News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

September 12, 2006

ipod

Return of the black tax?

Posted Sep. 12, ’06, 12:18 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod

Black nanoReally, is it that much more expensive to make an object black? We first saw this disparity with the white and black versions of the MacBook when it was released in May; the black MacBook ran about $150 more than its white counterpart—with no difference in specs. Apple’s again tapped the premium for people who’ll be willing to pay more to get the colors of their choice with the new iPod nanos.

As their predecessor, the iPod mini, the new nanos are available in five colors: silver, pink, blue, green, and black (no white? Blasphemy!). But, all is not equal in iPod nano land: the lowest capacity, 2GB, is available only in silver ($149); the middle capacity, 4GB, is available in silver, pink, blue, or green ($199); and only the top-end 8GB model ($249) is available in black (and it is only available in black).

The fact remains that it’s a price that many will pay, and unlike the MacBook situation, you’re clearly getting more for your money. In addition, black nanos will probably end up having a cachet about them, since they’ll be the newest, shiniest 8GB models.


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