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fjtorres · 02-25-2013, 07:02 AM

Apple pricing is all about getting the consumer to stretch the budget that extra bit.

The XGA Mini is a perfect example; everybody expected it at $249 to $299... they stretched it out to $329. And it sells.

A QXGA Mini2? Everybody wants it at $329, maybe $349. So, they'll stretch it to $399, maybe $429. And it will sell. In fact, that is *why* they'll go $400: the market will easily bear it now that it clear that the Mini's size is a *feature* not a cost reduction. The Mini is not a cut-rate iPad, but rather the conveniently portable iPad.

Don't forget, the Mini2 is going to *need* the A6X to keep the screen fed. So it'll run the latest CPU, latest screen, and probably updated WiFi. All that screams: "Premium!". Which is why I don't see the Mini 2 replacing the XGA Mini. The existing Mini is the entry-level model for those that won't stretch to $399.

So, my WAG is the XGA Mini stays and moves to $299. The Mini 2 slots in at $399 for 16GB and points north. And the iPad 4 stays at $499 for 16GB until the iPad5 comes out in the fall. Then Apple can do tablet intros in spring and fall.

Fits their MO and the market as it stands today: closest competition (spec-wise) for the QXGA mini being the FireHD8.9 at $299, the Galaxy Tab 8 (with 1200x800) screen, and the rumored Nexus 7.7 (specs unclear). Going by their existing price structures, neither Samsung not Google have shown any interest in running their prices to Fire and Nook territory so why should Apple?

02-25-2013, 07:02 AM	#26
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	Apple pricing is all about getting the consumer to stretch the budget that extra bit. The XGA Mini is a perfect example; everybody expected it at $249 to $299... they stretched it out to $329. And it sells. A QXGA Mini2? Everybody wants it at $329, maybe $349. So, they'll stretch it to $399, maybe $429. And it will sell. In fact, that is why they'll go $400: the market will easily bear it now that it clear that the Mini's size is a feature not a cost reduction. The Mini is not a cut-rate iPad, but rather the conveniently portable iPad. Don't forget, the Mini2 is going to need the A6X to keep the screen fed. So it'll run the latest CPU, latest screen, and probably updated WiFi. All that screams: "Premium!". Which is why I don't see the Mini 2 replacing the XGA Mini. The existing Mini is the entry-level model for those that won't stretch to $399. So, my WAG is the XGA Mini stays and moves to $299. The Mini 2 slots in at $399 for 16GB and points north. And the iPad 4 stays at $499 for 16GB until the iPad5 comes out in the fall. Then Apple can do tablet intros in spring and fall. Fits their MO and the market as it stands today: closest competition (spec-wise) for the QXGA mini being the FireHD8.9 at $299, the Galaxy Tab 8 (with 1200x800) screen, and the rumored Nexus 7.7 (specs unclear). Going by their existing price structures, neither Samsung not Google have shown any interest in running their prices to Fire and Nook territory so why should Apple? Last edited by fjtorres; 02-25-2013 at 07:06 AM.