Is it worth it to be among the first to use a new technology?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 1, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(15 Comments)
Filed under: Science/Technology
Some early adopters of the iPhone 4 report screen discoloration and reception problems if they hold the phone a certain way. Today's Question: Is it worth it to be among the first to use a new technology?
Comments (15)
For me, no.
If someone else is willing to trade cash for gadget, it is worth it for them.
As a professional in the IT industry, I (unfortunately) am expected to be well-versed in all the latest technologies. However, I tend to agree with many of the other posts here. I don't think it is worth the time or money to have the latest gadgets as soon as they become available.
As such, you won't find me waiting in line on launch day for the latest iPhone, iPad, 3dTV, or video gaming system. I simply cannot afford to expend my limited resources to always have the "latest and greatest" technology.
Instead, I prefer to wring every last ounce of usability out of my current electronics by upgrading wherever possible and by simply taking good care of the devices for which I am responsible (including my clients' devices).
No. I see no reason to wait in line all day to be the first person to have an Iphone, or buy a Harry Potter book, or see a certain movie.
First issue electronics, usually not. I don't need to impress my friends with the latest gizmo. My self worth is not judged by electronics.
Many times, the second generation anything is much more practical.
Sounds like the hard core apple crowd should wait for the iphone 5. I am frugal person and always leary of the new hype. However, I am sending this on my new HTC EVO 4G and I am enthralled and very happy with this device.
I'm surprised that no one mentions that it appears this is simply shallow consumerism. I would really like to understand the personal values of those who buy expensive technology as soon as it's available. Are they trying to impress other people? Do they actually feel they need what the technology offers? Do they have so much money that they believe any buying impulse is a good one? Or do they think about the decision at all?
I guess the recession really has had very little effect on purchasing trends and self-indulgence. But I'm open to what the first adoptors say....
At the risk of sounding self-righteous and soap-boxy....
It's frustrating to see that this level of mindless consumption hasn't gone away.
I have a friend whom I see four or five times a year, and nearly every time I see her, she's talking about how she either just got, or is going to get, a new phone.
I'm convinced that the contribution of technology to general quality of life (in the U.S., at least) peaked in the 70s or 80s - or possibly sooner. Barring exceptions like advances in medical tech that (hopefully) are not part of our day-to-day lives, new advances don't make everyday life appreciably better or more enjoyable - most often they have the opposite effect. As a result, I am more and more neither an early adopter nor a late adopter - I am a non-adopter.
Which is to say, in short, "No, it is not worth it to be among the first to use a new technology."
Worth it for whom? It's worth it for everyone who waits to see what those first consumers think about the new technology. I'm not sure it's worth it for those who buy the new technology, unless those people find value in being the first to own it. As someone who waits a few "generations" myself, I appreciate those who are more willing to take risks in order that I may make wiser purchasing choices.
I went to the Apple store at 6:30 a.m. expecting to be in the office with my new iPhone by 9. Didn't happen. Ended up spending 8 hours sitting on the mall floor. While the antenna issue is super annoying, multi-tasking and the much improved battery life make the upgrade worth it. Next time? I'm shipping it to my house.
I have to agree with Philip, Keith and Steve.
Good things come to those who wait........
Oh and patience is a virtue. Guess I'm getting old.
I don't care.
Depends usually on the gadgetry, I was a first adopter of the iPhones up to iPhone 4 coming out, and I found the experiences rather worth it to be honest. I admit I should do more of a first adopter duty to be more vocal with these issues mentioned in the post.
I find that as a tech savvy person it is rather fun to obtain a new piece of technology and help to troubleshoot it. I've been involved in a few beta test events, and I find it enjoyable to test out new things. Sure there are gonna be some bugs, but by finding those bugs it helps out all those that will buy it later.
I agree with the other post...I like to wait for a year. As an IT professional whenever people ask me what to buy, I recommend looking through the clearance items. The clearance items are typically the hottest items from 6 months ago at a fraction of the price.
Not to my pocket book. I let someone else get the product first, then give me an honest review of it. Then I'll usually wait at least a year before I buy. I guess the business of having the coolest new toy ended for me after high school (23 years ago).
Those who wait for the first adopter rush to pass get a better quality product with fewer problems at a lower price than those who stood in line to buy the product on the first day. I personally find that exercising patience has allowed me to get more for less, with less anxiety and frustration.
Worth it to whom? Not me. You pay extra for the supposed privilege of being an early adopter, and a year later when a better model comes out (fixing all the problems that the early adopters found) you're stuck with the old one, unless you want to pay again. I'm happy to let others throw their money away like that. I'll wait for the technology to mature and the price to come down before I decide whether I even want this new thing at all.
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