Great Marketing Idea!
Ignore the complainers and fools. [Fool: definition; Thinks ALL people and customers must have the same exact needs, desires, and reasons that he/she does.]
While it is true that better than 95% of a product will be purchased and used as a tool, there has always been a market for collectors. This is a nice marketing idea.
Many other companies do it. There were limited run custom builds of cars, signature guitars, limited retro cameras, high end Ferrari Laptop computers, tool boxes, and many other items. No reason that Prusa can't have a little fun with this. The right people WILL buy them.
And, next year, can be 50 models built with Walnut or Rosewood.
Cheers,
Neal
RE: Great Marketing Idea!
The common denominator of the limited/custom/signature editions you mention is that a product first makes a major impact in the market and becomes famous/desirable, because it is unique or innovative, and later is honored by a collector's edition. I would totally get a collector's edition of the Prusa i3 -- that platform has really shaped home 3D printing. But the Core One has not proven itself in any notable way yet.
Maybe the Core One will eventually make a lasting impact once the Bondtech INDX technology is added. (Which, ironically, will not be supported by the Signature Oak printers.) But until that happens, the Signature Oak is more on par with the "smartphone encrusted in Swarovski crystals" concept: A short-lived consumer product clad in a casing which tries to shout "exclusive! valuable!", but which does not have much merit as a collectible.
next year, can be 50 models built with Walnut or Rosewood.
Aww, cmon ... what's wrong with chocolate?
Cheerio,
RE: Great Marketing Idea!
Aww, cmon ... what's wrong with chocolate?
Cheerio,
The new silicon toolhead for the XL, weren't Filament 2 using chocolate when they were prototyping it? So I suppose you could get a XL to print a chocolate case for the Core One Hershey's Edition just in time for Easter.
RE: Great Marketing Idea!
Looks like I've been chosen... Only $1300 extra if I want the legs...
Hello,You have been shortlisted for one of the very few Prusa Signature Oak units.This is not a public release.Only 250 hand-crafted units will ever be produced, and demand has already exceeded the initial batch.Available Variants:Signature Oak (no legs): 5,000 EUR / 5,200 USD / 120,000 CZKSignature Oak (with legs): 6,200 EUR / 6,500 USD / 150,000 CZK (All duties/tariffs included, shipping costs are not included)Every piece is individually built by our master craftsmen as a one-of-a-kind art piece, based on the CORE One+ printer and equipped with advanced filtration. Designed as a collector’s edition without support for upgrades or modifications, it nevertheless remains a fully functional 3D printer.Because of the hand-crafted nature, production capacity is extremely limited, and units will be assigned strictly on a first-paid, first-secured basis.To secure your allocation, please reply immediately with:Preferred variantDelivery addressRecipient nameVAT number (if applicable)Phone numberOnce we receive your information, we will issue an official price quote. Only prepayment guarantees your position in the production queue. If payment is delayed, the unit will be released to the next person on the waiting list.Don’t miss this chance to own a truly exceptional piece of craftsmanship!We look forward to your confirmation.Best Regards,The Prusa Research Team
RE: Great Marketing Idea!
...did a bit of unsolicited market research. Two upvotes for the "Swarovski crystal" edition from my girls. Indifference regarding legs, at least unless it walks...