A universal question from real-people to their geek friends is, "when is the right time to buy a whadizzit?" A "whadizzit" being some techo-gizmo -- new computer, laptop, handheld, netbook, iPod, super-phone, TV, whatever.
The question is often adjacent to a statement along the lines of, "I'm afraid it will be replaced or become out of date or obsolete" though the thingy was probably cutting edge just a year or two ago.
The answer to this is simple: if you have a need or use for the function that the whatzidozit does, then "out of date" is very nearly irrelevant.
If you just want it because "it" because it looks like fun, and you go ahead and buy the thing then you should consider it to be an entertainment expense. Sort of a gadget version of an 'E' ticket.
On the other hand, if you find that you have a real use or need for the functions that the gizmo provides in it's current form then, as long as it continues to be able to perform those functions you are getting useful value and subsequent changes in the gizmo product line are irrelevant. You win!
Bottom line: if you have a use for the gizmo now then the time to buy is now.
On the other hand: If you're not sure if you have a real need or if you really just want it because it's cool then your question is irrelevant and you're just trying to rationalize goofing off -- er; I mean, being an early adopter.
Leave a comment