Apple IPod Product Line, Essay Example

All of us have been watching Apple iPod gaining success on the market over the last 5 years. 100 million iPods have been sold by the year 2007, which makes iPod the fasters selling music player in history.(Apple Press Release) “Net income for its second fiscal quarter, ended April 1, rose to $ 410 million, or 47 cents per share, from $ 290 million, or 34 cents per share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose 34 percent to $ 4.36 billion from $ 3.24 billion.”(Manila Bulletin, 2006) This huge increment of Apple share on the market of electronics and computer hardware is partially conditioned by their iPod product line, which appears to satisfy various customer groups in terms of quality and affordability. This affordability is triggered by a decent variety of iPods offered, which cost more or less depending on their size and characteristics. Undoubtedly, iPod has been the major driver in the Apple great success in the years between 2004 and 2008.

Apple iPod product line currently involves iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Touch and iPod Classic. All of them are different in terms of size, hard drive, and price. The iPod Nano is brightly colored and metal, which is designed to eliminate the scratching as it was in old plastic Nano. The 1GB version was replaced by new 8GB and 16GB models which cost $149 and $199 respectively. It is available in 9 colors, including ‘exclusive red’. IPod Nano has a great new TV commercial that distinguishes it from other models in the product line. The upgrade in capacity was pretty predictable, as people want to use it not only for listening music, but also watching pictures and videos. It is the only model that comes in different colors that can fit any taste. Moreover, it is no longer a gadget you buy because it is expensive, but a comfortable, portable, and affordable music player.

One can definitely notice how iPod Shuffle has undergone an amazing visual transformation over the last couple years. First it looked like a white plastic stick of gum, but now it is presented as a little metal remote music player. Manufacturers also added tiny clips that allow sticking it to any available type of fabric. The previous 512MB and 1GB models are gone and replaced by a new 4GB model, which allow uploading more music. It is presented in black and white colors and can be purchase for only $79, which makes it the most affordable model among others in the product line. This music player is definitely the one designed only for music, for you are not able to watch anything on it due to the absence of display. Thus, if you cannot afford more expensive models, but are need a functional music accessory, then iPod Shuffle is the one to consider.

IPod Classic was initially the first one that allowed watching video files, thus it is bigger than Nano and has bigger screen. New iPod Classic has brighter screen that involves brightness control for comfortable watching of videos and pictures. Its display is clear and usable even in bright sunlight, which give it a huge advantage comparing to previous models. There used to be 30GB, 60GB, and 80GB models, which are no longer available and have been replaced by a new 120GB model, which allows even more functions. It is available in black and white colors, but includes a new function of ‘Cover Flow’, which allows browsing your music collection by flipping through album art. Because of its size and capacity it appears to be more expensive than Shuffle and Nano models, thus it can be purchased for $249. The price quote makes less affordable and not everybody wants to spend this money for a music player. Moreover, a bid screen and capacity make it more a video gadget than music accessory.

IPod Touch is definitely an innovative word in the area of technology and audio-video gadgets in particular. The main distinctive feature of this product is a touch screen which allows you to brows conveniently through songs, videos, and pictures. Moreover, it responds to both touch and movement, thus if you bend it, it adjusts the picture right away to a new position. It also includes Wi-Fi system, which allows browsing the internet and watching online movies and downloading songs. You can even play fabulous games on it, which provides even more entertainment. Currently it is available in three versions – 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB. Of course, the only difference is the price, thus they cost $229, $299, and $399 respectively. One can notice that the 8GB iPod touch is cheaper than iPod Classic, but it is more developed and comfortable.

All in all, the product line of Apple iPod can be defined as one of the most successful in the history. Almost every kid and adult in United States owns iPod, for it is comfortable and really affordable. Due to current economic situation in the country and developing world economic crisis, people tend to save on luxuries and new purchases. However, I think iPod product line must be developing, for it is established to satisfy even the most captious customer. People who are low on money but still want a music player can simply get and iPod Shuffle. Otherwise, one can spend $399 and get a brand new iPod Touch. Thus, I think this product line is well diversified to respond to customers’ need not only in the U.S., but in the rest of the world. However, due to current economic situations, I would suggest reconsidering the pricing policy and maybe bringing it down a bit, or simply develop new low-priced products.

Works Cited

“Press Release: 100 million iPods sold.” Apple Computer Inc. 1 July 2009. <http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/04/09ipod.html>.

Manila Bulleting. “Apple Profit Tops Targets, Fuelled by iPod Player Sales.” (2006).