Apple is Laughing at You: The iPod Sock

by Gregory Ng Dec 30, 2004

Apple has stooped really low this time. I had bought into the hype of the iPod phenomenon, consuming everything “iPod” in my path. I considered myself an early adopter and an advocate for Apple’s innovation. Now I feel like a sucker. This holiday season, in a blatant attempt to see how stupid consumers really are, Apple sold the iPod Sock. Yes. The iPod Sock. This is the listing on the Apple Store site:

Apple iPod Socks
Dress your iPod up in any one of six vibrant color socks (green, purple, grey, blue, orange, and pink). This set of knit socks provides a stylish, fun, and practical way to protect your iPod. Fits all iPods.

Price
$29.00

Yes. You read that correctly. $29. I have this suspicion there are Apple employees monitoring sales on this “stylish, fun, and practical” present. And every time they sell one, high fives are exchanged and “Suckers!” are heard in the background. This has to be a money-making joke on Apple’s part and people are buying into it. Apple even goes as far as to say it protects your iPod. I can’t wait to see on Apple’s Help Forum, “I bought the iPod sock and I then dropped it into a ditch and now my ipod doesn’t work. What gives?”

This marks the start of a dangerous path Apple is treading. It has gotten to the point where there are simply not enough “accessories” for the iPod to satisfy the whims of iPod users. I do not dispute the validity of this product. But Apple should leave it to the third-party vendors to handle these silly throwaway gifts. Give me something with real functionality. Give me something ground-breaking. That’s why I go to Apple.com and shop their store. That’s why I go to the mall and shop their retail store.

Apple was trying to fill the need for a low-priced iPod related Holiday Gift. They succeeded. And I’m sure it is selling gangbusters. But in the process, they are altering the perceived benefits shopping at Apple provides. Get ready people. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and then you’ll be able to buy red lingerie for your iPod and multi-colored iPod condoms. Hey, they are fun, stylish, and a practical way to protect your iPod.

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Comments

  • The iPod sock is probably the example of someone’s pet project being proposed to upper management and the managers saying “what the heck, we have nothing to lose”. If it bombs, then nothing is lost. If it works, then another business book will be written to explain how such an unpractical iPod holder can be sold.

    Tomas Sancio had this to say on Dec 31, 2004 Posts: 1

  • I think they’re actually pretty neat and useful.  And at $29 for 6 different kinds, that’s not a bad deal.  f I didn’t already have a case that works pretty well for me, I’d buy a pack.

    Just because something may not work for you personally does not mean it’s not a good idea, or that other people may not like it. 

    I don’t think Apple is labelling people as suckers and trying to gauge us with the iPod socks - they merely saw a need and filled it. 

    John Monahan had this to say on Dec 31, 2004 Posts: 2

  • Anyone who pays full retail price or even half price for thise should have his head examined and spending privileges revoked. As a product, they are interesting to some, though their utility is debatable.

    The mark-up on this thing is a sad joke Apple is playing on us. Unfortunately, there are always idiots who buy this kind of thing.

    Here in Japan where people are wont to pay lots of money for things of perceived style (but little real value), it was notable that nobody was buying the iSucks from the Apple store in Tokyo on January 2 - (one of the biggest retail days in Japan) - at least in the hour I was in the store. The iSocks displays were undisturbed as far as I can tell. And if Japanese people aren’t buying them - that tells you something.

    Bah humbug…

    umijin had this to say on Jan 02, 2005 Posts: 8

  • Bear with me please, I am an old man, I dress in my ancestors clothing everyday, 17th century! I sew my own clothing, they bear no logo, no A&F, fubu or other. I build swords, woodwork and build things that I need. Easel, brushes, palette you name it. So I am not a Techno-teen,
    however, I have 5 Mac and PCs in my work room and I have built up my computers. I enjoy technology and I do not think iSock is low, bad or scheme! It is what it is, a case to protect the iPod while it is sleeping in your suitcase or desk drawer, etc. basically being scratched. I do not think it is protecting it against falling off the backpack of a jugger or a cliff. I think it is honest. My grandfather had the same thing made for his clay pipes by my grandmother around 1920!
    Would I buy one? NO!
    I think what is more shameful is giving in to marketing schemes tha bank on hype and people’s follower of fashion. Starbucks calling its coffee, Tall (English), Grande (Italian for large), Venti (Italian for Twenty, yes, 20 and a slang for a lot) because it can not tell an American (or others nowadays) that you are paying $3 for a Small cup of coffee.
    And Apple is entitled to market anything for their product! Even a a string to tie your headphones cord, iTie, etc.
    I think anything marketed without making you believe in other than what it is should be considered commerce. We do not “need” 75% what we buy.
    No disrespect to anyone.

    Ivan Sahba had this to say on Jan 19, 2005 Posts: 2
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