Expensive
Why are American companies playing hardball in Europe?
Apple thinks 1 Euro is same as 1 USD. A Mac mini costs US$599 in the US. The same in Europe costs Euro 619!
Microsoft and Google have gone a step further. They think 1 British Pound is same as 1 US dollar! Wtf?! Unbelievable? Look at the prices of Vista licenses in the UK. Compare the Google Mini appliance price in the UK with that sold in the US, for a few examples.
I can’t believe it, but there is perhaps no explanation but this: they are systematically robbing the Europeans. Does anyone care?
Robbing? Supply and demand, my friend, supply and demand. They sell, the price is right. You might be unaware, but EU imposes heavy penalties for imports, penalties that ultimately the EU customer have to pay. Europe has been historically more expensive.
By the way, if as you said, those companies thought the dollar vs. euro conversion was on 1 to 1, the products would have had the same price. Maybe you meant to write that they think the dollar is stronger than the euro?
Feb 13, 07 at 12:25Supply and demand? Do you really want me to believe that? Surely, that cannot be the reason. How do you equate British pound 1995 to USD1995 that Google charges for their mini-appliance? Is Google not registered in the UK?
It’s simply a rip-off because they can. Don’t tell me that the EU imposes 100% or more duty on US products.
Feb 13, 07 at 12:43Check out french prices - and David’s comment will make more sense.
Feb 14, 07 at 15:38Oh? So, there’s more to the story, than meets the eye.
Feb 14, 07 at 15:54