They did a major refresh on the iPod line yesterday.

The new range has something for everyone.

The web is full of commentary on this so I only have two points to make.

My first is an observation on the cultural impact of technology.

I am 37 this year I got my first CD player in 1987 or something like. I remember being a 17 year old going into town to visit record shops to buy music.

Apple yesterday launched the iPod Touch a Music and Video player that has built in Wifi so you can sit at home or in a Starbucks buying and downloading music directly to the device in the palm of your hand.

Part of me thinks this is wonderful, as I love when technology meets my expectations. Then my mind wanders, I am a parent now, my kids will have access to this type of technology.

Inevitably Apple have just put a cash register in the hands of any iPod Touch user. I can imagine a time 5 years from now my kids pestering me to let them buy, buy, buy.

My next observation:-

Dear Apple

You should be commended for dropping the price of the 8gb iPhone from $599 to $399. What a bold move.

Now kindly refund $200 to everyone who paid the $599 in the last 2 months and 6 days since you launched the iPhone at the $599 price point.

That is no way to treat early adopters and clearly apple supporters.

Tip: If you have purchased an iPhone within the last 14 days you can get a refund within the initial 14 day period. Then repurchase at the $399 price point.

____

Update 07/09/2007: They are offering early adopters a $100 voucher.

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6982717.stm