Jobs responds to complaints about international iPad prices
updated 12:15 pm EDT, Mon May 10, 2010
Blames German prices on local government
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been busy defending the company against accusations of high international iPad prices, reports mention. While US iPads can cost as little as $499, foreign ones may be substantially more expensive, namely in Germany and the United Kingdom. Regarding the UK, Jobs is said to be offering the same explanation across multiple e-mails.
"Please educate yourself," the response reads. "UK prices must by law include VAT, which is around 18%. US prices do not include tax." Standard VAT is actually 17.5 percent, making the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad roughly £365 before tax. This is still, however, about $40 more than the equivalent US cost, which may be attributable to Apple offsetting the expense of operating in the UK.
Jobs is more aggressive in terms of Germany, which has the highest prices of any country in Europe, even after taxes. "Blame your government. Germany just added a new copyright levy for computers," the CEO writes. German prices are noted elsewhere to be €15 higher, because of the iPad's classification as a "PC without burner" under levies.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
When will the bitchers get it?
Jobs has offered an explanation for higher iPAD prices for those who are too lazy to do their homework.
I've dealt with Great Britain in the publishing business, what a screwed up country! France is worse when it comes to electronic devices. Germany is expected to bail out the profligates in Greece (many of whom retire EARLY or pay no taxes), Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
Buy a netbook!!!! Oh, they're not cool... then pay the price and complain to your regulators.
OK, I'll go easy. Most of you are fine, but websites like Tech Crunch and others do not help their readers, they only try to stir them up. I've quit believing in anything Tech Crunch says. Look how the press and the congress is getting all worked up about Facebook privacy. users I have talked to DO NOT CARE!