$1200 is pretty sweet compared to $1800, but I am already concerned that someone making copies is already behind the curve compared to the original inventor in terms of the innovation I appreciate.
Cf. cheap PCs to the ones you specify in your business.
Consider which manufacturer is likely to come out with the next best model, and will upgrades be easily available or supported for your model?
I already wonder if a MakerBot will destroy itself soon after I build it, they all look a bit on the flimsy side.
I would probably be persuaded by better customer service, better support forums, and the knowledge that one provides jobs in the US would all work to overcome that price differential.
Additionally, the more Makerbots/Makerbot-clones consumers have, the larger your potential market for future versions. Even if the Tangibots are equal to the Makerbots in terms of build quality, the Makerbot people presumably have a leg up when it comes to inventing the successor to both. If more people out there are using these style 3d printers than before, then the number of people who might buy the next should be larger.
That's an excellent point. While it will definitely take some sales away from the original Makerbot, it will also definitely increase the size of the entire market, all of whom will now have Makerbot knowledge and be eager to see what Makerbot's next product is.
In certain circumstances, if Makerbot is constrained by cash or production volume, they might even see this as a good thing that lets them redirect their flow into a newer, better product. (I hope!)
Cf. cheap PCs to the ones you specify in your business.
Consider which manufacturer is likely to come out with the next best model, and will upgrades be easily available or supported for your model? I already wonder if a MakerBot will destroy itself soon after I build it, they all look a bit on the flimsy side.
I would probably be persuaded by better customer service, better support forums, and the knowledge that one provides jobs in the US would all work to overcome that price differential.
But it is a hell of a differential.