Comments on: Report: iPod Shuffle accessories to get Apple 'tax'

Apple is reportedly planning to require third-party headphones--and headphone adapters--for the new device to include an Apple-licensed authentication chip that will jack up the prices.

[ariff100]

The moment this thing was announced, the forums and blogs were 'polluted' with "Awwww Apple is EVIL" BS, all reviews by people who obviously never used the in-line control system. I myself being an owner of an iphone 3G, ABSOLUTELY LOVE in-line controls. When did we start critisizing innovation, innovation is GOOD. SO TRY it first is all I'm saying to all those apple is EVIL people who love to rant... someone even mentioned a Zune as an option, please....
p.s. Im no Apple fanboy myself, and I can't justify buying into the overpriced mac line up, and will not buy the new shuffle until the price is lowered, but if your someone who will pay whatever it costs to have a great product, then this is for you.

[irondog1970]

For one thing, Apple does not have a monopolistic control over the audio player like Microsoft had over computers & operating systems. I'm not a fan of proprietary connectors or requiring an Apple "tax." One of the things I don't like about my 1st gen iPhone is the recessed headphone jack.

But in the free and fair market system, buyers have choices. Don't like what Apple is doing, don't buy their products. The iPod may be the #1 personal audio player out there, but that in and of itself not necessarily a monopoly. I can buy audio players from checkout lines & online. There are plenty of choices available.

[jsa82980]

So. . . Umm . . . I don't think anyone should buy the iPod Shuffle and manufacturers shouldn't make the appropriate accessories for the Shuffle because this is the stupidest thing that Apple has ever done. I mean, come on.

[kavonbor]

I own a Zune, just because. It plays music and works well. I voted with my $. I appreciate the design of Apple products, and appreciate the freedom of choosing something a little different offered by Microsoft in this case.
I'm not going to bash Apple fans nor will I defend Microsoft. Just buy what you like, and let the pieces fall where they may.

[orlandorr]

And yet people keep buying Apple. Don't you realize? Apple = Fascism.

[inachu1]

Apple is just following the footsteps of HP by forcing people to use toner cartridges and not by third party. Although hp cartidges are betterr and reduce jamming over all cost will increase due to using inferrior parts. Knowing the above though does not translate into same logical reasons why Apple is making this move. Does John Does regular headphones crash ipod software? I think not but to bend to Apple wishes is a bit draconian in the extreme. But if they go this route why not ditch the whole phograph plug in the firts place and use a connector like they use to charge the device with?

This tells me they really do not know what they are doing and "locking in" people in the long run will make people stay away from the hardware due to over all cost VS enjoyment of the device.

[MickBurke]

Ok, third party's have to buy a special chip for their HEADPHONES to work with an ipod shuffle? Na, apple isn't a bunch of fascists.

Face it, there was an article the other day about how the voice and control crap on this was basically a test drive before moving into other ipods right? So apple now thinks they have enough of a market that they can arbitrarily require a chip, that requires a license fee from every manufacturer that wants their headphones (a completely passive device) to work with an ipod...

[SactoGuy018]

if there is ANYTHING that will drive more people to buy the SanDisk SANSA Clip or even a refurbished 3G iPod nano 8 GB, it's Apple's decision to require a proprietary chip on new headphones or headphone adapters that are compatible with the 3G shuffle.

There's been substantial business from third-party manufacturers building headphones for iPods and other portable music players with the 3.5 mm stereo phone jack and forcing the headphone manufacturers to do this in this in a time of recession doesn't make economic sense!

[Brian]

If Apple continues their business model this way, it's nothing more than a repackaged Atari 2600 with a high price tag.

Crap quality for a high price in a pretty package.

[clamenza]

Any other company trying to pull this kind of shenanigan would be run out of the room, and rightly so. But it's Apple, so there's no outrage because, well, it's so cool! It's Apple!

[bradenisme]

this is getting a bit ridiculous. its a good thing we can vote by purchasing.

[lickmoreshoes]

Sorry for the following language... but you really have to be a retard to buy this S@#$. Seriously licence.

[terryverhaar]

OMG - the sky is falling!!! Apple is going to bring down the economy by forcing people to spend a couple bucks more on an accessory!

[JFerrari427]

Apple wants your cash more than Microsoft does with its proprietary hardware and software.

[fooldog01]

Theres this neat little device that functions as a music player called EVERY CELL PHONE ON THE MARKET. I havent been able to figure out for YEARS why people are buying iPods still. I must be completely missing something.

[Perry_Clease]

"I must be completely missing something."

You are.

[fooldog01]

And the wise commentator proceeds to explain why using your phone as your music player is not an option. Wait a second...

[dannosliwcd]

I think the funny thing is that people actually want government intervention here. The more time the government wastes on making Apple do what you want, the more tax money we are spending on that. Why not just buy a working product from a competitor, and send a why-i-no-longer-like-you letter to Apple? Because it takes more time than walking into an apple store and forking over $100 for a feature-lacking mp3 player?

[digiguy23]

People spamming hate against the new iPod shuffle is a joke. Seriously, there are other models from Apple's product line to choose from. Doesn't fit your needs, don't buy it. People have too much time on their hands complaining on one $79 product.

[Draxon]

If you don't like it don't buy it.

FYI They are still selling the old version of the shuffle.

[Heebee Jeebies]

Of course Apple will get away with it. All of the Apple Head Fans would jump off a cliff if there was an Apple log in it and at the bottom. When a company can do no wrong they can pretty much screw their customers and they will flock for me of it. How do you think Apple has managed to stay in business this long. A few innovations a lot of so-so features and presto you have a base of rabid fans waiting for your to tell them what they want next and what they want next is to pay more for accessories for a poorly design MP3 player.

Disclaimer: By my not responding to any posts made to my posts doesn't mean I think you are correct. It means you bore me and therefor I will use my time for something far more important. Like posting the to next Apple thread.

Disclaimer: I feel the same way about Microsoft, Intel and Wal-Mart. So don't think I am a pro Microsoft rear kisser. I am just right that is all.

Robert

[nicksmith520]

a few more screwups and i may just have to declare myself independent from future apple purchases