Could work both ways. If someone receives an iPod with personalized engraving they would possibly be more likely to hold onto the device longer since the object now has some sentimental value. For re-sale the engraved models sell at a lower price which makes the second hard market more attractive to thrifty buyers. I suspect xenophanes is right -- Apple wants people to buy iPods directly from them instead of other resellers who might put competing products side-by-side.
>>If someone receives an iPod with personalized engraving they would possibly be more likely to hold onto the device longer since the object now has some sentimental value.
You're right - I still hold on to my old engraved iPod because it was a gift. It's not something I'd want to dispose of, even though it looks terribly out of fashion now (what with new models of iPods releasing every year).
It has been noted that people are generally reluctant to re-sell diamond jewellery for much the same reasons, which has the effect of witholding a large quantity of inventory from the second hand market.
