Apple's special event this morning focused on three new products:
- iPod leather cases for 30GB/60GB and nano, $99 each
- mac mini w/ intel - 1.5Ghz Core Solo $599, 1.67 Core Duo $799
- iPod HiFi - $349
I'm relatively unexcited about these new products, if only because I was expecting something a little more different.
Of the three products, the $99 leather case is going to have wide ranging ramifications on the third-party market for cases. Right now, it's possible to get some relatively high quality cases for iPods under $50 (most are $30 or under). The $99 leather case for the iPod looks like crap, and you can't use the wheel or see the display -- which is interesting, given that video is the next market Apple is trying to break into. At least the iPod socks were cute. My worry, however, is that third parties will see the $99 price tag, release new products and adjust their prices to be more in line with Apple's. The $99 leather iPod case by Apple is the most expensive case being sold on the Apple store -- Monster has a case at $69, but its more like a backpack than a case, and kate spade's $65 case for the mini is the next highest.
The iPod HiFi is sure to upset all those manufacturers who have already integrated iPod docks into their products, such as JBL and Bose.
The Mac mini, fairly inoffensive, but not too exciting either. Is it just me or does it have a MagSafe connector on it as well?
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