RSSApple Launches Second (RED) nano
By Ed Oswald | Published November 3, 2006, 11:50 AM
In response to what it calls "outstanding customer demand," Apple on Friday introduced its second iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition, a 8GB model that will retail for $249 USD. The player joins the already available 4GB version, priced at $199 USD.
For each unit sold, Apple contributes $10 to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. The organization, called (RED), was created by U2 frontman Bono and philanthropist Bobby Shriver.
Other companies including American Express, Gap, Armani, and Converse have also joined the initiative, donating a portion of their sales to the effort. To date, prior initiatives plus the new (PRODUCT) RED project have committed $5.2 billion to over 363 programs in 131 countries.
"Customer response to the iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition has been off the charts," Apple worldwide marketing vice president Greg Joswiak said. "We're thrilled to add a second model with 8GB of capacity, enough for 2,000 songs, so customers have yet another choice in supporting this important cause."
The new player is available Friday from the Apple online store, and will be available by the weekend in the company's retail outlets.
Red Smchmed. Maybe Angelina Jolie, Bono and Madonna could send all their money to Africa and spare us this annoying stuff.
I don't see how I'm responsible for any of Africa's problems, although no doubt, some bleeding heart dunce will be only too happy to point it out for me.
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|Almost sounds like something is bothering your conscience. If you cannot or do not want to donate, then don't. You don't need to attack the charity. No one accused you of being the cause of AIDS in Africa.
However, I agree with a part of the "Red Smchmed" sentiment. If people are going to donate, then they should donate; not buy a $250 product to donate $10 just so they can fashionably brag about how generous they are. After all, they wanted a different color, look at the sacrifices they have made.
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|HIV/AIDS in Africa? What about the illiterate idiots and homeless here, not to mention cancer victims.
This country is a joke ran by an idiot.
The iPod is the ultimate sheep product, just like bad looking plasmas and BOSE junk.
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|Sounds like someone missed nap time.
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|They *have* make this model seem different than the 4GB model otherwise we consumers might catch on that they raised the price $50 so they can take the credit of donating a measly $10 from their profits. This way you are left thinking "sure, an extra 4GB might cost $50 for them to produce, how generous of Apple." Since the consumers are the ones donating the money on this RED campaign, they should just send their monetary contributions directly if they want to donate to a worthwhile cause (and get the tax deduction on it) instead of buying overpriced merchandise.
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|The 8GB Nanos, Product red and regular black, are $250, (so is the Sansa E280 @ 8GB FWIW), and all the 4GB versions are $200. So you're paying no more for the Product Red version.
The Sansa E260 is actually at $180, so their prices are comparable.
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|I think there are going to be a lot of angry Nano fans who purchased the 4GB model just weeks ago when it was released only to find a 8GB model released for $50 more, what, a month later? That's a really poor marketing strategy from a company such as Apple.
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|$249 the new Microsoft Zune with 30GB is also $249. Hmm I wonder what the better deal is? :)
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|You're comparing apples to oranges here. The nano is a flash-based player that is tiny and is super easy to carry around (or run with). The Zune is a full-sized portable player with a hard drive in it.
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|are you sure it's hard drive based? I thought it was flash based like the 30GB iPod
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|And you can get a 30GB Ipod Video for $249 as well, did you take that into account in your arguement? Would you like to do a full comparision between the three? How much of the Microsoft Zune is going to an important cause besides profit??
The point of the article was not the price, or how good or bad you think the product is, but the act of philanthropy taking place and how successful it has become.
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|The 30GB iPod is hard drive based. 30GB in flash would be quite pricey :)
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|How much of the iPod 30GB is going to a good cause?
None.
Crap argument (until they *do* bring out a (RED) one).
I suppose I should point out that all for the idea behind the campaign, I just think it doesn't work very well in reality.
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|I'm curious to know how much Apple actually gives to charity from the existing (RED) models.
The whole idea kind of rubs me the wrong way - as in the only reason people will pay attention to AIDS in Africa is by tagging consumer items. Maybe the t-s***s should say "I helped defeat AIDS in Africa and all I got was this stupid t-s***".
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|As if there aren't thousands of charities that fund disease research that didn't exist before Apple released its red iPod.
Grow up.
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|If you want flash based player, get flash based. You'll pay a premium for capacity, but can abuse the hell out of the player.
If you want HDD based, get the HDD based player. You can carry more of your music/vids, but have to take precautions with the player itself.
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|250$ what a rip off. oh well, the morons going to buy it anyways...
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|Hey Man,
If Steve Jobs said it's the best thing since slided bread, then it must be. =P
It's a good cause, but a little pricey.
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|I'd like to see you show me another 8GB player as small as the Nano for only $250. It's cheaper than 4GB flash players from both Creative AND Sony.
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|did they improve the quality of plastic already? i've seen one after 2 month use and is a disgrace. given tht their cost is 80$ (for the 4 gig at lest) 250 for such lousy quality is IMO rip-off and who ever is ok with that is a moron.
i am not going to buy one (i understand that i'm not more importand than any other consumer though)
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|It's not made out of plastic, it has a metal case now like the old iPod mini. I don't own one, but it's probably the best made MP3 player to date.
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