Early iPad 4 Release

Back on October 23, Apple released the all new iPad Mini to the world, but they also updated another device – The iPad. Most people in the rumor mill suggested that Apple may re-release the iPad 31 with an Lightning Connector but no major spec bump until the usual March-April time frame. But lo and behold, Apple released the iPad 4, only seven months after the iPad 3. So, if you bought an new iPad 3 in the last few months I found an interesting quote for you to think about – from Steve Jobs.

In reference to the price drop on the original iPhone:

Second, being in technology for 30+ years I can attest to the fact that the technology road is bumpy. There is always change and improvement, and there is always someone who bought a product before a particular cutoff date and misses the new price or the new operating system or the new whatever. This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you’ll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon. The good news is that if you buy products from companies that support them well, like Apple tries to do, you will receive years of useful and satisfying service from them even as newer models are introduced.

— Source

As someone that has been watching and buying tech products for many years, I agree 100% with this. I have spend a ton of time watching the rumor sites, researching products, and watching timelines for clues on best time to grab an item. I have literally spent years waiting for that “perfect” moment to buy an item, just see it replaced by something better in a month or two2.

In short, if you see something that you like and fits your needs/wants at that time – Go For It! Or you will be looking for the “Next Big Thing” for an Lifetime…

Also, most upgrades are just evolutionary, very few are actually Revolutionary. Marketing makes you think they are revolutionary though.

1 I know Apple referred to the third generation iPad as the “New iPad” but for ease of discussion, I will refer to the iPads by there generation numeric and not by there marketing names. e.g. Retina iPad, The New iPad with Retina Display, etc.
2 “I heard Apple is going to make a TV, I need a new TV. I will wait to see what Apple will release.” Me back in 2009 or 2010 and I still haven’t found a TV I like – I’m so picky.