Another possible reason: you can price something higher with the intention of discounting it to drive sales later (especially after the early adopters pay full price). Generally, in consumer products at least, something for list $649 on sale for $499 will outsell something for list $499.
I'm not saying Google is doing this specifically, but I don't imagine they're as anti-discounting as Apple is.
I'm not saying Google is doing this specifically, but I don't imagine they're as anti-discounting as Apple is.