apple loves to nickel and dime customers

[Youngbinks]

Mark your attempts at dethroning Apple are sad. I didn't contradict myself at all. I stand by my first assessment that it is ridiculous for Apple to charge for an iPod Touch update. I was referring to the fact that in every thread you are sure to make a statement about how the big bad corporations are only out to make a profit. It's rather tiring and childish.

[psylichon]

Mark, I think most people agree with your sentiments, but not with your dramatics. Not every decision Apple makes is an indication of pure greed or evil. Why must you always take such an extreme stance?

Yeah, it sucks to pay for updates, but sometimes companies make you do that. Can't we disagree with this particular decision without condemning the entire company as a whole? Apple does a lot of stuff right, agreed? Surely we can find a common ground here. Once you temper your statements just a bit, I think you'll see a lot of people agreeing with you more often.

Not that that's the point though, right?

[up10ad]

Come on Phil there is a fine line between legitimate profit and greed.

Personally Mark, I don't believe in corporate pricing greed. Maximizing profit is their business. Corporations may indeed charge what is considered 'high' prices, but only up to the point that consumers perceive it as too high (greedy), at which point they don't buy or take their business elsewhere (you practice this per your previous posts). Then the corporation either restructures their pricing or sales decline, etc. Striking the balance between keeping the customer and making as much as possible is their job. You all still are buying updates, right

This is the 'vote with your pocketbook' action, and it is in place all the time, whether you are cognizant of it or not. So, I view Apple's prices as high, but until they start losing customers over it I don't think the label greedy applies.

[Swagger]

Personally Mark, I don't believe in corporate pricing greed. Maximizing profit is their business. Corporations may indeed charge what is considered 'high' prices, but only up to the point that consumers perceive it as too high (greedy), at which point they don't buy or take their business elsewhere (you practice this per your previous posts). Then the corporation either restructures their pricing or sales decline, etc. Striking the balance between keeping the customer and making as much as possible is their job. You all still are buying updates, right

This is the 'vote with your pocketbook' action, and it is in place all the time, whether you are cognizant of it or not. So, I view Apple's prices as high, but until they start losing customers over it I don't think the label greedy applies.

Rick,
I don't really have a problem with Apple's prices. It's just all the pay extra for every little thing that bothers me. If I'm already paying a premium price then give me everything that comes with it...Mark

Dave,
As far as people agreeing with me. I could care less I am going to be me. Like I have said so many times here. A forum where everyone agrees with everyone is useless...Mark

Phil,
I'm sorry that you feel the way you do but you are entitled to your opinion. I think you misunderstand me. I never said or complained that 3000.00 is to much for a MBP or 600 for an iPhone or 399 for an iPod. My issue is with I paid 3000, 600, 399 why do I have to pay more for components taken out of the box just to boost Apple's bottom line. It is Apple that is being childish by doing that. I am just saying how I feel about it. Most people do not mind buying what they want. I think everyone takes exception to being made a fool out of...Mark

[coasts]

let's avoid personalizing Apple. They are a company. No, they're not our "friend" and they're not being "childish". They're doing what it takes to not only earn a profit, but to earn the maximum profit that their market will allow.

An iPod is a luxury. Luxuries come at a cost. If you deem it worthy, you pay the price. If you want to stand on a soapbox, do it at the gas pumps. While gas prices are soaring through the roof, oil companies are showing record high profits. This is an issue worth fighting over.

and separately, Aggie, Apple has also given numerous free updates. the more substantial updates come at a cost, which i don't think is unreasonable. Apple could easily stop offering these improvements in the form of firmware and simply begin selling them individually through the App Store. Would you pay for Google Maps Street View and Public Transport Navigation if they became available for $9.99?

[psylichon]

Dave,
As far as people agreeing with me. I could care less I am going to be me. Like I have said so many times here. A forum where everyone agrees with everyone is useless...Mark

I hear you on that one. And that's all fine and good as long as you can take the resulting disagreements with a grain of salt instead of personally. This includes not insulting others for not feeling as strongly as you do on the subject. Because this will happen often, ya drama queen

[Swagger]

let's avoid personalizing Apple. They are a company. No, they're not our "friend" and they're not being "childish". They're doing what it takes to not only earn a profit, but to earn the maximum profit that their market will allow.

An iPod is a luxury. Luxuries come at a cost. If you deem it worthy, you pay the price. If you want to stand on a soapbox, do it at the gas pumps. While gas prices are soaring through the roof, oil companies are showing record high profits. This is an issue worth fighting over.

and separately, Aggie, Apple has also given numerous free updates. the more substantial updates come at a cost, which i don't think is unreasonable. Apple could easily stop offering these improvements in the form of firmware and simply begin selling them individually through the App Store. Would you pay for Google Maps Street View and Public Transport Navigation if they became available for $9.99?

