Player Blog Category Archives: Apple , Other
August 27, 2004
The hPod Debuts
As expected, the HP-branded version of the iPod was officially announced today. It was thought that HP might make at least a few changes to the original, possibly an HP-blue exterior for one, but it appears not.
As far as we can tell, it's exactly like the regular 4G iPod and has the same $299 and $399 retail prices for 20GB and 40GB models. If there were any differences, it's reasonable to assume that HP would call attention to them, but they have not.
The only new feature are "HP Printable Tatoos for iPod", stick-on (and removable) skins for the iPod casing. Actually this is kind of a cool idea, not earth-shattering, but a good idea nonetheless. Likely they will adhere just as well to the original iPod. Shades of NEXkins...
If you're wondering why Apple and HP went through all this trouble, it is all about enlarging the iPod distribution channel. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple has about 12,000 retail outlets (the Apple website, Apple stores and others), while HP computers are sold through 110,000 outlets. New HP PCs are going to be pre-loaded with iTunes and likely the iPod will be an accessory to any PC purchase in the way that printers are today.