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Is iPod the Razor or the Blade?

Posted by michael on from the razor-burn dept.

Kelly McNeill writes "Robert Cringely has another update to his 'I, Cringely' series. In this piece, Cringely analyzes the business model of the iPod and how it compares it to the age old, marketing 101 'give away the razor and make money on the blades' business model. In his editorial, he demonstrates that Apple one-upped Gillette by making money on both blades and razors. The article is structured in a back and forth dialog with one of his readers who provides a very interesting analysis of the direction that Apple will be going with its rumored movie download store and how it relates to the Mac mini. On the same note, osViews has an editorial about Apple's direction in the movie download business as well, which suggests that there is evidence to suggest that Apple will use satellite networks for its Movie download store."

3 of 360 comments (clear)

  1. battery company! by peter303 · · Score: 0, Troll

    The early iPod batteries didn't last long and cost a fortune to replace- $99 (at Apple Store).

  2. Gillette didn't sue USERS! by Tsu+Dho+Nimh · · Score: 0, Troll
    At least King Gillette only sued other manufacturers for infringement, not the people who bought 3rd party blades to use in his razors.

    Apple's iPod and ITunes is just more vendor lock-in, and it's time for the consumers to stop "consuming" until they can use the hardware of their choice to play the music of their choice.

  3. Re:Meh... by Kiryat+Malachi · · Score: 0, Troll

    If I ever start waxing obsessive about my Zaurus, please punch me in the face.

    Please see sig.

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    Mod me down, you fucking twits. Go ahead. I dare you.
    (I read with sigs off.)