Did you say the same thing when the iPod was announced? Maybe you could check how much 'psychological marketing and branding' affected iPod sales, it's only 1 letter difference you know...
Also, remember that while the word 'pad' might bring up associations with sanitary products where you come from, but it sure doesn't where I live. The name iSlate, however, would probably be turned into the dutch equivalent of iSlut, while the name iTablet would be associated with some kind of medicine.
In other words: every product name will have unintended connotations somewhere around the globe. I seriously doubt if the name of the iPad will hurt sales, it might even boost it because so many people are making jokes about it, which really helps establishing 'iPad' as the street term for every other tablet, like 'iPod' did for MP3 players. The 'iPod' name was mocked on as well, see how that worked out for Apple.
The topic of psychological marketing and branding extends much much further then a dictionary definition.
For the most part, just put "Apple" with its logo in front of the name and that will take care of 98% of the people. For the rest, who would actually deprive themselves of functionality that would improve their life merely because of a name, well then, they maybe... maybe... could be smart enough to buy one for their wife or girlfriend and be able to say it belongs to her and then use it themselves. ... maybe...
Wii was brilliant. I don't know anyone who balked at it? In fact, Wii and iPod are two of the strongest brands in the entertainment technology camp, 2 of the strongest brands to emerge in the last decade for new products, ...and celebrated as such.
you are confusing before and after. I am not a gamer and was only vaguely aware of the plans of the major console makers before the latest models came out (2-3 years ago?). But I do remember the snickering and the head scratching when the name of the Wii was announced. It was universally panned as I recall (again, not as a particularly interested party). No only were the graphics underpowered, but it sounded like pee!!!!1.
As in URINATE!!
I chuckled. I scratched my head. And, yes, I bought one a year later...
If the iPad is a hit, no one will care about this ubiquitos association you see now...
I asked my dad if he was interested in one... to which he replied
"No thanks, i'm not menstruating"
Product name is so insanely horrendous, I honestly believe that Apple has gone insane with wealth.
Cutting the price point wouldn't be nearly as effective as cutting the name and calling it something that doesn't make people think of bloody feminine hygiene products.
I've talked to over 20 people about the iYuk and not a single one is considering buying one because of name alone. People don't even care what the tech is or what it can do for them... they can't get past the name.
Seriously... SJ has lost his mind. This product will always be a joke as long as it has a joke name. Zune is looking pretty brilliant right now as a name when you compare.
Bottom line... MILLIONS of people will avoid this product because of the name alone. Don't kid yourself, a pad is something disposable and you throw away. Think hundreds of years of psyche is going to change around the term 'pad' because SJ likes to tote one around? Wrong.
I don't think Apple are too worried, you are obviously outside the demographic.
The pad will sell, but Apple did needlessly put a mountain in front of themselves. Trying to undue a hundred years of psyche over the connotation of 'pad' and adding an 'i' in front of it to denote 'My personal..." is dubious, and I question the drugs that were smoked at the creative brief when they were naming it.
Well, I guess you're right. I mean, surely Apple didn't have the foresight to research the name choice. Steve just threw that one up in the air and said "F it guys, I can't think of anything better so iPad it is. Wish me luck!"
I'm not crazy about the name but that has no variance on my decision to buy or not. The name is the last feature on my checklist.
you are confusing before and after. I am not a gamer and was only vaguely aware of the plans of the major console makers before the latest models came out (2-3 years ago?). But I do remember the snickering and the head scratching when the name of the Wii was announced. It was universally panned as I recall (again, not as a particularly interested party). No only were the graphics underpowered, but it sounded like pee!!!!1.
As in URINATE!!
I chuckled. I scratched my head. And, yes, I bought one a year later...
If the iPad is a hit, no one will care about this ubiquitos association you see now...
It's not the ubiquitous association that "I" see now. It's what others are seeing.
The name isn't going to stop me from buying one. It won't stop a lot of people from buying one. On the other hand, it will stop a lot of people from buying one, as our initial research has shown.
You are probably right that if it's a hit, no one will care. However, it won't become a genericized trademarked name like iPod, Aspirin, Kleenex, Zipper, E-mail, Band-Aid, Coke etc...
Teenage boys are not going to be saying "hey Mike, can i play with your pad".
So for Apple's most creative and best piece of hardware ever!!!! -according to them - it's a pretty weak brand strategy. People will just call it the Apple Tablet like they do now, because nobody is comfortable saying iPad... not even the people at Apple... lol
For the most part, just put "Apple" with its logo in front of the name and that will take care of 98% of the people. For the rest, who would actually deprive themselves of functionality that would improve their life merely because of a name, well then, they maybe... maybe... could be smart enough to buy one for their wife or girlfriend and be able to say it belongs to her and then use it themselves. ... maybe...
