It is interesting to read and follow all the opinions since the price was posted. What fascinates me is just how many people have definitive opinions still without knowing what is in this device, what it does or how it does it.
But, before I even consider trying to evaluate (still without any facts) how this price-point compares to other devices - I had to have a look around. List prices: GGTS $160, Provari $199, Fistpack $200 (v3 not the unrealized V4), and many other VV devices in the $150+ range.
GGTS is, supposedly (never had one) and amazing all-mechanical device but it's price does not include batteries and charger so add in for at least 2 sets of batts and charger and the price difference narrows. Provari, granted - they use a different marketing strategy but they were not even supposed to start shipping until Dec 15; they started a week early and by the 17th there were all kinds of people posting complaints that they did not receive their ship notice yet. Some posting 5 to 10 times each day about shipping and/or complaining that units were not coming fast enough to satisfy their "opinion" so the company must be at "fault". Fistpack V4 simply promised and then never delivered but if V3 was $200 and V4 was supposed to have 16 settings compared to the original 4, one might think all the additional work to provide those settings would come with a price increase.
So, based on the three other devices we are looking at (not to mention the Eclipse/3DFS which I believe has been implicated to have a $250+ price tag), this price seems not so much out of line.
Next, if we consider that we know absolutely nothing about what is inside Darwin and/or truly what it does and how - we reflect on what we have been told so far. If I understand correctly, This device does something no other device has ever tried to do before. Again, based on what has been posted, Darwin is actual constantly adjusting (as compared to steadfastly holding) the volts - no other device does this (and Darwin is adjusting amps too). Darwin's "smart" design is supposedly going to constantly monitor the atty ohms and constantly adjust voltage and amps to deliver a consistent heat level. Many can, and probably will, argue the theories (many already have) about what is and is not doable relative to ohms law. And I have already admitted I am no EE so I have no desire to even try to entertain making any Ohms law arguments. But, what I can say is that my taste buds do not know ohms law either and they have not found a consistent vape yet. Provari will hold volts consistently but not the temperature of my vapor. Provari is a great device and I love that I can see my ohms, batt and volt setting all right on the device. At the same time, and I do not know which factors (or combinations of factors) contribute but I cannot find a smooth vape using my goto attys. I did find another atty which I can get a consistent vape but it is not the same as my goto. I still like that device (very happy I bought it) but I am also open to other "smart" approaches and I am equally convinced that "smart" devices are just beginning - after all, Darwin will be only the second "smart" device to launch.
So, if vapor is the product of the juice on the coil and it is heat that creates the vapor - I would assume the consistency of that heat level would determine the consistency of the vapor. Darwin is at least working in the direction of making that heat level more consistent. Will it accomplish it? I have no way on knowing. But, this device (and its manufacturers) are at least venturing into new territory. After all, why would anyone ever try to improve anything? Does cruise control and/or air conditioning improve the driving experience? Did icons improve the computing experience? People also argued the merits of the automatic transmission and today it is difficult to even find a manual tranny (after all - who wold ever want their car to monitor the engine for gear demands and make the adjustments when the driver can do it themselves? Who would ever want a heat/AC thermostat which automatically adjust the air temp and flow to maintain constant temperature when people can always turn the heat/Ac up or down as needed?).
This is the first device to try to work with amps. I have tried some basic - layman's - efforts to limit the variables and compare batteries with different amps ratings (B4 anyone jumps down my throat - I have already self admitted that I have no electrical credentials so I am ONLY doing this analysis based on my taste buds). I used a 5v regulated mod with same 3.1 ohms atty and same juice: put in AW LifePO4 rcr123a(s), then AW ICR rcr123a(s), and then AW IMR 16340 and get 3 completely different vape experiences. The main variable in this comparison is the amps (if we assume the regulator is maintaining a consistent 5V level - and even if not, it is the same device with same regulator).
So, this simple fact that Evolv is working towards managing a variable that nobody else is even approaching (AMPS) - and a variable that my taste buds are 100% convinced IS impacting the vapor experience, I am willing to give it a the benefit of the doubt - at least to see how it does. I am also convinced that all new "smart" mods will each (in their own ways) make big contributions to the following generations of PVs. We saw HUGE advancements in PVs during 2010 and I think will see much bigger advancements in 2011.
Finally, if we consider that the list price of Provari is $199 and add 2 batteries for at least $10 each and a charger ($15+), it already costs more than Darwin. And those batteries have no warranty at all. Granted, provari is still in its first month of production but list price is list price - and that device has a one yr warranty with an extension available for a second year (non-transferable). Darwin seems to includes a two year warranty, one year warranty on the batts and everything is included.
We can all argue about the price (which is certainly in line when we look at the only other 2 smart devices available or soon coming). We can all argue about removable batts - but why recreate an argument that has been argued to death (iPhone)? It turned out to be no issue and that device went on to become both the biggest selling phone and the phone which revolutionized the cell phone industry. As someone else posted, will Darwin be the iPhone of the PV world? Who knows? it could be and it might not. There were plenty of people who bet against the iPhone and later went and bought one (with their tails tucked between their legs and yet still enthusiastically giddy).
If this is not for you, ok - but comparing this to an ego is just silly. If we look at PVs like we look at cars or cell phones - some people have only one. Others have one primary and a back-up. Others still have an iPhone and and Android and a Blackberry. Some prefer BMW, others Porsche, Mercedes, etc and some have all three. Some people get a new cell phone and/or new car every year, others every two years and others only when absolutely necessary. some people are still happily using Motorola Razor phones.
) but this design doesn't do much for me (looks like a tire gauge to me) and the price point is prohibitive, especially with no feeder. I figure if I wait a few months (and it gets great reviews meaning I need to get one! 
