The new iPod mini is now available in the U.S. market. (Worldwide shipping begins in April.) Apple says it has received 100,000 pre-orders.

The first hands-on reviews are largely positive (examples here and here), but reviewers are still hung up on the $249 price tag -- either because there are cheaper options available or because you can buy a 15 GB iPod for just $50 more.

I think the $249 price is just fine. Early adopters always pay more.

The mini is smaller, offers USB 2.0 charging, and it comes in colors. These factors alone should be enough to propel sales until volumes (and dropping prices for small hard drives) make it possible to drop the price to $199 and/or offer a mini with more storage space.