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HP Unveils Branded iPod, Skins

By Eric Steil, BetaNews

August 27, 2004, 3:24 PM

Friday, HP introduced its branded iPod, along with customizable skins for the audio player called HP Printable Tattoos. Originally announced in January, the "Apple iPod from HP," has identical specs and design as the Apple version, unlike the blue-colored prototype shown in January.

The Apple iPod from HP is available in a 20GB model for $299 USD and a 40GB model for $399 USD - mirroring Apple's own pricing. They will be available at major retailers as well as online.

The HP Printable Tattoos, which also fit standard Apple iPods, allow consumers to personalize their iPod with album art as well as print their own skins with an ink jet printer. The skins are easily applied and removed, and help protect the iPod from scratches, according to HP.

More information on both the iPod and the Printable Tattoos can be found at the HP Digital Music Web site.

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By Neoprimal

posted Aug 31, 2004 - 8:09 PM

As most people are asking why?

I'd like an answer myself. For the heck of me, I CANNOT figure out why I'd buy an HP Ipod than just get the 'real thing' - I mean, they both are the real thing but if they are identical, what will make a buyer choose the HP flavor over the Apple flavor....

I don't understand the marketing here at ALL....

Score: 0

By Bruns

posted Aug 31, 2004 - 9:43 PM

Look at it this way.

Dumb Windows PC user sees two products side by side - they look exactly the same, one says Apple, the other says HP.

Dumb Windows PC user sees the letters HP and they think to themselves, "I know that name!"

Dumb Windows PC user picks up HP brand iPod because they don't know what Apple is, or they think it will only work with the Mac.

Thats basically how it is.

Ever notice how newbies who don't have a computer or are looking for a new one, and have been subjected to the Dell commercials, will go right for the Dell systems when they see them?

Same type of thing.

Score: 0

By drsquirlz

posted Sep 5, 2004 - 12:40 AM

In my eyes, anyone who feels that they must belittle PC users in order to make their argument has missed the entire point of an informed and intelligent discussion. It’s rude and unnecessary. Criticize the PC if you want, but don't call me a moron for using it, and make sure that you actually present a reason for disliking them, instead of spouting off about how stupid we are without any justification.

Anyway, HP’s move makes some sense, but as a consumer I see no reason to by a product created by Apple and repackaged by HP. I’ll just buy the original and stick with a company that has consistently shown to be a reliable source of incredibly intelligent and intuitive products. Apple has never let me down, and I don’t believe that they ever will. What I want to know is, what am I getting with an HP iPod that I’m NOT getting with an Apple iPod??

Score: 0

By Neoprimal

posted Sep 3, 2004 - 12:15 PM

I suppose that makes sense ---- but I mean, there can't be many of those people around. Unless HP is depending on die hard PC fans who don't want to touch an apple product, I guess I see a possibility there; but at the same time, I don't think there are many of those people around. Not enough to sustain a product line for very long. How I see it, anyone who knows anything about Mp3s knows about the Ipod, and when it comes to music, could care less about the apple/ibm-pc rivalry. But, yeah I guess that's a reason for them to make it....

Score: 0

By dalecoz

posted Sep 29, 2004 - 12:30 AM

Here it is as I see it:

First for Apple...
Pretty simple really, many many more retails outlets will now have the iPod. My town doesn't have a store that carries the Apple brand but Radio Shack now has the HP version.
As many have said, HP saves on R&D but as for why a customer would choose one over the other..
There are basically two reasons..if you own an Apple computer (as I do) it makes sense to keep it all with one company.
The same applies for HP
I know people who are very loyal to HP and so they would be likely to pick whatever HP endorses and sells.
Also, the HP versions come in a somewhat more PC oreinted package than the Mac version does. If you like the posters they give you with thier printer, I understand that the HP iPod has one too.

But all of that said...
It is mostly just distrobution. There is more demand for the iPod that Apple can handle. Most people won't care how many logos are on the back. If they walk into a store that only carries the HP version then that is what they will buy. If they carry both, then who really cares.
I am curious about one thing though, will HP offfer laser engraving?
Anyone know?

Score: 0

By guitardave78

posted Sep 8, 2004 - 8:48 AM

As a Dumb PC user i doubt my opinion holds much credence, but i can see what HP are trying to do, but personally think they are wasting their time. I acctually do own a dell, i bought it before all the adds, but it does not meen i only want to buy a pc branded iPod!! I think Apple saturated the tv ads with enough guff about the iPod for even us dumb pc owners to know what it is and that it works on a pc.
On that thought, funny how they had to bring out a pc version of iTunes. Might be a few more of us dumb pc owners out there than the clever mac owners...mmmm.

Score: 0

By mjm01010101

posted Aug 31, 2004 - 3:32 PM

This is what HP means by "Invent"?

Score: 0

By gsbrock

posted Aug 30, 2004 - 7:01 PM

Why? Why buy an iPod from HP instead of throught apple? is there any advantage? none that I can see, it's the same product and everything except I can even get the educational pricing through apples online website... so again, why?

Score: 0

By pipdipchip

posted Aug 27, 2004 - 4:00 PM

Okay maybe it's just me but why would a huge PC maker team up with Apple? I don't understand.

Score: 0

By Bruns

posted Aug 28, 2004 - 10:39 PM

Lower cost to HP is a good reason. Apple has already done the R&D on the iPod, and has proven to be a highly regarded product.

So not only does HP not have to reinvent the wheel, it saves on R&D costs, it saves on production costs, it is compatible with the software Apple already developed for both Mac and Windows.

All of this translates to more profits for HP, and Apple gains a larger market share at the same time and makes money off of it as well.

The other side of this, is knocks a blow at Microsoft Windows Media and associated devices.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Aug 27, 2004 - 4:17 PM

Also, just because apple has only about about 4-7% computer market share doesn't mean they don't make money--in fact, in some ways they help other vendors by allowing two different versions of the same program (versions meaning windows version and apple).

Score: 0

By CyberInferno

posted Aug 27, 2004 - 4:02 PM

It's all about the Benjamins. HP gets to get some money from Apple iPod sales, Apple gets another vendor for its iPods.

Score: 0

By animecabbit

posted Aug 29, 2004 - 3:00 AM

Actually, HP already invested money in a portable media player, but abondonded it because they didn't like the UI or design.

I'm glad that HP decided the iPod was a better player to support.

Score: 0

By glafratte

posted Aug 30, 2004 - 8:02 AM

I want a 40 gig one!

Score: 0

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