Thats why the Apple brand is one of the strongest in the world.
I have zero doubt that if Microsoft came out with a product called iPad, people here would be tearing into it with a hysterical frenzy as never seen before... but because it's Apple...
Will be interesting to see if Apple's brand can drag the iPad brand up to it's levels.
Seriously... SJ has lost his mind. This product will always be a joke as long as it has a joke name. Zune is looking pretty brilliant right now as a name when you compare.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rain
I have zero doubt that if Microsoft came out with a product called iPad, people here would be tearing into it with a hysterical frenzy as never seen before... but because it's Apple...
Well, with the first Zune you could 'squirt' songs to other Zunes, not exactly smart marketing either huh? And if the name 'Zune' is so great, how come it's pretty much an epic fail for MS up to now? Not because of the hardware I guess, because that's actually pretty good...
My point is: I think you're seriously stretching this whole name thing too far, it's ridiculous, no matter how many people you asked that thought iPad was a bad name. People would still buy it if it were called the iPoo, if it became hip, trendy or extremely useful for any other reasons than its name.
If Apple can sell the 8GB iPod touch for $199, there is no reason why they can't sell the 16GB iPad at $399 and still make a decent profit.
This is the pricing that we are likely to see by Xmas'10 shopping season:
16GB 32GB 64GB
------ ------- ------
WiFi $399 $499 $599
3G $499 $599 $699
Next-gen flash parts will start shipping in volume some time this summer, so flash price won't be an issue. For the rest of the system, the larger screen & battery cannot account for more than $100 adder over the cost of an iPod touch.
Actually, I'm exactly the demographic. Thats the problem.
Names are largely irrelevant to a company like Apple. A product name is supposed to help you stand out from the competition. Apple products stand out regardless of their name. People won't be very concerned about the name after they've tried the device out or heard about it through the media or friends. Your informal survey means nothing. To counter your point I had two people tell me that they wanted an iPad within a day of it's announcement. Both were not "fanboys", one of which has never tried a mac. The difference was that they were focussed on the features and how the device was used, not on the name, and believe me that will matter a lot more in the long run.
I never thought this thing should be 1,000. Meanwhile, the "analysts" did. I had no analyst talk to me however.
Maybe they thought that because they thought we were getting an LED, full OS kicking, multitasking, flash optional, matte screened, mini-MBAir notebook?
and not merely a Maxi-Pad, I mean Pod, I mean iPad.
Well, with the first Zune you could 'squirt' songs to other Zunes, not exactly smart marketing either huh? And if the name 'Zune' is so great, how come it's pretty much an epic fail for MS up to now? Not because of the hardware I guess, because that's actually pretty good...
My point is: I think you're seriously stretching this whole name thing too far, it's ridiculous, no matter how many people you asked that thought iPad was a bad name. People would still buy it if it were called the iPoo, if it became hip, trendy or extremely useful for any other reasons than its name.
I agree with the general consensus. $499 for the basic model isn't bad. The add-ons are the painful part. No way is the top model worth $829.
What are you talking about? 499 isn't bad? What is good? Where do you people base these pricing principles from? Can someone please do a cost breakdown here.
What are you talking about? 499 isn't bad? What is good? Where do you people base these pricing principles from? Can someone please do a cost breakdown here.
According to some reports, the actual price was supposed to be 399, until Jobs pulled a fast one at the last minute and bumped it up to 499.
How did $330 become $400? Way to round up. Sure you can add in the price of accessories, but that would apply to both ends of the price spectrum.
My mistake. In my head I had 899 for the highest priced model. $330 dollar spread is not as bad actually, but my point remains : lower the highest end model cause mentally going from 499 to 829 is still a big jump for not that much extra value (3g you gotta pay for every month, while ipod touch jumps from 8 gb to 32 for only $100 extra to 64 for 200 extra).
Comments
Did you say the same thing when the iPod was announced? Maybe you could check how much 'psychological marketing and branding' affected iPod sales, it's only 1 letter difference you know...
Also, remember that while the word 'pad' might bring up associations with sanitary products where you come from, but it sure doesn't where I live. The name iSlate, however, would probably be turned into the dutch equivalent of iSlut, while the name iTablet would be associated with some kind of medicine.
In other words: every product name will have unintended connotations somewhere around the globe. I seriously doubt if the name of the iPad will hurt sales, it might even boost it because so many people are making jokes about it, which really helps establishing 'iPad' as the street term for every other tablet, like 'iPod' did for MP3 players. The 'iPod' name was mocked on as well, see how that worked out for Apple.
I vote this the dumbest post of the year.
Yeh right!
THIS is the internet. I don't believe you.
Grow up!
I'm sorry you believe there are no professionals in the world. I'm also sorry that you believe everything on that darn internet is a lie.
I'm sorry you are obviously an angry & cynical person.
But listen close Piot... it's not your fault.
It's not your fault...
Piot... it's not your fault...
It's not your fault...
You have no clue what your talking about.
The topic of psychological marketing and branding extends much much further then a dictionary definition.
For the most part, just put "Apple" with its logo in front of the name and that will take care of 98% of the people. For the rest, who would actually deprive themselves of functionality that would improve their life merely because of a name, well then, they maybe... maybe... could be smart enough to buy one for their wife or girlfriend and be able to say it belongs to her and then use it themselves. ... maybe...
Wii was brilliant. I don't know anyone who balked at it? In fact, Wii and iPod are two of the strongest brands in the entertainment technology camp, 2 of the strongest brands to emerge in the last decade for new products, ...and celebrated as such.
you are confusing before and after. I am not a gamer and was only vaguely aware of the plans of the major console makers before the latest models came out (2-3 years ago?). But I do remember the snickering and the head scratching when the name of the Wii was announced. It was universally panned as I recall (again, not as a particularly interested party). No only were the graphics underpowered, but it sounded like pee!!!!1.
As in URINATE!!
I chuckled. I scratched my head. And, yes, I bought one a year later...
If the iPad is a hit, no one will care about this ubiquitos association you see now...
I asked my dad if he was interested in one... to which he replied
"No thanks, i'm not menstruating"
Product name is so insanely horrendous, I honestly believe that Apple has gone insane with wealth.
Cutting the price point wouldn't be nearly as effective as cutting the name and calling it something that doesn't make people think of bloody feminine hygiene products.
I've talked to over 20 people about the iYuk and not a single one is considering buying one because of name alone. People don't even care what the tech is or what it can do for them... they can't get past the name.
Seriously... SJ has lost his mind. This product will always be a joke as long as it has a joke name. Zune is looking pretty brilliant right now as a name when you compare.
Bottom line... MILLIONS of people will avoid this product because of the name alone. Don't kid yourself, a pad is something disposable and you throw away. Think hundreds of years of psyche is going to change around the term 'pad' because SJ likes to tote one around? Wrong.
I don't think Apple are too worried, you are obviously outside the demographic.
I don't think Apple are too worried, you are obviously outside the demographic.
Actually, I'm exactly the demographic. Thats the problem.
The pad will sell, but Apple did needlessly put a mountain in front of themselves. Trying to undue a hundred years of psyche over the connotation of 'pad' and adding an 'i' in front of it to denote 'My personal..." is dubious, and I question the drugs that were smoked at the creative brief when they were naming it.
Well, I guess you're right. I mean, surely Apple didn't have the foresight to research the name choice. Steve just threw that one up in the air and said "F it guys, I can't think of anything better so iPad it is. Wish me luck!"
I'm not crazy about the name but that has no variance on my decision to buy or not. The name is the last feature on my checklist.
you are confusing before and after. I am not a gamer and was only vaguely aware of the plans of the major console makers before the latest models came out (2-3 years ago?). But I do remember the snickering and the head scratching when the name of the Wii was announced. It was universally panned as I recall (again, not as a particularly interested party). No only were the graphics underpowered, but it sounded like pee!!!!1.
As in URINATE!!
I chuckled. I scratched my head. And, yes, I bought one a year later...
If the iPad is a hit, no one will care about this ubiquitos association you see now...
It's not the ubiquitous association that "I" see now. It's what others are seeing.
The name isn't going to stop me from buying one. It won't stop a lot of people from buying one. On the other hand, it will stop a lot of people from buying one, as our initial research has shown.
You are probably right that if it's a hit, no one will care. However, it won't become a genericized trademarked name like iPod, Aspirin, Kleenex, Zipper, E-mail, Band-Aid, Coke etc...
Teenage boys are not going to be saying "hey Mike, can i play with your pad".
So for Apple's most creative and best piece of hardware ever!!!! -according to them - it's a pretty weak brand strategy. People will just call it the Apple Tablet like they do now, because nobody is comfortable saying iPad... not even the people at Apple... lol
For the most part, just put "Apple" with its logo in front of the name and that will take care of 98% of the people. For the rest, who would actually deprive themselves of functionality that would improve their life merely because of a name, well then, they maybe... maybe... could be smart enough to buy one for their wife or girlfriend and be able to say it belongs to her and then use it themselves. ... maybe...
Thats why the Apple brand is one of the strongest in the world.
I have zero doubt that if Microsoft came out with a product called iPad, people here would be tearing into it with a hysterical frenzy as never seen before... but because it's Apple...
Will be interesting to see if Apple's brand can drag the iPad brand up to it's levels.
I vote this the dumbest post of the year.
Why? Just because you disagree?
Edit:
Seriously... SJ has lost his mind. This product will always be a joke as long as it has a joke name. Zune is looking pretty brilliant right now as a name when you compare.
I have zero doubt that if Microsoft came out with a product called iPad, people here would be tearing into it with a hysterical frenzy as never seen before... but because it's Apple...
Well, with the first Zune you could 'squirt' songs to other Zunes, not exactly smart marketing either huh? And if the name 'Zune' is so great, how come it's pretty much an epic fail for MS up to now? Not because of the hardware I guess, because that's actually pretty good...
My point is: I think you're seriously stretching this whole name thing too far, it's ridiculous, no matter how many people you asked that thought iPad was a bad name. People would still buy it if it were called the iPoo, if it became hip, trendy or extremely useful for any other reasons than its name.
This is the pricing that we are likely to see by Xmas'10 shopping season:
16GB 32GB 64GB
------ ------- ------
WiFi $399 $499 $599
3G $499 $599 $699
Next-gen flash parts will start shipping in volume some time this summer, so flash price won't be an issue. For the rest of the system, the larger screen & battery cannot account for more than $100 adder over the cost of an iPod touch.
Actually, I'm exactly the demographic. Thats the problem.
Names are largely irrelevant to a company like Apple. A product name is supposed to help you stand out from the competition. Apple products stand out regardless of their name. People won't be very concerned about the name after they've tried the device out or heard about it through the media or friends. Your informal survey means nothing. To counter your point I had two people tell me that they wanted an iPad within a day of it's announcement. Both were not "fanboys", one of which has never tried a mac. The difference was that they were focussed on the features and how the device was used, not on the name, and believe me that will matter a lot more in the long run.
Also.
I never thought this thing should be 1,000. Meanwhile, the "analysts" did. I had no analyst talk to me however.
Maybe they thought that because they thought we were getting an LED, full OS kicking, multitasking, flash optional, matte screened, mini-MBAir notebook?
and not merely a Maxi-Pad, I mean Pod, I mean iPad.
Why? Just because you disagree?
Edit:
Well, with the first Zune you could 'squirt' songs to other Zunes, not exactly smart marketing either huh? And if the name 'Zune' is so great, how come it's pretty much an epic fail for MS up to now? Not because of the hardware I guess, because that's actually pretty good...
My point is: I think you're seriously stretching this whole name thing too far, it's ridiculous, no matter how many people you asked that thought iPad was a bad name. People would still buy it if it were called the iPoo, if it became hip, trendy or extremely useful for any other reasons than its name.
Classic!
I agree with the general consensus. $499 for the basic model isn't bad. The add-ons are the painful part. No way is the top model worth $829.
What are you talking about? 499 isn't bad? What is good? Where do you people base these pricing principles from? Can someone please do a cost breakdown here.
What are you talking about? 499 isn't bad? What is good? Where do you people base these pricing principles from? Can someone please do a cost breakdown here.
According to some reports, the actual price was supposed to be 399, until Jobs pulled a fast one at the last minute and bumped it up to 499.
http://gawker.com/5458396/the-nuclea...ight-have-been
1000 dollars - lol who the heck would buy this oversized iPod Touch at that price?
And by the way, that HUGE price add on for 3g? Thats definitely a subsidy they'll be giving to AT&T - just like when you 'purchase' a new cell phone.
How did $330 become $400? Way to round up. Sure you can add in the price of accessories, but that would apply to both ends of the price spectrum.
My mistake. In my head I had 899 for the highest priced model. $330 dollar spread is not as bad actually, but my point remains : lower the highest end model cause mentally going from 499 to 829 is still a big jump for not that much extra value (3g you gotta pay for every month, while ipod touch jumps from 8 gb to 32 for only $100 extra to 64 for 200 extra).
Actually, I'm exactly the demographic. Thats the problem.
Yes, a person.