The Micromaxx MM42452 is not an iPod mini ripoff. Except that it is.

Wow, Micromaxx is selling a crazy close iPod mini knockoff in Germany. The MM42452 does have 5GB (instead of 4GB) and line-in audio recording, but otherwise it's probably just a matter of time until Apple has the lawyers saddling up and ready to ride. Nice try, though.

[Thanks, Lars]

[Furious Googler @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

omg! Look at the earphones!!

[Fabian @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

omg look at the price!!! 179 Euros!!! In Germany IPod Mini sells for about 250 Euros! And it even has 1 GB of space more...

...but then its MicroMaxx and as such possibly going to suck big time. You know one of these things that sound great when you're hearing the facts - but totally screwed when you actually get to use one.

...but nevertheless - it is quite tempting! *must resist urge to buy* *look at bank account* *can't buy* *saved again by temporary poverty*

[Austin Vaughan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

this is a rebadged godot model m8370

http://www.godot.com.tw/products/jukebox/m8370.htm

[nikster @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

check out the iPod knockoff they sell in Germany:

http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/53621

appe germany lawyers are going to have a busy weekend...

[ben @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

the headphones are apple ones!
such a ripoff lol

[Dralt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Relax guys...looks are not patentable and anyone can come up with something that looks exactly as an iPod...there is zero legal issue with that.

Besides, the only intellectual property in an iPod is the marketing genius of Apple.

[Mark Doherty @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Actually Dralt, although looks cannnot be patented they *can* (and in this case have been) be trademarked. It's pretty standard practice, in fact.

Try legally selling a bag that looks just like one manufactured by Gucci and see how long it takes the lawyers to arrive...

Apple took several PC manufacturers to court for making knock-offs of the original imac and won cease-and-desist orders, so it's quite possible that Apple'll take these guys to court as well.

It's fair enough - if a product is clearly designed as a rip-off of an established brand, the makers are clearly trading on the money invested in development and marketing by the original. That's neither fair nor legal and in te lng run doesn't serve the consumer's interest either, since it destroys the point of establishing a brand.

cheers, Mark

[Gordy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Can you say eMachines eOne?

[Dralt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Well, I don't think they have a strong case here.
Creative came up with a player that looks similar as well. In fact, several of the components of Creative's player are made by the same manufacturer.

After all, it's just a rectangular-shaped piece of electronics with a small LCD screen and a wheel-based button set. Similar design existed before the iPod.

I think competition is good for the consumer, since it drives prices down.
Apple's margin on the iPod is way too big...

[besnik @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

The MICROMAXX is the best.In my car audio system i don't need any more CD.

All the best from Besnik .Kosova