What the Tech: Why now is a bad time to buy tech tools and gadgets
WHAT THE TECH (WAKA) – If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or TV, you may want to wait.
Late summer is one of the few times of the year when patience can really pay off. While stores are full of back-to-school promotions, many of the biggest technology products are just weeks
away from being replaced. That means today’s prices are often as high as they’ll be all year, and better deals may be right around the corner.
Here’s what you should know before you buy.
Hold Off on Buying a New iPhone or Smartwatch
Apple traditionally announces its newest iPhones and Apple Watches in September. Once those new models are unveiled, retailers often lower the prices of last year’s devices, sometimes by
around $100 or more.
If you’ve been planning to upgrade, waiting a few weeks could give you two advantages:
● Buy the newest model when it becomes available.
● Save money by purchasing last year’s model at a discount.
Samsung also introduces new flagship devices throughout the year, and new product launches often lead to discounts on previous models.
Tablets May Be Worth Waiting On
If you’re considering a premium tablet, it may also be worth waiting to see whether new models are announced or whether retailers begin discounting current inventory after fall product
launches.
Don’t Expect the Best TV Deals Yet
Televisions go on sale throughout the year, but the deepest discounts usually arrive during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and, for many models, around the Super Bowl. If you’re shopping for a large-screen TV and don’t need one immediately, waiting until November could save you hundreds of dollars.
Labor Day Is a Great Time for Major Appliances
Need a new refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, or dryer? Unless your current appliance has stopped working, Labor Day is traditionally one of the best times to shop. Retailers often offer significant discounts as they clear inventory and make room for new models.
Some Tech Is Actually a Good Buy Right Now
Not everything should wait.
Back-to-school season is one of the best times to buy:
● Windows laptops
● Chromebooks
● Computer monitors
● Printers
● External storage drives
● Computer accessories
Retailers frequently offer student discounts, bundle deals, and promotions before classes begin, making this one of the better shopping periods for school-related technology.
What About MacBooks?
Apple’s MacBooks are a different story. While you’ll occasionally find a sale, the biggest discounts often come after Apple introduces new hardware or during major holiday shopping events. If you don’t need a MacBook immediately, waiting could mean either a lower price on the current model or the opportunity to buy Apple’s newest version.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
The answer depends on whether you need a new device or simply want one. If your phone is broken or your laptop won’t get you through the school year, buy what you need. Technology is meant to be useful, and sometimes waiting just isn’t practical. But if your current device is still doing the job, holding off for another month or two could save you money, or allow you to get the latest model for about the same price.
When it comes to buying technology, timing can be almost as important as the product itself.
