Buying a NEW anything in technology can be a risky gamble. Timing is everything. As someone who follows technology closely I'm always keeping and eye open and an ear out for when the next gadget might be introduced. Even I get it wrong sometimes, but for the most part I've been quite happy with my "timed purchases." Let's look at the 3 Apple categories that I now buy in regularly. I use a MacBook Pro for work (company purchased). I use a Mac Pro for my video work and anything requiring lot's of horse power or rendering and of course I'm an iPhone user.
Let's start with the iPhone
When it comes to the iPhone I always want the current model. Apple has historically refreshed the iPhone every year in the summer. So that makes it easy to plan. However, the penalty with upgrading the iPhone is the AT&T contract that you sign for 2 YEARS! So how do I upgrade every year? I rotate iPhones between family members. My teenage daughters are always one rev back. So currently they are on the 3G model. As soon the 2010 model comes out (rumor has it in June), then I'll get that one and pass down my 3GS to one of the girls. When you setup a New iPhone, it wants to know your existing account. So I do this for one that is eligible for an upgrade. Then I swap SIM cards and report the new serial numbers, etc. to AT&T so that the accounts are straight. It seems that AT&T doesn't really care where the phone actually ends up account wise as long as you do the 2 year commitment. This has worked for me every year so far.
My Mac Pro
My current desktop Mac is the original Mac Pro (introduced in August 2006)! This is probably the longest I've held on to a single Mac as my primary workstation. My typical upgrade pattern had been every other model, however I just couldn't justify the last couple of upgrades when they came out. I had other priorities. However, NOW I'M READY!
I'm very ready for a New Mac Pro. Why not just order one today you say? Well because the current model that Apple sells came out in March 2009 (the one before that was January 2008. See a pattern here?), a little over one year ago. Although that doesn't really sound like it's that old, it's old in terms of computers. So rather than buy last year's model this late in the game I can wait a little longer until the NEXT Mac Pro is released. I've waited this long, a few more weeks, months, etc. won't hurt me. Also I'd feel really bad if I go out and buy one today and the new one comes out tomorrow with more bang for the same buck. Again, you have to plan.
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