Sony's New Playstation $250? [Archive]

kupomogli

03-16-2011, 11:22 PM

RCM

03-16-2011, 11:33 PM

Both 3DS and NGP are potentially cool machines, but I find it hard to believe they'll take back the market they're losing to smart phones and tablets.

Sony's strategy in pushing portable AAA games in this day and age is particularly interesting...

Bojay1997

03-16-2011, 11:50 PM

If the standard NGP is $250 the 3DS has already lost. I'll be buying both, but for people looking for both value and how much it has to offer, I'm sure the NGP is going to come out on top this time around. The 3DS doesn't have a $100 edge on the NGP like the DS did versus the PSP, and the NGP has much more to offer than the 3DS. Like I said before. The 3DS is nothing more than a DS with better graphics and 3D that people will use for a whole two hours before they quit using it. The NGP is a more powerful PSP with a multi touch screen, six axis, back touch panel, dual analog, and camera functionality. Doing everything the 3DS can aside from 3D and more.

It's funny, I would have thought the same thing with the PSP considering it was light years ahead of the DS in it's capabilities, but just like the Lynx and Game Gear finished distant second to the original Gameboy, I'm sure the same thing will happen here again with the NGP and the 3DS.

Enigmus

03-16-2011, 11:55 PM

Here's my thoughts in one line:

NGP2 = Not Going to Pay for a "multimedia that plays games" handheld instead of the other way around part II.

kupomogli

03-17-2011, 12:11 AM

It's funny, I would have thought the same thing with the PSP considering it was light years ahead of the DS in it's capabilities, but just like the Lynx and Game Gear finished distant second to the original Gameboy, I'm sure the same thing will happen here again with the NGP and the 3DS.

The Gameboy had $60 less on the Game Gear and $100 less on the Lynx. Which was the exact same position with the DS and PSP. Unlike the Lynx and Game Gear, though, the original PSP had both a lot of sales and a lot of third party support. Also. The DS had touch screen support so that gave it the advantage over having different games. Now the 3DS has nothing on the NGP other than the second screen which developers still don't take advantage of and a visual effect that has said to strain peoples eyes when watching for a decent period of time and you have to be in the exact location to see the 3d effect.

The only reason the NGP might end up failing now, is if by some chance it gets no third party support, the system is hacked early on for piracy to be as easy as it was on the PSP, or fanboy rage doesn't permit people who are interested in games on the system to buy it just because it's Sony and they feel all butt hurt by supporting another company.

NGP2 = Not Going to Pay for a "multimedia that plays games" handheld instead of the other way around part II.

You got it backwards. The PSP was first and foremost a gaming device with the secondary option to use media files. The release of the DSi was turning the DS into a gaming/multimedia device, and the 3DS is the exact same thing, now with a 16:9 screen on top and for what purpose? Don't be a hypocrite.

Leo_A

03-17-2011, 12:18 AM

It's hard to imagine a scenario where the NGP is suddenly going to dominate over the 3DS in the portable arena.

I'm sure it's what you're hoping will happen, but these things are sold on more than just the power of the handheld. Nintendo has had over 20 years of domination in this category of gaming and is coming off it's most successful platform yet. If anything, that matters far more than any technical specification.

While the PSP did quite well compared to past competition (Which I believe was the goal of the PSP), they're not about to suddenly jump out way ahead of Nintendo.

CrazyGamesDude

03-17-2011, 11:17 AM

If the standard NGP is $250 the 3DS has already lost. I'll be buying both, but for people looking for both value and how much it has to offer, I'm sure the NGP is going to come out on top this time around. The 3DS doesn't have a $100 edge on the NGP like the DS did versus the PSP, and the NGP has much more to offer than the 3DS. Like I said before. The 3DS is nothing more than a DS with better graphics and 3D that people will use for a whole two hours before they quit using it. The NGP is a more powerful PSP with a multi touch screen, six axis, back touch panel, dual analog, and camera functionality. Doing everything the 3DS can aside from 3D and more.

