What are current reader pricing trends?
It is important to be aware of current reader pricing trends to ensure a fair price is negotiated. In early 2003, the average cost of a reader was $8.50 per unit. Today’s current price point is approx around $6 for USB 1.1. Pricing trends predict a low $5 range by late 2004, and less than $5 by early 2005 depending on options. As USB 2.0 becomes standard, it is predicted that USB 2.0 versions will reach closer price parity with USB 1.1 versions by early 2005. It makes sense to focus on USB 1.1 in 2004, and offer a 2.0 version on premium high end PC models in 2005. This product introduction strategy will help keep OEM manufacturers slightly ahead of the curve in terms of USB technology, as most manufacturers plan to introduce USB 2.0 card readers in early 2005. Replacing the FDD, readers are predicted to become standard in most PC systems by mid 2005. Despite offering the latest rev of the USB specification, USB 2.0 internal readers accrue additional costs that can be difficult to justi
