Eclectic Electronics

3rd generation Apple iPod shuffle costs only $22 to manufacture

Posted: 13 Apr 2009 01:28 PM PDT

Did you know that Apple just needs $22 to make a piece of their latest Apple iPod shuffle?

The Samsung main chip and flash memory cost $5.98 and $10 respectively, while the rechargeable battery for the device costs $1.20. Couple those parts with the proprietary earphone controller, a sleek casing with an Apple logo, some labor costs… and behold! The total reportedly comes out to just $22. Can you believe it? The markup is an eye-popping 359%.

Not to crap on the people who are whining about the price markup. But that’s how that’s how you do business!

So… Is this going to stop you from getting that super tiny and sweet lookin’ iPod shuffle? Would you rather get one of those cheap MP3 player knock-offs?

[via Geeks are Sexy and Techgeer.com]

Land Rover Sonim S1 going through FCC

Posted: 13 Apr 2009 12:30 PM PDT

The Land Rover mobile phone, named Sonim S1, is going through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Mobile phones in the US go through the FCC before they are released to the public. The FCC is like the mobile phone screening committee.

While the photo doesn’t show any sort of Land Rover branding, it sure does look rugged. If Land Rover sells all-terrain vehicles, then the Sonim S1 might very well be an all-weather, tough-as-nails phone!

Pricing, specifications and release date are yet to be announced.

If you’re curious about what other mobile phones Sonim offers, then check out the XP1 below. Just look at the punishment the device can take! It certainly reminds me of Nokia’s 6250. The Sonim XP1 just looks way much better.

I did a quick search and there seems to be tons of XP1’s going around eBay for around $150. Hopefully, Sonim doesn’t jack up the price too much just because they are possibly putting a Land Rover badge on it.

[via Phones Review UK]

Palm Pre page on Sprint website now live!

Posted: 13 Apr 2009 09:30 AM PDT

The Palm Pre is page is up and running on Sprint’s website.

Palm Pre Sprint Availability Notification Button The page includes a button which searches Twitter for the phrase “Palm Pre.” (Congrats to Twitter for the free publicity!) It also indicates the current number of Google search results talking about the device.

A 360-degree view is also available along with technical specifications. You can also choose to be notified when the Palm Pre is released. YouTube videos talking about the Palm Pre are also embedded on the page.

[via The Official Palm Blog]