So you are saying that if both go up against each other head to head at the same price, the Nintendo handheld will lose? I seriously doubt that. Nintendo rules the handheld market and always will. You have to consider the games on the system as well. The launch titles for the 3DS may not be that impressive, but they have some big ones coming up such as the new Mario Kart, Zelda, and the new Super Mario 3DS game.

megasdkirby

03-17-2011, 11:26 AM

$250? I can consider picking one up after a few games drop in price...or when it's hacked. :D *evil grin*

Nah, but seriously, $250 is not that bad, specially when the 3DS will be priced the same. It will be interesting how it will fair head to head (both consoles), though if the past is any indication, Nintendo will eventually win. Though the PSP2 may be close this time around.

Everything IMO, of course.

Frankie_Says_Relax

03-17-2011, 11:27 AM

megasdkirby

03-17-2011, 11:33 AM

Is nobody else frustrated that we're having yet another total sales = biggest penis discussion over Sony & Nintendo handhelds?

Nah, it's a useless fight since mine is bigger. :D

Isn't this community supposed to be enthusiasts that could give a lesser crap about sales?

You are right, though seeing how the internet is (and the people that use it), it's like a futile attempt to express one's own fanboyism, located deep inside the dark depths of a persons heart. Plus, it's fun to see such useless debacles...at least for me, it provides hours of fun observing silly fights online. :D

All I know is that I'll be getting a 3DS and an NGP and regardless of which outsells which I'm quite certain that I'll find plenty to enjoy on both.

QFT. I personally will wait for a price drop or to see each console's library. Plus, my money is all tied up on a damn iPad 2 at the moment. *shakes fist as Apple for ignoring PR*

Frankie_Says_Relax

03-17-2011, 11:51 AM

You are right, though seeing how the internet is (and the people that use it), it's like a futile attempt to express one's own fanboyism, located deep inside the dark depths of a persons heart. Plus, it's fun to see such useless debacles...at least for me, it provides hours of fun observing silly fights online. :D

While that may be true, I still can't help but be frustrated every time one of these discussions degenerates into who will outsell who.

substantial_snake

03-17-2011, 12:14 PM

I had a lot of fun with my various psps, and if Sony sells this new portable at 250 for the non-3g version the it will definitely help my wallet out a bit on launch.

I don't care who sells more, I care about having fun gaming experiences. The original PSP delivered on that for me so this is a day one purchase for me.

camarotuner

03-17-2011, 05:10 PM

If it can come in at 250 for the non-3G version.... tempting. Very very tempting. But I kinda want an ipad lol. Decisions decisions.

Icarus Moonsight

03-17-2011, 06:22 PM

NGP is going to lose to backwards compatibility. Could be a good system as well, and perhaps even better than the PSP. For all it's failings Sony stuck it out. Impressive on it's own.

Frankie_Says_Relax

03-17-2011, 07:41 PM

NGP is going to lose to backwards compatibility.

For UMD discs, but not digital PSP downloads.

PS1 and PSP games purchased on the PSN will work on the NGP and you won't have to re-purchase.

Unless you mean "lose" in terms of a NGP vs. 3DS backwards compatibility contest. In which case, 3DS does have the benefit of working with existing game cartridges.

Icarus Moonsight

03-17-2011, 08:30 PM

Both of those is precisely what I meant. They are going to lose the UMD side and Nintendo has an advantage there to press. If the NGP has trouble getting out there, with a price parity or that near to one, it's going to be because of the PSP and DS.

heybtbm

03-17-2011, 08:53 PM

Gizmondo LOL

You have no idea of how long I called it that. It wasn't until last year a co-worker corrected me.

heybtbm

03-17-2011, 09:00 PM

All I know is that I'll be getting a 3DS and an NGP and regardless of which outsells which I'm quite certain that I'll find plenty to enjoy on both.

Same here.

Anyway...what's with all this 3G talk? Isn't 3G on it's way out? You sure as hell can't play online going that slow. Hmm. Not sure what the extra $100 would be for.

Frankie_Says_Relax

03-17-2011, 10:11 PM

Same here.

Anyway...what's with all this 3G talk? Isn't 3G on it's way out? You sure as hell can't play online going that slow. Hmm. Not sure what the extra $100 would be for.

