>Why aren't we seeing the same pricing evolution with eBooks?
Because no "pricing evolution" ever took place. Pricing works as it always has. We, the buyers have decided we're not willing to pay over $8 for Plants vs. Zombies on the iPad. I still costs $30 or more for the computer. Most things on the iPad will cost less than their computer equivalent because the apps are simply not as powerful (unless it's a really simple app).
You seem to be arguing that it costs less to distribute and that's why it costs less on the iPad. How can that be the case for companies like EA sports who've had to rewrite their sports apps for a completely new platform? It has actually cost them more and they've charged less.
EBooks cost more precisely because they are easier to distribute. For customers. If I buy a book on amazon I suddenly have it everywhere. And I have all my books where ever I go.
Pricing is only confusing when you mistakenly assume price = production cost + distribution cost + 10% markup.
Because no "pricing evolution" ever took place. Pricing works as it always has. We, the buyers have decided we're not willing to pay over $8 for Plants vs. Zombies on the iPad. I still costs $30 or more for the computer. Most things on the iPad will cost less than their computer equivalent because the apps are simply not as powerful (unless it's a really simple app).
You seem to be arguing that it costs less to distribute and that's why it costs less on the iPad. How can that be the case for companies like EA sports who've had to rewrite their sports apps for a completely new platform? It has actually cost them more and they've charged less.
EBooks cost more precisely because they are easier to distribute. For customers. If I buy a book on amazon I suddenly have it everywhere. And I have all my books where ever I go.
Pricing is only confusing when you mistakenly assume price = production cost + distribution cost + 10% markup.