Waiting for iPhone Prices to Drop vs. Buying the Latest Versions

There are essentially two types of people who might own an iPhone:  the truly geek-tastic technology lovers for whom money is no object, and the average consumer with bills on the mind.  Sure, that might be an overgeneralization, but if you think about yourself, you might find that you land in one of the two categories.  So which really is better - the financially savvy tortoise who waits for the prices to drop, or the technology-savvy hare who wants that iPhone 3G S?

Slow Wins the Race:  Buying the Older iPhones at Reduced Prices

Of course, it doesn't take much to convince the more frugal technology user to wait until prices drop on the iPhone.  Apple's original iPhone ran several hundred dollars and required a hefty commitment to the phone services from AT&T.  These days, the older additions of the Apple iPhone are far cheaper.  Even if they're not quite optimized to today's standards, they can still get the job done.

There's a certain point at which the price for a product drops far enough that previously turned-off customers suddenly become interested.  But if you were patient enough to wait for a vast price drop in the iPhone, my hat's off to you:  you took the motto "slow and steady wins the race."  Or in this case, wins you the phone.

The "Yesterday's Gadget is Already Old" Crowd

Between the iPhone App store and all of the new releases the iPhone is seeing these days, it's difficult to keep up with all of the technology.  But there are Apple loyalists who don't mind making the effort - wait, nix that.  They need to make the effort to stay up-to-date in order to be happy with the gadget in their pockets.

These are the people who attend forums like this, always trying to modify their iPhone to not only stay current, but move Apple ahead a step or two.  This requires tech savvy, imagination, and of course, Friday nights free.

Which approach to the iPhone is better?  There is no right answer, because depending on your personality, one of the approaches is better for you.  And even when it comes to gadgets and technology, that's all that matters.