from the marketplace.
And what is obviously not clear here, despite my trying to write it several times is this:
The prize is not extracting a few million more dollars in margin on initial player shipments. In fact, it is not at all obvious that the higher price even will achieve that. [Why? Well, the higher price will dampen accessory sales; and the margins on those are off the charts.] The prize is the domination of digital-music distribution.
Apple is poised to win. To be the #1 seller of digital music for the next two decades. It's a long race, sure. But the head start is profound and rare in business. Kind of like the Macintosh's lead in GUI-based computing an eon ago.
Pressing the advantage is not about the standard Silicon Valley "early adopter" tax. It's about pressing the advantage. The sooner the Mini is $199 the better to press that advantage. Friday would've been a fine start date.
[Parting thoughts: I saw the Mini in all five colors. I held and used it. It is that rare, extraordinary digital device that simply transcends. It is the brilliant ergonomics of the original iPod -- minus the obnoxious sharp edge of that device -- without all the bulk of the original. It is what the 3G should've been -- the line of four buttons is a major backwards step vs. the around-the-ring buttons -- only shrunken. I quibble with the color choices and believe they were chosen on purpose to allow for better colors later on. I quibble with the price as you all know, because it is short sighted. I quibble with the continued insistence on a non-replaceable battery, when there was a way to offer one in the Mini. But, wow, what an elegant device.]