Lucky bags of all sorts go on sale on Japan on the day after New Year Day's. The traditional lucky bags are concealed with the items inside undisclosed. These lucky bags gives you a chance to test your luck for the year. Wikipedia has a informative entry on lucky bags if you want to learn more.
In keeping the Japanese tradition, Apple also offers limited quantities of Lucky Bags in Japan every year online as well at its retail stores. Most stores open at 10 am and the bags are usually sold out by 8 am.
This year the lucky bags of Apple cost 35,000 yen (about $384). I decided to test out my luck and set out to buy one of these lucky bags. Here we go!
Getting Ready
I decided to go to the store around 5 am. The stores would open at 10 am, so there would be a 5 hour wait. I rented two movies (X-Files and Hancock) from iTunes and loaded it to my iPod touch. That should keep me company.
Getting to the store
I arrived at the store about 5:20 am where there was already a short line of 30 some people. Here's a picture:
Waiting...
I started watching X-Files: I Want to Believe. And Hancock subsequently. After finishing the two movies, my iPod touch ran out of batteries.
Starbucks - courtesy of Apple
At around 8 am, Apple employees passed out coffee from Starbucks to the customers in the line.
Finally 10:00 am!
Did some web surfing on my iPhone, and it's finally 10! The store opened, and the line started to move. I paid with my credit card, and got my lucky bag. It is said that a few lucky ones have a special card in the bags that will let them exchange a MacBook!
I quickly went to a corner, opened my bag, and checked out what's inside. Unfortunately, I did not get a MacBook.
So what's inside
Pics first, and the list of items below.
Woo hoo! The Lucky Bag!
The contents
The original Apple calendar
- iPod touch 2G (8GB)
- USB Power Adapter
- Nike + iPod Sensor
- Nike Skylon (Adjustable sport headphones)
- Belkin FastFit Armband with Cable Capsule
- avenue--d Leather Sleeve for iPod touch 2G (Lucky bag special 2009 edition)
- Pure-Fi Anywhere 2
- Power Support anti-glare film set for iPod touch 2G
- Apple original calendar
- Apple original t-shirt
- The lucky bag itself - an original Apple carrying bag
Comments:
The Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 costs $100 and iPod touch 2G (8GB) costs $250 on Amazon respectively, those two items already cover the bulk of the $380 price tag of the lucky bag. Though I have an iPhone and iPod touch 1G, overall, I still think it's a nice deal. It's like an iPod touch that comes with speakers, cases, and protective films. Although I'm not a big fan of using the touch as a sports device, they surely included all the stuff (armband, Nike earphones, Nike + iPod sensor) I need to use the touch as a gadget to run and jog with. Oh yeah, except a pair of Nike shoes.
Considering the iPhone was released last year in Japan, I was expecting some iPhone stuff, but this is good as well!
8 comments:
Well Done,
I gather with that bag contents you will have good luck for the year.
wait, you paid about $60 more than these items go for online. i mean, it's exciting, but aside from the "fun" (?) conspicuous consumption, how is it a good deal?
@Anonymous
You math is off
Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 $100
iPod touch 2G (8GB) $250
Nike+ Sensor $20
Nike Skylon $30
FastFit Armband $20
avenue--d Sleeve $20
Bag, Tshirt ect $44 (Rough Guess)
--------
Total $484
Paid $384
Savings $100
Not a great deal but not too bad, Of course the people who got the Macbooks got a great deal.
Thanks for the comments! The calendar, and t-shirt and the bag is priceless =) I was hoping I would be lucky enough to win that MacBook. It's kinda feels like opening up a present under the Xmas tree, not knowing what you're gonna get. It was indeed exciting though I'm not sure I would do that again. Maybe if a friend dragged me into it =) But then again, maybe I'll do it to try to get that MacBook.
Hi Justin, I found your site while searching for info on the A2DP features of iPhoneOS 3.0.
I was just wondering if you have found a use for your Pure-fi speakers and Belkin armband? If not, I live 4 minutes on the train from Shibuya (Sangenjaya) and would be happy to discuss the possibility of buying them off you if the price is right :)
If you're interested I can be contacted on marky@thesoftbankiphonedomain :)
Actually I just realised it wasn't while I was searching for A2DP but rather the belkin armband. :)
Thank You for sharing the story... Last year 2 Jan 2009, I was in Ginza Apple Store... Although I didn't line up for the Lucky Bag, but it is a very nice view for me as a foreigner.... This year I spend my Christmas in Bali and New Year in Jakarta...
Thank you Jackson for the comment. I decided not to line up for the 2010 Lucky Bag, because I gotta save money for the coming up tablet =)
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