I can still remember getting my first BlackBerry 2 years ago. It was the BlackBerry Bold 9000. It just launched here in the Philippines and I picked it as my “free” handset from my Smart Infinity postpaid plan. I remember marveling at the gorgeous and classy design of the phone. I slept late that night because I spent a couple of hours trying to figure everything out about the phone. I even did some research online to make sure that I could maximize it. Let’s fast forward several months later…
The BlackBerry Bold 9000
News breaks out that the trackball of the BlackBerry Bold 9000 gets busted quickly. I never really believed this since I had a lot of faith in the company that made the phone. I mean how could they miss something so obvious right? Well apparently they did. A few days later I had to get the trackball of my BlackBerry Bold 9000 replaced because it wouldn’t move anymore. To make things worse, RIM announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700. A smaller, more powerful, and cooler version of the BlackBerry Bold 9000… and they replaced the trackball with a trackpad!
Technology moves so fast these days that something that might be desirable and “in” today might not be that awesome anymore in a few months time. I think the perfect example here is Apple’s iPad. it was launched last year globally but the Philippines only got it last month. However the next version, iPad 2, is just a month or two away from being unveiled by Steve Jobs. The new iPad will have a front and back camera, sleeker design, and a more powerful engine. All that for the same price as you would have paid for the original iPad.
The iPad (w/ Saddleback Leather Case)
Or let’s talk iPhones. When the original iPhone came out it really sucked. They introduced the iPhone 3G which had more features but it was so slow. A year later they came out with the 3GS which was virtually the same phone except that it was faster. Then the iPhone 4! And this year we’ll probably see the iPhone 5.
iPhone 3G
Being prudent and wise is called for now more than ever. Companies are a bit reckless with shipping out products. Instead of applying fixes to the ones that they release, they would rather sell you a completely “new” product with the applied fixes. Before buying gadgets like phones, MP3 players, computers, cameras, and tablets we should all do due diligence and research about what we want to buy. Get to know the bugs, problems, and limitations so that you are fully aware of what you’re getting. Also, don’t blow your savings on these things. Make sure that the money you’re spending is extra because you don’t really need these things – they’re just nice to have.
Just a friendly reminder from New Media PH. 
Hi Carlo!
With all due respect, I believe the practice of shipping out subpar products and shorter product cycles don’t apply to Apple. The first gen products Apple has come up with are generally quite good, they just seem inferior in retrospect when newer products are released.
With respect to the iPad, I think it’s a good first gen and while I’ve had one since May, I chose to give my original wifi iPad as a gift and upgraded to the 3G model with higher storage capacity. It would be good to put your observations in perspective – the iPad was announced in January 2010, it was released in April. The late release in the Philippines has nothing to do with the product cycle of the iPad since this month or early Feb would be the logical time for Apple to make an announcement. In any case, the 2nd gen may or may not have the features currently being speculated upon and possibly only offer incremental changes. We won’t know til it’s announced. In any case, given that it takes about a year for new products to come out (except for specific products in the past such as the iPod nano phasing out the iPod Mini, etc.) one can still enjoy a good product as is and only upgrade when necessary.
It’s not imperative to rush out and buy the latest model especially if the one you have does what you want and need it to do.
my two cents. 
I agree with the above comment. In addition, if one justifies their decision to hold on buying because of a possible newer version, then he will never get to buy anything anymore because his mindset will dictate that there will be a better one soon.
When you need it, then you buy it. Unless the road map for the newer version is in the horizon. It is just prudent to always be updated, especially with high ticket items.
This is why I never buy first generation gadgets. (Except for the Macbook, I guess.) This is especially true for video game consoles. At home, we have about 3 PSXs and a slim one, 2 PS2s, and more handheld consoles than we can count. That’s why I held off on buying the PS3. What’s good about Sony is that they’re kind of predictable. When the console becomes smaller, that’s the best time to buy.
Hi I’m edgar I’m looking for mep for my blackberry 8900 is there any one can help me here’s my IMEI 353471039786450