So, Best Buy in the U.S. is doing a promotion Friday: a new iPhone for free with a new two-year contract. It’s a one-day thing, and it’s sure to get a lot of people excited.
But…
Now, let’s put aside for a moment the controversy about the iPhone 4 and Antennagate and all that. And let’s also put aside the fanboy stuff; none of that “Android roolz” or AT&T-bashing here. Here’s my question:
Are you okay having last year’s technology?
Think about it, then join us after the jump:
iPhones are, of course, especially prone to replacement lust, since they come out with a new gotta-have-it model like clockwork every year. But other phones, and other devices, are the same. For some people, and I count myself as one of them, having a one-year-old phone model or last year’s MacBook Pro is cause for shame. Having a TWO-year-old model? Inconceivable.
Yet I’m not rich, and my phone is not only older than two years, it’s a big brick that runs Windows Mobile 6.1. A year-old iPhone would be a huge leap forward in many ways. But it’s not, you know, NEW. And my MacBook Pro is a 2008 model; the only thing protecting me from spending a couple of grand I don’t have on a new one is that the last couple of revisions don’t feature anything materially better than what I have for what I do. The old one works fine, so not having the new one isn’t quite as painful.
Still, as I look to replace my ancient, creaking phone, I can’t pull the trigger on any model, because I keep thinking that there’s a better one around the bend. If I buy one now and they come out with a great new dual-core AMOLED 4G version the day after the return period’s over, I’ll just… I’ll…
I’ll deal with it, because there’s ALWAYS a better, newer model ahead. But I won’t be happy about it.
Do you have New Model Lust? Or do you prefer to wait for the early adopters to deal with the bugs before you buy a device? Tell us in the comments:
Image: Twitter/Best Buy
I’m writing this on my Palm Pre Plus and listening to the whimsical hum of my Pentium 4 powered, windows xp running, beast (for 2006) of a computer. If the software handles what one does, then the newest hardware isn’t always needed. However, it is lusted after by the masses because shiny stuff rocks.
Don’t fall into the “gotta have the newest model” trap. You don’t. Don’t enjoy the technology for the gear’s sake, enjoy it for what it does for you. Let’s be honest: for what you’ll use it for, the 3GS will work just fine for 2 years.
Now, waiting until you see if Verizon comes out with an iPhone? That’s a different story. That’s caring about the usage, not the gear.
Hi Perry! Welcome to Nerdist! I’ve enjoyed reading your stuff so far. Just one thing, please stop saying “after the jump”. Please.
Kthxbye!
The only reason I’m not going to jump on this is because I have an upgrade available with Verizon and I’m waiting for January to hear any news from the possible Verizon iPhone. If I dont hear anything I’m getting the Epic.
As far as old products go, I don’t think I would do it. I will stick with my then new product for their life span, but I won’t buy an out dated product when there is an new product and I’m in need of the new product.
Good lord. Does no one value function any more? I use my phone/computer/whatever until it’s starting to cause productivity issues due to age (2-3 years usually) then I get whatever’s recently been released BUT isn’t still at the insane “NEW MODEL” markup.
I rarely have the newest thing (sometimes I do) but anyone who’s going to judge me on that can take a flying leap.
Fools! Apple is planning on releasing new technology next year. Those 3GS will be out dated so fast! Iphone 4 will be same price as a 3GS this time next year.
Don’t Upgrade! Repair!
Ahahaha, I’m having this same exact internal debate. I’ve been offered all sorts of free (or incredibly low-cost) phones through my carrier as it’s past time to upgrade, but I keep wondering if I can commit to a phone for two years if there might be something better coming just around the corner! When did this happen to me? I’ve never been a “stuff” person. Heck, I’ve lived with the same extra-green-on-one-side TV set for something like 14 years and I’ve not been tempted, yet, by the new HD sets. But for some inexplicable reason, I can’t successfully select a FREE phone because it might not be the newest/best thing in another few months! Makes no sense. Glad, though, to not be all on my own …
It’s a great value for people looking to get into their first smart phone. The only thing I dislike about this is the 2 year contract, because while right now it’s not that outdated, it’s already last years technology. If you think about having the same phone for 2 years longer it’s going to be pretty far behind by then. If you want a new phone within the next few years then you’ll have to pay the full price since you’re already under contract.
So it’s a good idea if people don’t absolutely need top of the line technology, as you can’t really get a better phone for that price right now.