When you're looking at any item which changes as quickly as a tablet computer, there's always a question of whether it's worth buying the latest tablet PC now, or hang on in the hope of something more powerful in the near future. This article explores the good and bad points of each option, and some important issues which you'll want to take into account.
Do you actually need a Tablet PC right now, and if so, what for?
This is probably the first question you should ask yourself - do you really need the latest tablet PC right at this minute? If you've got it in mind for a trip you'll be making in six months, then perhaps it's best to hang on until nearer the time - then you can make sure you're buying the very latest technology. However, if you have a use for it presently, and the tablets on the market at the moment are capable of meeting your needs, there's no reason not to buy one right away.
Do you know which tablet PC you want?
If you are looking for a tablet from a specific company, then this should make your choice a bit clearer. For example if you've got your heart set on an iPad then you should know that Apple tend to release an upgrade yearly. If it's been around 12 months since the last generation of iPad was released, then you probably don't have long to wait until the newest one comes out.
Are you looking to save on purchase price?
It can be a bit of a gamble, but you might want to wait before buying the current generation. Companies regularly give deep discounts on a tablet when they are about to release an upgraded version. (This is to reduce stock holdings.) For example, in the month leading up to the release of the iPad 2, Apple significantly lowered the pricing on the first generation iPad. If a customer knew they they didn't need the new features of the iPad 2, then it made economic sense to wait to buy an iPad 1 until just before the new release.
Are you after a special new feature?
If you're into your gadgets then you might have a specific feature that you've been looking for. For example, if you definitely want a Windows operating system - perhaps because you need full integration with your office PC. In this case, it would make sense for you to wait until manufacturers have released their tablets which use this OS.
The market is changing all the time! I can't keep up!
At the end of the day, there's one very big reason why you shouldn't wait to buy: the technology is changing so rapidly that you simply can't keep up! Whatever you buy today will be updated tomorrow; but equally whatever you buy tomorrow will be updated next week! With this in mind, you may as well check out which tablet PCs meet your needs today, and make your purchase now, rather than keep chasing the dream of "the latest tablet PC with brand new technology".
Have a look at our Tablet PC comparison guide - it may make things clearer!
TabletPCReviewer.com brings you tablet PC comparison guides, reviews, and articles all about the world of tablet PC computing.
