In a previous post, I discussed the expansion of the microcontroller ecosystem (something predictable for a popular segment, call it Moore's Law if you will, I didn't). I admit I do not have the free time to do thorough market analysis on products but I keep my eye on things and I think I have spotted a trend. Arduinos appear to be dropping in price.
The Chinese
knockoffs open source compatibles have always tried to undercut the official Italian boards but often not by much. The compatibles appear to be dropping in price.
Yourduino has boards now from $17.50 to $21.50. Itead has dropped
their board to $22.50 and have expanded their low cost
IBoard series (that integrates ethernet at prices comparable with the Uno's price). Seeed dropped
their Duemilanove clone to $22.50 from $27.50.
Ok, so what about the original? Microcenter in the US is advertising the
Arduino Uno for $19.99 but on further inspection it is the "
Gheo Electronics Arduino Uno Rev. 3" - somewhat deceptive.
The official products appear to be holding in price at US companies like Adafruit, Sparkfun, etc. Will this last? Perhaps with the
introduction of the Arduino Due in coming days, finally the Uno pricing will come down to a bit more than the soft selling
Leonardo?
microcenter has real Arduino Unos for $15.99 this week
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