Brazil first, India second, Sweden third on iPod index

www.thelocal.se ^ | 01/19/2007 | Paul O'Mahony

[WesternCulture]

Some people claim the iPod index tells you more about the economic situation of different countries than the Burger Index or GDP/capita statistics, in fact, some will even tell you it says more about this issue than any other stats available.

Anyhow, In this case, what could one possibly make out of the compilation featured in the article below?

What does the economies of Brazil, India and Sweden (my home country) have in common?

I've heard of research reporting that Sweden is poorer than Mississippi (at least an internet profile like Instapundit - perhaps not the most frequent visitor to Sweden nor Mississippi - seems to take it seriously). However, I haven't yet come across anyone suggesting that Sweden, Brazil and India are at the same level of economic development.

Furthermore, a certain "Scandinavia expert" and New York Times contributor named Bruce Bawer, have reached the conclusion that because Scandinavian countries are costly to visit/live in, they are poor (and countries like Sudan therefore are prosperous??)

I sincerely hope Apple provides his mail account with free-of-charge updates.

But, no denial, statistics often are helpful. I often read statistics while I'm bored.

The article:

"Sweden third on iPod Index

Sweden is the third most expensive country in the world in which to buy an iPod, according to a new index devised by an Australian bank.

In a move akin to The Economist's long-standing Big Mac Index, Sydney-based bank Commonwealth Securities has launched its own CommSec iPod Index.

The iPod index, just like its burger-based predecessor, is designed to measure the purchasing power parity (PPP) of a range of currencies.

But according to Commonwealth Securities, its index gives a more accurate picture of currency parity than that provided by the burgernomics model.

"A key difference between the iPod and Big Mac approaches is that Big Macs are made in a host of countries across the globe whereas iPods are predominantly made in China," CommSec chief economist Craig James told Australian Associated Press.

"Simply, an iPod nano should broadly cost the same across the globe. If there were substantial price differences customers would switch their purchases to other countries, especially given the power of the internet," he added.

Only Brazil and India are more expensive then Sweden when it comes to buying a two gigabyte iPod nano.

In Sweden an iPod will set the buyer back USD 213.03 (1,493 kronor).

The same item costs just USD 144.20 (1,010 kronor) in Canada, which was the least expensive of the 26 countries measured.

The CommSec iPod Index, based on January 2007 prices (US dollars):

1 Brazil $327.71 2 India $222.27 3 Sweden $213.03 4 Denmark $208.25 5 Belgium $205.81

6 France $205.80 7 Finland $205.80 8 Ireland $205.79 9 UK $195.04 10 Austria $192.86

11 Netherlands $192.86 12 Spain $192.86 13 Italy $192.86 14 Germany $192.46 15 China $179.84

16 South Korea $176.17 17 Switzerland $175.59 18 New Zealand $172.53 19 Australia $172.36 20 Taiwan $164.88

21 Singapore $161.25 22 Mexico $154.46 23 USA $149.00 24 Japan $147.63 25 Hong Kong $147.35 26 Canada $144.20

Source: CommSec, Apple"

[WesternCulture]

Evidence Scandinavia is about as poor as Mississippi, Brazil and India:

http://www.instapundit.com/archives/000519.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/17/weekinreview/17bawer.html?ex=1271390400&en=44ea05b3e068feb5&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

[WesternCulture]

Sorry, that instapundit link wasn't irrelevant, however I found out it wasn't the one I had in mind.

Try this:

http://www.instapundit.com/archives/003508.php#003508

[burzum]

I wouldn't get too hyped up about this study proving anything. According to your logic Brazil, India, and China are richer that the US. Even Mexico has has a higher cost than the US. That seems to defy logic.

I have nothing against Sweden, but I think you are exaggerating the importance of this survey.

[WesternCulture]

Perhaps I wasn't clear.

I too view the US as a much richer country than India. Been to both of these great nations.

My point is that it's highly amusing to take part of the conclusions concerning economic aspects of different nations like those delivered by contributors to public debate like Bruce Bawer and Instapundit - people who, obviously, aren't overfurnished in the brain department.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Look at them. They use the term "Burger Index" instead of the proper "Big Mac Index," but then suggest an "[you]Pod Index" instead of a more general "MP3 machine Index."

[BossLady]

How about the Pharmaceutical Drug Index? I would love to see that one!

[WesternCulture]

Look at them. They use the term "Burger Index" instead of the proper "Big Mac Index," but then suggest an "[you]Pod Index" instead of a more general "MP3 machine Index."

Rude awakening!

I've been caught off guard here. Have to admit I know nothing about the differences between these types of indexes.

- In what respect does the "Burger Index" differ from the "Big Mac Index"?

Thought the name "Burger Index" was just a slovenly name for the "Big Mac Index".

[WesternCulture]

"How about the Pharmaceutical Drug Index? I would love to see that one!"

Consult these people:

http://www.psiweb.org/public/public.asp

- Enjoy!

[Right Wing Assault]

How much is it in Iran?

[WesternCulture]

"How much is it in Iran?"

There are no official figures on this.

But rest assured, there is a black market price.