Eric Bangeman has published a lovely little comparison on the pricing of the iPod Mini, over on Ars Technica. I must admit, when I first heard all the fussin and a feudin about the pricing of the mini, and what a terrible value it was, I never really understood the criticism. When you look at the comparison done by Eric, you start to understand why I always thought it was a bargain.
First, everyone looks at the $249 price as a foolish price point when for $50 more, you can get a 15GB iPod. And while that sounds like a reasonable argument, what people don’t take into consideration is that the mini is an up sale from high-end compact flash models, and some competing HDD players.
For example, if you are considering the purchase of a high-end compact flash unit, like say the Rio Chiba (256MB) for about $200, simply laying out $50 more pushes you up to the better iPod mini.
If you are laying out $200 clams, what’s another $50?
But to expect the same person who is looking at that $200 price point to shell out an extra $100? That’s quite a psychological jump to ask someone to make.
I think the iPod mini is a real bargain. In fact, if I didn’t have a 15GB already, I’d much prefer to have the smaller mini with the new rocking control dial. Although I could fill a 40GB twice over, I have never needed that much storage for travel or even file storage.
Anyone wanna trade?
;-)
Same Tune, Different Song
I remember the same complaints going around with the original iPod first came out.
I already know some little old ladies and some teenage girls who are wanting an iPod mini and never had any interest in the regular iPod.
Expect this Christmas to be a big selling period for the iPod mini.
Apple's logic
Apple's logic is pretty clear-- the market for smaller mp3 players was segmented with prices established well before the mini was offered for sale. This doesn't mean that the strategy will necessarily work; markets are fickle and a reputation for being high-priced doesn't help.
Apple's logic
There is a difference between high price and the perception of high quality. Sony typically runs at a higher price than their competition because of their reputation as a quality manufacturer. People pay it because, "it's Sony." The same applies to Apple and the iPod.