I have a bunch of iPhone games that work fine for multiplayer on 3G, even some very decent FPS'es sure it's an overall lower speed than most WiFi connections, but a decade ago we were playing FPS'es on dial up, so I'm sure that it'll suffice where applicable.

Also, I think it's mainly for a persistent connection to the PSN and internet.

Press_Start

03-17-2011, 10:24 PM

The hinted $250 pricetag tells me Sony's serious about going head-to-head with 3DS. Plus their relentless crackdown on Jailbreak hacker and a possible November release, the 2011 holidays is shaping up to be the battle of the handhelds.

The only remaining pillar in question are the games (biggest make-or-breaker) and I'm sure we'll see what they're serving at E3 this year. This should be interesting. ;)

Rev. Link

03-17-2011, 11:43 PM

*sigh*

Is nobody else frustrated that we're having yet another total sales = biggest penis discussion over Sony & Nintendo handhelds?

Isn't this community supposed to be enthusiasts that could give a lesser crap about sales?

Why does it matter if system X outsells system Y? Why SHOULD it ever matter?

Aren't we the community that revels in appreciating the best that ANY console/portable has to offer regardless of how much it costs or how much it sells?

All I know is that I'll be getting a 3DS and an NGP and regardless of which outsells which I'm quite certain that I'll find plenty to enjoy on both.

I wish more people thought like this, especially here. I guess it's just too much fun to argue over this stuff.

As for me, I'm getting a 3DS on day one, since I've always been a big Nintendo fan and I know I'll enjoy the system. I'm sure I'll pick up an NGP eventually, I always get every major system that is released, but probably not right away unless there's some awesome AAA launch title.

j_factor

03-18-2011, 12:21 AM

*sigh*

Is nobody else frustrated that we're having yet another total sales = biggest penis discussion over Sony & Nintendo handhelds?

Isn't this community supposed to be enthusiasts that could give a lesser crap about sales?

Why does it matter if system X outsells system Y? Why SHOULD it ever matter?

More sales = more support. It's as simple as that.

I tried that attitude before. "I'll just play what I like and not even pay attention to sales!" And then I wondered why new Saturn games weren't coming out. Didn't work out so well.

Same thing sorta happened to me again. Just as I was getting ready to get an N-Gage, there was suddenly hardly any games anywhere, and what was left was clearance. I asked a guy a Gamestop and he was like, oh yeah, they're getting rid of that thing, and no more games are coming out for it. I was like, really? I had no idea. I knew that it never sold as well as GBA or anything, but some pretty cool games had come out, and I thought it would stick around a while longer.

That's not to say that either of these systems will be like Saturn or N-Gage. But sales DO matter. The sales of DS and PSP have had a direct effect on their libraries.

Leo_A

03-18-2011, 04:02 AM

With the drastic decline of the PSP in much of the world, I doubt the lack of backwards compatibility with UMD's will be much of a factor in sales since many people seemingly have already left it behind.

If it's a major issue anywhere, it's going to be in Japan where the PSP is regularly close the top of sales charts to this day. And with most popular PSP games up on PSN, that should provide a solution that will appease many of the people that view PSP backwards compatibility as important.

Icarus Moonsight

03-18-2011, 07:56 AM

Not if I have to start buying stuff twice. PSN is not backwards compatibility in the full sense, at least in regard to the PSP platform. UMDs were the sole distribution method for PSP how long? Backwards compatibility is a huge determining factor in the last decade. The other side of that is first time owners coming in to the handheld market soon. 3DS will be much more appealing because of the collectively superior DS library they will have access to at used prices.

The whole sales tangent: There is a difference between fanboyism and a hobbyists interest in the growth and health of his favored past time and the hows, whys, and what-fors, that go with it.

This isn't kids league no-score soccer. One should just stay out of the octagon if that's what you are after. ;)

Frankie_Says_Relax

03-18-2011, 07:57 AM

More sales = more support. It's as simple as that.

I tried that attitude before. "I'll just play what I like and not even pay attention to sales!" And then I wondered why new Saturn games weren't coming out. Didn't work out so well.

