To Shuffle now or to Shuffle later?
Aug 20, 2005 | Gadgets | Wedding

So, say that I’m in the market to buy a half-dozen iPod Shuffles sometime in the next six weeks — I hadn’t decided between the 512 Mb ($99) or 1 Gb ($129) models, but nonetheless, a bunch of ‘em. And then, say that there’s been a rumor since June that there might be an upgrade coming to the iPod Shuffle line, an upgrade that you’d imagine will likely mean that the current models will disappear, and might mean that the new models will be priced differently. If you were me, would you buy now, or wait to see what happens?

Comments

The new ones might be priced differently. Alternatively, the new ones could have higher capacities at the same price points. Finally, instead of disappearing, Apple may clear out existing stock of the current model at a lower price (when this happens with the iPod/iPod mini, it’s usually through the online store, though sometimes through Overstock.com).

Bottom line: how badly do you need them? I’ve played the waiting game before, and it’s never fun. If it were me, I’d only hold out if I were fairly confident they’d have some compelling new feature(s) (beyond lower price/higher capacity). The only counterargument I can offer: if you’re asking yourself this question, you/your intended recipients can’t be desperate for them *immediately*, right?

• Posted by: v-twin on Aug 20, 2005, 9:14 PM

Shopping.com is listing 2 GB and 4 GB versions of the iPod shuffle. No prices or additional information yet.

• Posted by: Sam Greenfield on Aug 21, 2005, 10:58 AM

i say what a nice groomsmen gift! hee.

• Posted by: lisaann on Aug 21, 2005, 2:48 PM

I bet when the new ones come out, they still keep the 1Gb one around for $79-99. The show in paris when they might announce this isn’t until next month though, right? It might be cutting it close to wait.

• Posted by: Matt Haughey [TypeKey Profile Page] on Aug 22, 2005, 12:15 AM

Note that Apple has a 10 day Price Protection Policy on products purchased through the Apple Store.

Should Apple reduce its price on any shipped product within 10 calendar days of shipment, you may contact Apple Sales Support at 1-800-676-2775 to request a refund or credit of the difference between the price you were charged and the current selling price. To receive the refund or credit you must contact Apple within 14 business days of shipment.

• Posted by: Charles on Aug 22, 2005, 12:42 AM

The primary feature of the iPod Shuffle *is* the price. Whatever Apple does with their specs, they need to have a product offering at or below the $99 price point. The real danger in waiting isn’t that the pricing will change… it’s that Apple will underestimate demand, and their supply channel will dry up.

• Posted by: dansays [TypeKey Profile Page] on Aug 23, 2005, 9:34 PM
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