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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 7 2007, 4:27 PM EDT (current) | heidianna | 40 words added |
| Jun 4 2007, 1:31 AM EDT | jonb | 275 words added |
Changes
Key: Additions Deletions
It's only been a few months, yet Apple has already added a new model to its brand-new line of Apple TVs. Apple generally launches with a few models to cover price points, or they let their first model stand on its own for 6 months to a year. This was a different move than usual for them. Why now?
It's possible the sales of the Apple TV are not where Apple would like them, so they pushed up the release of the premium model to sustain buzz around the product. Apple hasn't released sales numbers for the Apple TV, but anecdotal evidence points towards a pretty solid launch for the product.
Maybe the Apple TV's launch was meant to be a two-tier affair, but they didn't have enough Apple TV parts available to ship both models simultaneously. It's unlikely the case itself was in short supply since it's so similar to the Mac mini, but still possible. Or perhaps the 160 gig drive that Apple wanted for their premium line wasn't available from their suppliers until recently.
Apple has stated that its larger, more expensive iPod sells far fewer units than its iPod nanos do. Perhaps Apple started with their cheaper line, knowing it would be more popular to begin with. Then, as they started to understand what the sales figures looked like, they could calculate how much a premium product could fetch. Maybe the staggered launch was the plan from the beginning.
Whatever the rationale, this is not how Apple usually launches products. Why did Apple change their approach this time? Do you have any ideas? Comment below!
Compare models before you buy
Other specs are identical between models. Go to Apple TV Specs Page.
Desperation?
It's possible the sales of the Apple TV are not where Apple would like them, so they pushed up the release of the premium model to sustain buzz around the product. Apple hasn't released sales numbers for the Apple TV, but anecdotal evidence points towards a pretty solid launch for the product.
Supply Problems?
Maybe the Apple TV's launch was meant to be a two-tier affair, but they didn't have enough Apple TV parts available to ship both models simultaneously. It's unlikely the case itself was in short supply since it's so similar to the Mac mini, but still possible. Or perhaps the 160 gig drive that Apple wanted for their premium line wasn't available from their suppliers until recently.
The Original Plan?
Apple has stated that its larger, more expensive iPod sells far fewer units than its iPod nanos do. Perhaps Apple started with their cheaper line, knowing it would be more popular to begin with. Then, as they started to understand what the sales figures looked like, they could calculate how much a premium product could fetch. Maybe the staggered launch was the plan from the beginning.
Whatever the rationale, this is not how Apple usually launches products. Why did Apple change their approach this time? Do you have any ideas? Comment below!
Compare models before you buy
| Model | Apple TV (40 gig) | Apple TV (160 gig) |
| Price | $299 | $399 |
| Video storage | Up to 50 hours | Up to 200 hours |
Other specs are identical between models. Go to Apple TV Specs Page.