Same thing sorta happened to me again. Just as I was getting ready to get an N-Gage, there was suddenly hardly any games anywhere, and what was left was clearance. I asked a guy a Gamestop and he was like, oh yeah, they're getting rid of that thing, and no more games are coming out for it. I was like, really? I had no idea. I knew that it never sold as well as GBA or anything, but some pretty cool games had come out, and I thought it would stick around a while longer.

That's not to say that either of these systems will be like Saturn or N-Gage. But sales DO matter. The sales of DS and PSP have had a direct effect on their libraries.

Yes, sales do matter.

Specullative discussions about which one will outsell the other do not and generally serve no purpose but to cause any intelligent conversation to degenerate into a prick-waving contest.

Furthermore, regardless of how little the Saturn and the N-Gage sold, my point is that this is one of the only gaming communities that embraces those systems for better or for worse ... so why do we find the need to nit-pick over sales on systems that are practically guaranteed to sell well enough to the point where those numbers don't even really matter, and even if either or both DON'T have healthy sales cycles, in years to come we're the place where people will have nostalgic discussions about how great those systems were despite how little they sold.

megasdkirby

03-18-2011, 08:09 AM

Yes, sales do matter.

Specullative discussions about which one will outsell the other do not and generally serve no purpose but to cause any intelligent conversation to degenerate into a prick-waving contest

I think it really has to do about history than anything else. I agree that all it transpires to is a bitch slap fight, but I do have to agree that past influence is usually a factor in these fights. That Nintendo will beat the PSP2 with it's 3DS? What basis does a person have to say such a thing? The past. In this case, nothing that has come in direct contact with Nintendo has managed to "steal" it's spot, so therefore certain people will hold this mentality. That no one knows the future? Sure, that is true, but it really doesn't matter much the those folk unless they are proven wrong. For instance, the Playstation 3. People kept saying that it will destroy the competition because it's Sony with the Playstation brand. And look how that turned out overall. Basically what I am saying is that, unless they (the people bitching) are proven wrong, they speculate what they have seen in previous years and state an opinion from that.

Furthermore, regardless of how little the Saturn and the N-Gage sold, my point is that this is one of the only gaming communities that embraces those systems for better or for worse ... so why do we find the need to nit-pick over sales on systems that are practically guaranteed to sell well enough to the point where those numbers don't even really matter, and even if either or both DON'T have healthy sales cycles, in years to come we're the place where people will have nostalgic discussions about how great those systems were despite how little they sold.

So very true. Though it stems from fear than anything else. I will admit that out of all the tablets out there, I will get the iPad2 (when it's finally fucking released in PR...) because I know it will be supported nicely, unlike other tablets in the market. It's an "investment" (geez I hate that word), so I want to make sure I get the most out of it. But regarding the PSP2 and 3DS, it's obvious that both will receive support and will thrive, unless something ridiculously strange happen that one defeats the other...hell, no one really knows. Honestly, if I had to choose between both consoles, I will choose the 3DS over the PSP2, all because it's Nintendo and it's track record. Funny though, since the PSP2 interests me more than the 3DS, so I hope it really becomes successful.

Time will tell, I assume.

Frankie_Says_Relax

03-18-2011, 08:19 AM

This isn't kids league no-score soccer. One should just stay out of the octagon if that's what you are after. ;)

I completely disagree with the notion that comparisons of (in the case of these systems currently NON-EXISTANT) sales numbers do anything to impact/affect the overall quality of any game or console.

And while I do understand that there are those who do enjoy looking at two sets of numbers and saying "this number is bigger therefore the product must be better." I'm not one of those people and I never will be.

I've also been posting on BBSes and web forums long enough to see the complete ciclical futility of those conversations.

Yes, in a consumerist culture they're inevitable and unavoidable, but in a classic game enthusiast community where I percieve that there's a more historically academic/intellectual view of "quality" regardless of mundane minutia like how many units a game or console sold I think the discussion is practically pointlless.

Am I supposed to believe that if the internet had MORE discussions about how many units the N-Gage sold that it would've somehow risen from its own technical failings and become a genunie contender against Nintendo?

