3 Ways To Not Get Juiced By Apple
Are you looking to buy an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple product? Here’s a quick list of things you should look into before buying any piece of Apple Hardware.
Full disclosure statement: Back in the 80s my family owned an Apple IIC and in 2001 I purchased a Titanium G4 PowerBook. I use OS X, Linux, and am forced to use Windows XP, Windows 7, and other Windows products. I still have a computer at work running Windows 2000.
I’ve been an Apple owner for over a decade now and got burned once…only once with my purchases. Let’s be honest: Apple products aren’t cheap, but they are good. My first PowerBook lasted me 7 years, and that was it being on practically 24/7. Since they’re not cheap you want to make sure you’re laying out the right amount of money at the right time.
iPad 2
#1 – Ask yourself questions: It’s not a good idea to just walk into the Apple Store (virtual or in real life), ask questions of the Genius or FAQ page and make a purchased solely on that. Ask yourself: “Do I really need to be laying out all this extra cash for a small bump in speed or hard drive space?”. Or, “Do I need the highest end laptop just to go on Facebook or plant crops in Farmville?”. Let’s be honest. You’ve already decided you want “that” Mac, but you need to ask yourself those types questions.
#2- Apple sells hardware: Remember that Apple is in business to sell you hardware. They make you love iPhones with all the apps you can buy (which they get a cut of) but it’s all a ploy to get you to buy an iPhone. They created a great operating system…just so you can buy their computer. Get the idea?
Verizon iPhone
#3 – The Perfect Timing: Part of Apple’s business model is to sell you stuff. They keep secrets about things that the average consumer can’t find. Although I happen to think “leaks” are really just tiny little press releases so geeks like me can eat up. If you’re not an Apple geek like me, start to be one. If you don’t you’ll wind up buying the Verizon 3G version of the iPhone when 6 months later the 4G version will come out.
Admit it to yourself: There’s never a perfect time to buy an Apple product, just the best time between product cycles. How do you find out when the “just-right” time to buy? Check out sites like AppleInsider.com and MacRumors.com. If you don’t want to dig too far, just check out MacRumors Buyers Guide
Oh yeah, and f**k the Olive Garden