Well, according to your post "Kim Jong II isn't allowed to order an iPod ..." So, right away I'm inclined to believe that you may be getting them mixed up. In any event, I apologize if my post offended you, as that was not my intent. Maybe I didn't get your sarcasm.
However, I know the reason why we don't get all the gadgets released in Asia, and politics has nothing to do with it. It's the potential for marketability and/or profits. I'm no expert, but companies can assume that certain countries would not be very receptive to a particular product. Sony's MiniDisc failed miserably in the States. However, you can easily find MiniDisc players all over Japan, and even the 100 yen stores sell you generic discs as well. Price also plays a big role. Often times it amazed me how much electronics cost in Japan. But, the cost of living there is high as well, and the natives don't live with all the extras we do in the States. The standard of living is the same as in any other well developed country. But, they don't spend money on gardening gear, big furniture, and other items not needed for their life style. So, they may have a bit of extra money to spend on their gadgets.
Regarding politics, well no one is safe. Unfortunately the U.S. plays world police all the time. Pick your time in recent history and you'd see it. Ever since World Wars we've been involved in world issues. Some of them, I thought we should've stay out of.
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Well, according to your post "Kim Jong II isn't allowed to order an iPod ..." So, right away I'm inclined to believe that you may be getting them mixed up. In any event, I apologize if my post offended you, as that was not my intent. Maybe I didn't get your sarcasm.
However, I know the reason why we don't get all the gadgets released in Asia, and politics has nothing to do with it. It's the potential for marketability and/or profits. I'm no expert, but companies can assume that certain countries would not be very receptive to a particular product. Sony's MiniDisc failed miserably in the States. However, you can easily find MiniDisc players all over Japan, and even the 100 yen stores sell you generic discs as well. Price also plays a big role. Often times it amazed me how much electronics cost in Japan. But, the cost of living there is high as well, and the natives don't live with all the extras we do in the States. The standard of living is the same as in any other well developed country. But, they don't spend money on gardening gear, big furniture, and other items not needed for their life style. So, they may have a bit of extra money to spend on their gadgets.
Regarding politics, well no one is safe. Unfortunately the U.S. plays world police all the time. Pick your time in recent history and you'd see it. Ever since World Wars we've been involved in world issues. Some of them, I thought we should've stay out of.
Anyway, have a great day.