If more people talked about the Saturn under-selling, would that somehow change the widely agreed upon facts that it was a mis-managed venture by Sega in the US which ultimately caused its retail demise?

Or to the other side of that argument, if LESS people had gotten on the hating via sales-comparisons, would there have been less consumers swayed by the argument of "the thing that sells better is the better thing"?

Personally, I think that history has shown that for the most part, things stand on their own merits. Occasionally there are external factors, but generally a well made product will sell well enough on its own to not need the static that rah-rah sales contests create in these types of forums.

For those like yourself that enjoy debating to the point of distraction, please feel free to engage in exchanges about which thing is going to outsell OTHER THING, its your right and I certainly can't stop you.

But by the same token, I have the same right to be frustrated when I see those discussions and comment about them as such.

It is my opinion that they contribute absolutely nothing to this or any gaming community and serve little to raise any awareness of quality about any system.

Icarus Moonsight

03-18-2011, 08:44 AM

Well, I have learned things from such discussions. I'm learning something now too. Meaning is what you make of it.

Rev. Link

03-18-2011, 10:47 AM

More sales = more support. It's as simple as that.

I tried that attitude before. "I'll just play what I like and not even pay attention to sales!" And then I wondered why new Saturn games weren't coming out. Didn't work out so well.

Same thing sorta happened to me again. Just as I was getting ready to get an N-Gage, there was suddenly hardly any games anywhere, and what was left was clearance. I asked a guy a Gamestop and he was like, oh yeah, they're getting rid of that thing, and no more games are coming out for it. I was like, really? I had no idea. I knew that it never sold as well as GBA or anything, but some pretty cool games had come out, and I thought it would stick around a while longer.

That's not to say that either of these systems will be like Saturn or N-Gage. But sales DO matter. The sales of DS and PSP have had a direct effect on their libraries.

But knowing/discussing sales figures for those systems wouldn't have changed that. It almost sounds like what you're really saying is that you wish you'd known those systems were going to bomb, so you could've avoided caring about them and thus not been disappointed when they died.

WanganRunner

03-18-2011, 02:00 PM

Both 3DS and NGP are potentially cool machines, but I find it hard to believe they'll take back the market they're losing to smart phones and tablets.

I still don't really think they're losing market share to multi-function devices like that.

Anyone who's going to buy a 3DS/NGP is the kind of person who already bought a DS/PSP, sort of by extension.

Maybe VERY casual customers, but most of those kind of people just didn't own portables in the first place.

I don't know anyone who was previously a regular portable gamer on a dedicated console who didn't buy the next one because of some multi-function smartphone/tablet alternative.

Bojay1997

03-18-2011, 02:22 PM

I completely disagree with the notion that comparisons of (in the case of these systems currently NON-EXISTANT) sales numbers do anything to impact/affect the overall quality of any game or console.

And while I do understand that there are those who do enjoy looking at two sets of numbers and saying "this number is bigger therefore the product must be better." I'm not one of those people and I never will be.

I've also been posting on BBSes and web forums long enough to see the complete ciclical futility of those conversations.

Yes, in a consumerist culture they're inevitable and unavoidable, but in a classic game enthusiast community where I percieve that there's a more historically academic/intellectual view of "quality" regardless of mundane minutia like how many units a game or console sold I think the discussion is practically pointlless.

Am I supposed to believe that if the internet had MORE discussions about how many units the N-Gage sold that it would've somehow risen from its own technical failings and become a genunie contender against Nintendo?

If more people talked about the Saturn under-selling, would that somehow change the widely agreed upon facts that it was a mis-managed venture by Sega in the US which ultimately caused its retail demise?

Or to the other side of that argument, if LESS people had gotten on the hating via sales-comparisons, would there have been less consumers swayed by the argument of "the thing that sells better is the better thing"?

Personally, I think that history has shown that for the most part, things stand on their own merits. Occasionally there are external factors, but generally a well made product will sell well enough on its own to not need the static that rah-rah sales contests create in these types of forums.

For those like yourself that enjoy debating to the point of distraction, please feel free to engage in exchanges about which thing is going to outsell OTHER THING, its your right and I certainly can't stop you.

