Is the iPad too expensive?

[Evan]

It's not $1,000, so I'm a bit biased in this regard. I've been an Apple fan for quite some time, and in that regard, I'll be the first to admit that their hardware (and software) is a bit more expensive than some people would like. And, well, we don't really need to compare it to the competition (for a lot of reasons), so we won't.

But, this latest Wall Street Journal story, regarding the possibility of an iPad price-drop got me thinking. With the rumors flying around that the iPad could take on carrier-subsidies across the pond, what's really stopping AT&T from trying the same thing here? Yes, they're offering a contract-free data plan right now, but with that comes an additional $130 up-charge to consumers at the front-end. The 64GB WiFi+3G is $829, and while that's still not "close" to $1,000 (that probably depends on how you look at it), it's still a pretty hefty price tag.

We've all discussed whether or not we're going to wait for the 3G model or not, and the consensus seemed pretty clear: yes, we'll wait. Even if it is an extra charge a month, plus the up-front cost. However, now knowing that a price drop could potentially happen, what are your thoughts now?

Will you still be an early adopter? Or, are you going to tread the water for a few months, waiting to see what happens?

[caps]

im considering treading...
atleast until school starts in august...

[Evan]

That's a long way to wait, Caps. Are you sure you can wait that long?

[caps]

im pretty sure i can suffer through and continue using my macbook pro if i have too

[DomG]

Still sticking with my 64G WiFi only iPad order.

Given that Apple will do Battery replacments for $99 ($105 with tax) and just send you an iPad (reconditioned, likely)........

I suspect at SOME POINT, they will have machines that can release into the channel that have been reconditioned and offered for a lower price.

As for subsidies, I think ist very doable and I am sort of surprised that AT&T hasn't announced a plan yet. Seems like a good idea to get the buy in down. Seems like a lot of folks like the low cost of entry even if the cost in the long run is more. Kinda like leasing a car and paying a relatively low $ to put yourself in a vehicle you would not otherwise be able to afford or float a loan for.

[vincent]

I think whether the iPad is expensive is relative to your financial situation and how much value the iPad add to your life.

[niuniu]

To me, the amazing thing is that he still gave to the world through all of the chaos...unselfishly and in a loving manner. I do believe that he did have a lot of love and hope for humanity.

[aihna07]

i think ipad is one of a brilliant creation of technology.

[niuniu]

I've tried both Podcaster and Instacast. Both are awesome, but Podcaster has custom playlists and push notifications, so I like it better. Instacast has a slightly simpler, prettier interface though, so I would really recommend either. They're both so much better than syncing with iTunes or messing around with this weird streaming workaround! dvd to quicktime mov I would do any of the following reasons are two: Now what's easier to sell or what is more expensive to take, then sell the same and something I approve: My behavior would be.?

[niuniu]

The competition between these 2 cariers probably wont amount to much of a cost savings for customers. Instead they'll just snarl in commercials at each other. Their prices are essentially the same now and its in both of their best interest to leave them that way. If this had been an Apple event announcing iPhones for all carriers that would have meant real competition since Sprint and Tmobile are actually cheaper. how to convert mkv to xvid It is wrong to refer to the iPhone 4S as "5th generation". With the exception of a faster processor, on some other design tweaks, it is NOT a new hardware design.