Filed under: iPod Family
The iPod killers of summer '06
Companies are still trying to find that elusive iPod killer that they know must be out there. Competition is a good thing, so I thought I would link to MP3newswire's report of the contenders this summer. The article lists a dizzying array of MP3 players in every form factor you can think of. Some have more features than the iPod, and cost less.It is interesting to note that at the very end of the article is an ad for the iPod, which I think just about sums up these MP3 players' chances.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Billy K said 4:37PM on 5-26-2006
They ran an identical (down to the formatting) piece right before Christmas. The players seem to have hardly changed, as well.
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Phil said 4:52PM on 5-26-2006
well I kinda like the vilii players with those wide screens
hopefully the next ipod will have one of those :)
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Sir.Pinkerton said 6:01PM on 5-26-2006
Man, they totally missed the Tavi. That's what I want.
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jbelkin said 7:42PM on 5-26-2006
Basically, there is going to be three markets:
iPod: 80%
Evergreen: 12% ($9.99 is the right price for an non-ipod)
Rest: 8%*
So far, all the others are one or more of the following: a) overpriced b) monochrome c) no link to viable video store (yes, you can rip your own) d) battery tends to fall out, e) battery life based on ripping at 48kpbs f) uses IE as your jukebox frontend g) no accessories h) screen turns off after 30 seconds - no, not dims, turns off and h) no no itunes music store (ONE click buys, DL's and SYNCS - anyone else come close to that?), i) plugs into 300 car decks, j) you don't have to have a detailed explanation to your Aunt Rose why your job doesn't pay enough for you to buy an ipod ...
So while Apple's competitors launch a sheep-based website, Apple announces a marketing deal with NIKE ... or check out www.tide.com - It's Apple & Evergreen - the rest will be fighting over .07% of the marketplace.
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michel said 7:39AM on 5-27-2006
I don't want features ! BEEARK on features.
I WANT quality, good design, easy to use and plain just pleasure to listen MUSIC !
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