But by the same token, I have the same right to be frustrated when I see those discussions and comment about them as such.

It is my opinion that they contribute absolutely nothing to this or any gaming community and serve little to raise any awareness of quality about any system.

I generally agree with you, but I also understand that some people want to speculate about the potential success of a console or handheld because it informs their decision about whether or not to buy it now or wait until the price drops. It also informs decisions about when to start collecting games for it. Having said that, it seems like we are constantly having these discussions lately and there really is very little point as it is 100% speculation until one or the other is released.

WCP

03-18-2011, 05:56 PM

I would be shocked if there is any version of the NGP that costs $250 at launch. I just don't see it. Maybe $299, but not $250.

LaughingMAN.S9

03-21-2011, 04:37 PM

shouldnt the 3g enabled one cost LESS than the wifi model as sony is probably going to be making their money back on data plans?

its the same model cell phone companies use, iphone without plan 350, iphone with 2 year contract 200

megasdkirby

03-21-2011, 04:41 PM

shouldnt the 3g enabled one cost LESS than the wifi model as sony is probably going to be making their money back on data plans?

Nah, else the iPad versions with 3G would be less as well. Even the iPad is at least $100 more than it's "wifi only" version.

It's an extra "add-on", which the company will charge you extra for. The ISP may reduce the price, depending on the plan adhered to, but it's not the same as Sony reducing the MSRP.

kupomogli

03-21-2011, 05:17 PM

its the same model cell phone companies use, iphone without plan 350, iphone with 2 year contract 200

You answered your own question. Think about it.

LaughingMAN.S9

03-21-2011, 05:30 PM

how in the world did i manage to do that? i dont wanna think, thinking is for girls, just tell me!

Rickstilwell1

03-21-2011, 05:32 PM

I will be getting the cheaper model because I just don't play online and I can't stand using the regular internet without a keyboard to type. Otherwise typing a letter at a time by selection just takes way too long.

megasdkirby

03-21-2011, 05:34 PM

how in the world did i manage to do that? i dont wanna think, thinking is for girls, just tell me!

Read my post above.

kupomogli

03-21-2011, 08:14 PM

how in the world did i manage to do that? i dont wanna think, thinking is for girls, just tell me!

The reason you get a cell phone for cheap with two year contracts is because just that. It's an incentive to get you to sign up for a contract agreement. That way they can legally rape your wallet for a specific amount of time. Want a new phone free? Extend your contract for the full interval for even more rape.

megasdkirby

03-21-2011, 08:15 PM

The reason you get a cell phone for cheap with two year contracts is because just that. It's an incentive to get you to sign up for a contract agreement. That way they can legally rape your wallet for a specific amount of time. Want a new phone free? Extend your contract for the full interval for even more rape.

Couldn't say it better myself.

Sure, I can get an iPad 2 cheaper with a contract. However, in the long run, I will be wasting MORE money than what I saved, making the original "savings" mute.

Bojay1997

03-21-2011, 08:18 PM

how in the world did i manage to do that? i dont wanna think, thinking is for girls, just tell me!

Those guys are making this more confusing than it needs to be. You're right that it seems like the 3G model should actually be cheaper because you are getting stuck with a monthly data plan, but unfortunately, Apple has convinced people that not only should you pay the monthly data plan fee, but also pay more for 3G because it's a little bit more hardware and it's a "feature" over the lower end model. Personally, I think it's ridiculous since you are paying a set monthly see entitling Sony to revenue from you for years to come, but sadly, that's the techno-economy we live in today where cell phones allegedly cost $600 without subsidy and text messages cost ten cents each or require an additional unlimited texting plan despite the fact that they are tiny compared to the amount of data a phone call takes.

PapaStu

03-21-2011, 09:01 PM

Those guys are making this more confusing than it needs to be. You're right that it seems like the 3G model should actually be cheaper because you are getting stuck with a monthly data plan, but unfortunately, Apple has convinced people that not only should you pay the monthly data plan fee, but also pay more for 3G because it's a little bit more hardware and it's a "feature" over the lower end model. Personally, I think it's ridiculous since you are paying a set monthly see entitling Sony to revenue from you for years to come, but sadly, that's the techno-economy we live in today where cell phones allegedly cost $600 without subsidy and text messages cost ten cents each or require an additional unlimited texting plan despite the fact that they are tiny compared to the amount of data a phone call takes.

