Last Friday, people lined up for hours, determined to be the first one on their block to own Apple’s updated version of the iPad. Those lucky enough to score an iPad are pleased with their purchase so far -- the tablet has been receiving glowing reviews from experts while consumers are still basking in that new tech smell., but as any tech person knows, it won’t be long before a glitch rears it’s ugly head.
It seems inescapable. With almost every release of a new tech product, there’s a bug, glitch, or flaw that has owners screaming bloody murder. When the first iPad launched in April 2010, there were reports of little to no wi-fi connectivity that prevented some users from accessing the Web. This past Sunday, iPhone and iPod Touch users took to forums and social networking sites complaining that the gadgets were beset with timing issues due to Daylight Savings Time. Some alarms rang early, some went off late, while some experienced no problem whatsoever. According to Engadget, some users’ phones adjusted for DST even though, they are located in areas that don’t allot for the change.
This is not to beat up on Steve Jobs and the team at Apple, because tech fails can happen to almost any product at anytime. All it takes is an incompatible system update or an overlooked design flaw to turn a tech treasure into tech terror. Luckily, most glitches can be resolved with a simple patch that’s uploaded during a system update.  in some tablets while others worked fine.
So when’s a good time to buy that shiny new gadget? The best time is a few months after the product has been released. By then, there’s enough in stock for everyone and most of the kinks have been resolved. Another benefit is that prospective buyers can turn to product reviews or a friend that already has the gadget to get the 411. After doing a little research, a person might discover that the latest and greatest new tech product was nothing more than smoke and mirrors, saving them the agony of owning a subpar product. The extra time also allows for retailers to lower prices in an attempt to lure in more buyers.
Early adopters enjoy the thrill of being the first to have the latest “IT” gadget. While other people are content to buy technology at their leisure, hopefully forgoing all the hassle a glitch in the system can create.

Do you buy your tech gadgets on launch day or do you wait until the product’s been out a few months?

Image: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer