Why do 30GB and 8GB MP3 players cost the same?

Question

Several brands of MP3 players come in both a 30 and 8 GB version but they cost the same. The only difference I can see is the 30 GB is a hard drive and the 8 GB uses flash. Why would anyone want the 8 GB if they can have 30? Is there some sort of advantage to flash drive that makes it worth sacrificing 22 GB?

When I say they cost the same, I'm talking about the exact same brands: for example a 30 GB Zune and an 8 GB Zune cost the same but why is that?

Currently at Circuit City you can buy a 30GB Zune for 199.99 and an 8GB Zune for 199.99. Why do they cost the same for drastically different amounts of GBs?

Answer 1

2nd generation!!!!

many different features like I said before I edited.
screen size, weight, interface, power consumption.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune#Models

edit********************************************************
Currently Circuit City is RIPPING you off.
you can find a zune 30gb for as low as 70$ online with a rebate.

well I can't find the site again, but heres one for 90$
https://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/aws-merge.html?cart-id=104-9341198-5246337%26associate-id=gosale-20%26hmac=YNkBJYEpNODWBYs0wcH3cBfV0D8=%26SubscriptionId=0HSY6P1KNXRP17E848G2%26MergeCart=True

the second generations (the smaller and more expensive ones) have many new features.
The flash is less likely to break and is fast.
The interface is more smooth like an ipod
(thats probably why its so expensive)
Its smaller and lighter

I agree with you though.

The older LARGER 1st generation ones seems like a much better buy (in the right place)

esp since you can NOW get a FREE software update for it that allows you to connect to wireless networks.

Answer 2

Some of the advantages of a flash drive is that it could hold a longer life than a hard drive player because hard drives have moving parts. Flash memory is also potentially faster (reading files, navigation) than a hard drive, and this is a plus for some people. Hard drives on the other hand do offer greater memory, but this sometimes results in a thicker and heavier player, which by the way is not that big a deal since there is generally a slight difference. Battery life is also another thing slight difference.

So I guess to answer you question more to the point, it is the the convenience and the piece of mind that people are buying with a flash drive, though they may not know it. A hard drive player is just as good though. I would never survive with anything less than 30GB. In fact, I have 30GBs but I'd still like more. :o)

Hope that helps.

Some info:
http://asia.cnet.com/buyingguides/mp3/0,39063886,61967035-6,00.htm

Answer 3

I believe its The brand name, such as being a comparison to American Eagle and Walmart jeans, both can look somewhat similar.. but the Logo is what is being bought.

Answer 4

They're smaller, and can go from song to song quicker

Answer 5

i dont know