Coasts,
Are you saying it is ok to be robbed by the Apple but not the petroleum companies???

I am not just ticked off at Apple. We just happen to discuss Apple here. I am ticked off at the whole corporate greed enviroment now present in the U.S. Haven't these large corporations learned yet how greed destroys everything it touches. Example on a small scale. I will use Verizon since Apple seems to be a lightening rod here. I noticed an addition 40.00 on my Verizon bill in the "other" category. I called to find out what "other". The very helpful rep explained to me that I had gone over on my data usage. I asked how could that be since I have the unlimited data plan. She informed me that only applies to web surfing and email. Unlimited data with Verizon does not include downloads. I had downloaded some rather large RAW photograph files and Verizon charged me by the MB. I asked what difference does up or down load make unlimited data means unlimited data. Well I guess to everyone but Verizon. I told her my contract says unlimited and I am not paying for any extra data. She said well your phone will be turned off. I called my attorney. I am sick of being bent over everyday by these greedy corporations. I am also filing a complaint with the FCC. Someone has got to stand up at some point and say enough is enough. All of you might think I'm crazy for doing so but I live for me not for you. Mark

[coasts]

a few weeks ago i walked into a restaurant needing to use a bathroom. on my way out, i found a twenty dollar bill on the floor.

some days you're the bird. other days you're the windshield. i'd like to think it all evens out.

[patrickj]

Coasts,
Are you saying it is ok to be robbed by the Apple but not the petroleum companies???

I am not just ticked off at Apple. We just happen to discuss Apple here. I am ticked off at the whole corporate greed enviroment now present in the U.S. Haven't these large corporations learned yet how greed destroys everything it touches. Example on a small scale. I will use Verizon since Apple seems to be a lightening rod here. I noticed an addition 40.00 on my Verizon bill in the "other" category. I called to find out what "other". The very helpful rep explained to me that I had gone over on my data usage. I asked how could that be since I have the unlimited data plan. She informed me that only applies to web surfing and email. Unlimited data with Verizon does not include downloads. I had downloaded some rather large RAW photograph files and Verizon charged me by the MB. I asked what difference does up or down load make unlimited data means unlimited data. Well I guess to everyone but Verizon. I told her my contract says unlimited and I am not paying for any extra data. She said well your phone will be turned off. I called my attorney. I am sick of being bent over everyday by these greedy corporations. I am also filing a complaint with the FCC. Someone has got to stand up at some point and say enough is enough. All of you might think I'm crazy for doing so but I live for me not for you. Mark

I'm sure Coasts will reply more eloquently than I will - but what I took from his comment was not about if it's ok to be robbed by Apple, but more about the fact that Apple sells us luxury / leisure / entertainment items. Exxon and the like sell us something that for many is a necessity. It seems clear to me that one is more worthy of uproar than the other if pricing or practices are extreme.

[Swagger]

I'm sure Coasts will reply more eloquently than I will - but what I took from his comment was not about if it's ok to be robbed by Apple, but more about the fact that Apple sells us luxury / leisure / entertainment items. Exxon and the like sell us something that for many is a necessity. It seems clear to me that one is more worthy of uproar than the other if pricing or practices are extreme.

The point I was trying to make is be it a need or necessity. The root cause for all that is happening is greed. Our country is being consumed by it and it is destroying us.

I do understand your explanation and it does make sense. I will say this though. A person/company can only ride your back if you allow them to climb on. If people would just lose their "well this is how it is" and stand up and fight back a lot of things could change. Gas would have never reached the price it did if our freaking government had of put a stop to speculation (more greed). Every where you turn. Greed, Greed, Greed!!!

Why are we American's paying the price (by deflated home values, huge losses in our financial portfolios and so foth) for a bunch of a**holes that got crazy rich... over leveraging the middle class. Now we as tax payers give those same a**holes 700 billion dollars to bail them out??? Not one of those CEO's lost their job AIG, Goldman Sachs, Freddie Mac and so on. So please excuse me if I am just a bit pissed off. Why is this all happening because we (well not me) have become to freaking passive it sickens me to even think of it. What about Bernard Madoff he scams 50 billion dollars and walks the streets of New York (with a tether and on house arrest). That SOB should be up under the jail or sentenced to death. We are talking 50 billion not 50 thousand.

I'm going to just shut up because you guys seem like oh well all of this is ok. I'm sorry but I don't feel that way...Mark