Thread: Theory 1: only 30% of the cost of the N900 is "real" cost
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Gadgety is offline Gadgety
2009-12-10 , 17:05
Posts: 220 | Thanked: 129 times | Joined on Nov 2009
#68
Originally Posted by OrangeBox View Post
Let me explain...If we take an N900 with a hypothetical $500 price and compare the hardware internals of an identically priced laptop, it is clear that the N900 should cost about $150-200.

And no, I don't believe that the 3.5 inch touch screen costs more than a 17 inch non-touch, or a 32GB flash costs more than a 500GB HD, or Maemo with Nokia customizations costs more than Windows 7, or the GSM/HSPA radio costs more than 802.11n. If you follow this line of reasoning you come to the conclusion that the N900 (and the iPhone and the BB and the Droid and all other smart phones) are a total rip-off price-wise.

Any counter arguments?
I hear the manufacturing cost of a pair of Nike's is like a dollar or so. Are you surprised? Disappointed? Is this unfair? Are Nokia, Apple, HTC secretly rigging prices?

So it is profitable to make advanced phones because consumers are willing to pay for the convenience, the fashion accessory, whatever these gadgets represent to people. That is one reason everyone is rushing to the market (Acer, Dell etc) and in the long run we all benefit. BTW that 17 inch screen isn't pocketable.