The $20 Upgrade

OK, I promise no more PR spin today, 3 is enough, right? That being said I this was a little gem tossed in with all the announcements at MacWorld yesterday:

Apple® today announced a major software upgrade for the iPod® touch, making the best iPod into even more—the world's best Wi-Fi mobile device. iPod touch customers already have the most advanced mobile web browser in the world with Safari™, and now Apple is adding five more great mobile applications—Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather and Notes. The iPod touch software upgrade also includes new features such as Web Clips, a customizable home screen and beginning today, the ability to watch iTunes® Movie Rentals. New iPod touch products shipping from the factory will include the software upgrade and existing iPod touch customers can get the software upgrade for $19.99 by purchasing and downloading it from iTunes.

The emphasis is mine but doesn't this like another early adopter tax from Steve and Company. They really seem to be hitting the 'got to have it first' crowd hard these days. I guess I shouldn't be too crabby - I am am the last person to buy anything in the first couple of months, so why not let the Paris Hilton set pay for the lion's share of the Research and Development budget.