To buy the new gadget or not to buy, that is the question. The pace of technology cannot be slowed down. Buy a brand new product today, and it will be guaranteed to be obsolete in no more than a year.
The famed iPod is a prime example. Introduced Oct. 23, 2001 with a capacity of 5 gigabytes, and a price tag of $399, it was a revolution in portable music devices. If anyone remembers, these archaic ipods were huge, had mediocre battery life, and had mechanical buttons and scroll wheel.
Just like the birth of a new baby, nine months later, Apple launched the second-generation iPod. Again, nine months later the third generation was released. And so it went, every nine to 12 months, a new generation with increased capacity and beautiful new interface was released.
The greatest and latest of the iPod series, the iPod Classic, comes with a new, beautiful user interface. It’s equipped with a capacity of 80 or 160 gigabytes, the longest battery life ever and the slimmest case to date.
With a starting price $249.99, not only is the technology better, it is also more affordable. Accompanying the classic are the iPod Nano ($149.99) and iPod touch ($299.99).
These examples are from a single product line. But the story remains the same with all gadgets, and anything that has to do with technology. From personal computers to cell phones, something new is never too far away.
When should a consumer make a purchase? A buyer should make the purchase whenever they feel it is the right time.
If being outdated becomes a purchase stalling fear, one thing should be considered before taking the dive. Research to see how often the company in question releases new products.
Find out when the product was released. If the product is relatively new (no more than 2 months), and the urge to consume is present, go for it!
If it seems the end of the cycle is near, hold off until the new version is released and attack!
As Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple said: “This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you’ll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon.
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