No, you're paying more because you're not locked into a monthly contract and because of the chip. 3G iPads all run on a Month to Month and Apple sees NOTHING from the data related fees. They are not running the cell towers, those are all on AT&T and Verizon. Monthly contracts that lock you down = monies. That to them is guaranteed money, as if you leave early your ETF's will bend you over a barrel and take you 3 ways to sunday. A quit when you want / re-up when you want is not a steady revenue stream. Apple is charging more for the 3G chip'd units because with the addition of the 3G, they have to pay additional royalties to the IP holders for that tech, and by them paying for it, it's really you because they are passing on the fees to you with the raised sales price.

Sonys systems will be no different, in part because Apple has made that work and in part because of the licensing fees associated with the 3G and related tech 'under the hood'.

Rob2600

03-21-2011, 10:45 PM

No, you're paying more because you're not locked into a monthly contract

Exactly.

Bojay1997

03-22-2011, 12:26 AM

No, you're paying more because you're not locked into a monthly contract and because of the chip. 3G iPads all run on a Month to Month and Apple sees NOTHING from the data related fees. They are not running the cell towers, those are all on AT&T and Verizon. Monthly contracts that lock you down = monies. That to them is guaranteed money, as if you leave early your ETF's will bend you over a barrel and take you 3 ways to sunday. A quit when you want / re-up when you want is not a steady revenue stream. Apple is charging more for the 3G chip'd units because with the addition of the 3G, they have to pay additional royalties to the IP holders for that tech, and by them paying for it, it's really you because they are passing on the fees to you with the raised sales price.

Sonys systems will be no different, in part because Apple has made that work and in part because of the licensing fees associated with the 3G and related tech 'under the hood'.

Actually, originally Apple did get a share of AT&T subscription fees. In late 2008 they renegotiated with AT&T and settled for additional money for the handset up front which AT&T rather than the subscriber covered. On the iPad side, having a data plan does in fact benefit Apple as those users tend to purchase significantly higher numbers of first party accessories and more importantly, apps for which Apple takes a significant revenue share from each sale.

The difference in chip prices is on the order of mere dollars for the components needed to deliver the 3G capabilities and the licensing fees are also fairly minimal. More to the original point, Sony may or may not get a revenue share from their chosen data provider or may simply become a virtual data plan provider using someone else's infrastructure, so the assumption that the 3G version should cost more is premature at best.

kupomogli

03-22-2011, 12:43 AM

Sony may or may not get a revenue share from their chosen data provider or may simply become a virtual data plan provider using someone else's infrastructure, so the assumption that the 3G version should cost more is premature at best.

As is the assumption that it shouldn't cost more. Regardless of whether Sony gets any revenue after the fact is irrelevant. You're getting an additional feature and you're not bound by contract which is the reason why you're paying for the additional feature.

Bojay1997

03-22-2011, 12:41 PM

As is the assumption that it shouldn't cost more. Regardless of whether Sony gets any revenue after the fact is irrelevant. You're getting an additional feature and you're not bound by contract which is the reason why you're paying for the additional feature.

Of course it's relevant and calling it a feature is a real stretch and sadly just plays in to Apple's marketing hype. Cell phone providers subsidize devices because of an expectation that they will make revenue from your data plan, voice plan, text messages, etc...There is nothing stopping Sony from requiring you to use their approved data plan providers just like Apple limits you to Verizon or AT&T. How Sony decides to monetize that decision is entirely up to them and could very well include a revenue share with the provider. People assuming that Apple doesn't make additional revenue from AT&T and Verizon on the 3G devices are just plain wrong. Heck, AT&T paid Apple through various subsidies to have exclusives on the iPhone and iPad up until recently. Yes, you can always cancel your data plan on the iPad, but if you want to make any use of the 3G functionality, you must have a data plan.