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The article didn't mention the biggest reason people aren't buying Nest, and the reason I didn't buy one: cost. The Nest thermostat runs around $200 - $250, w

The article didn't mention the biggest reason people aren't buying Nest, and the reason I didn't buy one: cost. The Nest thermostat runs around $200 - $250, while a basic thermostat can be had for around $20. It's the same for the Nest smoke detector: $99 versus less than $10 for a basic one. As one experienced in the real estate market, I can say that home builders usually go with the cheapest solution. And, I don't think consumers are going to rush out and spend 10x as much for something they already have, or are replacing, no matter how good it is.

netcan 12y ago
I don't think this is universally true. The bottom of the market is hefty in real estate, as you say. But, it's not the whole market. In fact, the range of quality/price in all home fixture is pretty wide. There definitely is a market for high end everything, including Aircon, water heating and other "similar" categories. It's like saying that some high end monitor failed because everyone gets the cheapest monitor. Yet, Apple still sell some monitors @ 5X the price of the bottom end. A lot of markets are like this. The bottom takes 50-75% of the market share with the rest ranging widely. TVs, doorknobs, office chairs, socks, nipple tassels...
NateDad 12y ago
Honestly, the problem is not just that the Nest thermostat and smoke detector are expensive... I could (almost) justify spending $200 on a thermostat or smoke detector once. But I have 9 heating zones and approximately 9 rooms that need smoke detectors. You know what I'm not doing? Spending $1800 on thermostats for my house. Hell, I haven't even replaced all the old spring-loaded mercury-filled thermostats from the 80's when the house was built. If I could buy one Nest, and 8 remote receiver thingies for like $10 each that just report wirelessly to the Nest, then I might actually buy one.
fma 12y ago
I bought a honeywell version that's half the cost. I'm not that lazy that I need a thermostat to tell me when I'll be home and when I won't. I can preemptively adjust the thermostat schedule as my schedule changes - rather than wait for Nest to figure it out (and waste energy bill). Through the web interface or app it's so easy even a caveman can do it. Also, maybe I'm the only person who is not in love with the design of the nest. One of my friends has one and my eyes instantly drew to it - not because it was beautiful but because it stuck out like a sore thumb. The honeywell version looks like a regular thermostat. I don't need something that tells my guests I have disposable income. About the smoke detector: You can purchase a smoke alarm that would alert you, or the fire department. It costs $30. http://simplisafe.com/smoke-detector http://simplisafe.com/smoke-detector Admittedly the Nest also includes a Carbon monoxide, which costs $50 from Simplisafe. However (and someone can correct me if I'm wrong) you don't need as many Carbon Monoxide detectors as Smoke Detectors. The Simplisafe requires a monthly fee for the monitoring - but anyone who wants an automated house is probably looking for an automated security monitoring system and it doesn't cost extra to add more components.

netcan 12y ago

I don't think this is universally true. The bottom of the market is hefty in real estate, as you say. But, it's not the whole market. In fact, the range of quality/price in all home fixture is pretty wide. There definitely is a market for high end everything, including Aircon, water heating and other "similar" categories. It's like saying that some high end monitor failed because everyone gets the cheapest monitor. Yet, Apple still sell some monitors @ 5X the price of the bottom end. A lot of markets are like this. The bottom takes 50-75% of the market share with the rest ranging widely. TVs, doorknobs, office chairs, socks, nipple tassels...

NateDad 12y ago

Honestly, the problem is not just that the Nest thermostat and smoke detector are expensive... I could (almost) justify spending $200 on a thermostat or smoke detector once. But I have 9 heating zones and approximately 9 rooms that need smoke detectors. You know what I'm not doing? Spending $1800 on thermostats for my house. Hell, I haven't even replaced all the old spring-loaded mercury-filled thermostats from the 80's when the house was built. If I could buy one Nest, and 8 remote receiver thingies for like $10 each that just report wirelessly to the Nest, then I might actually buy one.

fma 12y ago

I bought a honeywell version that's half the cost. I'm not that lazy that I need a thermostat to tell me when I'll be home and when I won't. I can preemptively adjust the thermostat schedule as my schedule changes - rather than wait for Nest to figure it out (and waste energy bill). Through the web interface or app it's so easy even a caveman can do it. Also, maybe I'm the only person who is not in love with the design of the nest. One of my friends has one and my eyes instantly drew to it - not because it was beautiful but because it stuck out like a sore thumb. The honeywell version looks like a regular thermostat. I don't need something that tells my guests I have disposable income. About the smoke detector: You can purchase a smoke alarm that would alert you, or the fire department. It costs $30. http://simplisafe.com/smoke-detector http://simplisafe.com/smoke-detector Admittedly the Nest also includes a Carbon monoxide, which costs $50 from Simplisafe. However (and someone can correct me if I'm wrong) you don't need as many Carbon Monoxide detectors as Smoke Detectors. The Simplisafe requires a monthly fee for the monitoring - but anyone who wants an automated house is probably looking for an automated security monitoring system and it doesn't cost extra to add more components.