Right now, there are reports of iPod shortages. It is indeed a surprising development given all that we've heard about MP3 player market being saturated and, unfortunately, ongoing economic contractions globally.
I want my fellow mobile warriors to understand that while this doesn't impact mobility directly, I just want to say this is one of those instances where we should sit back and wait a couple of days and see if additional iPods show up at Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.
Internet sites have been known to get ahead of ourselves and push stories that isn't necessarily true. Now, in reality, this shortage could be just what it is, a demand for a very good line of products. Or it could be something else going on. Reading comments of some Apple-centric sites, some believe this is a marketing ploy by Apple. Some believe it could be that Apple underestimating the appeal of the iPod line this Christmas.
For example, I took a look at Apple's online store and made a couple of calls to local Apple stores and there doesn't seem to be any shortage. Some stores have more colors than others but the folks working there doesn't seem be panicking. Apple's online store has all iPods (from shuffle to touch) all ready to go within 24 hours.
So there you have it. I have a theory on the Amazon shortage though. There is currently a deal with Audible that if you sign up for a full-year service, you can get a $100 coupon towards the purchase of an Audible-compatible device. And just it so happens that all iPods are capable of playing Audible files. Also, Amazon offers free shipping and no taxes to much of the country.
What do you think is going on?
Update: It's available again on Amazon, Best Buy, Circui City, and Target again. Walmart does seem to be out of them. Crisis over.
No comments:
Post a Comment