retired_MikeMcC

It's really ugly isn't it. I'd rather pay a bit more for the styling and kudos. But then I'm a mug. </BLOCKQUOTE>

that creative zen looks like a pager.

retired_muggles

heh

elephar

It's amazing - I got my 80Gb video Ipod in March for about £210, and now the new 80Gb classic is available for £160.

retired_andrea.fife

Honestly it baffles me how apple's rivals haven't got a clue about product design. That zen is a prime example, why have horrible protruding buttons next to the screen?

retired_muggles

doesnt help when they're priced out of the market for HDDs and Flash memory by Apple, although it aint really related, there's plenty of good looking flash players out there, Cowon D2, iRiver Clix2, just cause everyone goes crazy everytime Apple release what chance do they really have?

retired_muggles

^when apple release what is basically a standard upgrade to a product line, what chance do they have?

retired_andrea.fife

True there are other players that look good but lets face it they are not on the same level as Apple's ipod in terms of looks and style. Apple have an eye for design and creativity, the others imo are lacking somewhat in that department.

The way i see it, Apple is doing something right and the others aren't. Apple is clearly marketing their product in a way thats attractive and fashionable despite being expensive. Their rivals need to roll up their sleeves and fight back, it's all about what the consumer wants and i don't think the others i've quite grasped that fully.

The more technically savvy individuals will see other players have more features for ones money but the average joe just wants something stylish, simple and easy to use. Apple does this well.

retired_cmr051480

so are these the new nanos??

retired_muggles

not anymore its just the brand name now, people dont even look any further anymore and just dissmiss it straight away, its not even worth the other companies making any effort anymore, if Sony, Samsung, Toshiba etc really wanted too they could, the smaller companies iRiver, Cowon etc just dont have the resources too.

I for one will never buy an Ipod cause i dont want the restrictions that it imposes and dont want to use itunes.

retired_Rynny

what restrictions does an ipod place on you? i counter that with ipodlinux which basically makes your ipod limitless.