I read your OP and tried to explain the reasoning people have for getting things engraved. As for the issue about cost, there are many people who buy from the Apple Store and DON'T get stuff engraved. In fact, I don't think free engraving is the primary reason people buy from the Apple Store. The real reason is service -- customers prefer to work with people they know and trust. Getting free engraving is just one of many perceived advantages. For a lot of people that trust and special treatment is worth it, even if they pay a little more.
Heck, if you're REALLY concerned about cost you shouldn't buy apple products to begin with. Get a cheap cell phone, a cheap no-name computer, and a Zune and you'll be all set, for MUCH less money!
I had gone over security and as means of distinguishing between similar iPods in this thread with you and others ad nauseam. If you can't speak to it I don't know what else to tell you.
And, if you think I started this thread because I have an issue with people who buy at the Apple Store or the price of Apple products in general you obviously still don't get it.
Someone on page 1 correctly and succinctly summarized my point, maybe you should go back and read that if it's easier for you?
That doesnt go on in the US.
But thanks for the link, I sent it to Apple and asked for a partial refund on my new iPod.
But it does, Macmall is a US retailer, and hey so is WalMart:
http://www.walmart.com/browse/Audio...path=0:3944&tab_value=5813_All&catNavId=96469
How much longer are you going to insist prices for iPods are all uniform when they clearly aren't?