Buy Current Technology, Not State of the Art

04. April 2012 · 16 comments · Categories: Save, Technology, Trends · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Companies in the tech industry love to tout their latest and greatest must-have gadgets. Cell phone providers are a great example. We’re constantly bombarded with ads for the newest smartphones, which cost only $200 with a 2 year contract! What they don’t tell you is that today’s new device is tomorrow’s outdated technology.

This is an idea I first became aware of from Clark Howard, a consumer expert and radio show host.

The problem with always buying the latest technology is that devices are nearly obsolete as soon as the box is opened. By that point, companies have already moved on to promoting the next greatest thing.

My wife and I have been overtaken by tablet envy. We had been in the market for our first tablet for several months, waiting for the right deal to come along. This week that deal came and we decided on an iPad 2. You might be thinking that we’re a little behind the times since it’s 2012 and the iPad 3 (“new iPad”) just came out. But the $500 price tag of a new iPad was out of reach for us. After visiting Apple’s website we found that we could get a refurbished iPad 2 for $350, which is very reasonable for a device that just a year ago many experts were calling the greatest tablet ever.

Apple includes the same warranty with refurbished devices as with new ones, which shows you they really believe in their products. They even replace the battery and outer shell, which are the two parts that take the most wear.

That the iPad 3 came out recently doesn’t change the fact that the iPad 2 is a wonderful product. I’ve seen reports that the new retina display is causing all sorts of issues — overheating and long charge times — in addition to reports that wi-fi reception isn’t as good with the iPad 3. The absence of these issues, combined with a much lower price tag, means that the iPad 2 is still a viable product and a true bargain.

This trend can be applied to many other categories of devices such as HDTVs, digital cameras, GPS units and laptops. Early adopters pay steep prices for the privilege of being among the first to get their hands on new technology.

For the frugal among us though, buying current technology that meets our needs doesn’t have to break the bank. Waiting a year or even a few months can mean big savings, or in some cases more features for the same price. Take HDTVs for example. In 2008 the average 32-inch LCD TV cost over $850. Today you can get one for as low as $199, and it’s likely to have more features than the original models.

Spending more money to get the best possible product is a losing proposition. New products will come out every day, making your device obsolete faster than you might imagine. Avoid state of the art technology and your wallet will thank you.

Photo by top10dir.com

Do You Have Tablet Envy?

16. January 2012 · 3 comments · Categories: Technology, Trends · Tags: , ,

Ever since Apple introduced the first iPad in early 2010, Americans have gone tablet-crazy.

According to the LA Times, 18 million tablets were sold in 2010. That number is expected to be 250% higher in 2011. Clearly, this is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

With their portability, decent battery life and endless apps, tablets are becoming the device of choice for the media-consuming masses. For those of us without one, tablet envy is starting to become very real. An interesting thought:

Chronic tablet envy notwithstanding, the good ones are still too darn expensive, and the not-so-good ones are, well, not so good. Given a little more time, I’m sure, there’ll be cheaper and better tablets available. But we’re not there yet.

By “the good ones,” he means the iPad. I agree that the $500 price tag of the iPad 2 is out of reach for a lot of people. But you have to consider what you’re getting for that price. The iPad’s two closest competitors, Barnes & Noble’s  Nook and Amazon’s Kindle Fire, cost less than half the iPad 2 price, but their lack of features and available apps are major downsides for a lot of people, myself included. Neither one has even come close to enjoying the level of success that the iPad has.

I admit that when tablets first came out, I was skeptical. I thought, “What could this thing do that I couldn’t do just as well with my smartphone or laptop?” As the months wore on though, I began to see people using their tablets in new and fun ways. In all sorts of settings. Some would sit on the couch and browse their favorite websites from their lap. Others would use it to stay updated with their friends on Facebook. Still others would watch a movie while laying in bed. It occured to me — these tablets are pretty cool. I began to picture myself sitting on the couch with a new tablet, playing Angry Birds or checking the latest sports scores.

The LA Times sums up the tablet craze pretty well:

They’re the perfect marriage of power and portability, enabling on-the-go access to books, magazines, newspapers, music, video and the Net, all in a slick, look-how-cool-I-am package.

Back in 2010, Apple introduced us to a product we didn’t know we needed. They convinced us to drop as much as $800 on an item that’s essentially a luxury. A luxury that might just be a laptop replacement and make the things we do everyday more enjoyable and accessible.

So yes, I have tablet envy. But i’ll wait until the next iPad comes out, and the iPad 2′s price is reduced a little, to make my move.

Photo by khawkins04