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View Full Version : Early Adopters - Worth the price of admission?


Rob
12-20-2009, 07:39 PM
An early adopter is generally someone who purchases a product as soon as it's available regardless of price. The cost/benefit ratio doesn't come into play as they go for must have items before knowing whether or not it performs as flawlessly as a product that has had further testing and reviews. Of course the downside is that there are usually little problems that can be distracting or major problems that require replacement parts or complete returns.

My EA purchases stay almost exclusively in the realm of electronics. Ever since the smartphone market was stormed by Apple I have been buying a new phone about once a year even though it usually means a new contract and high prices. Smarthphones have reached a level of quality in their function and form that continues to attract the attention of my ever shrinking entertainment fund. I am definitely an EA of video game consoles and occasionally some pc components.

How many of you would consider yourself an early adopter? Do you sometimes see a product that fits so well into your expectations that you throw caution to the wind and drain your savings or pull out the plastic?

Konrad
12-20-2009, 07:45 PM
Absolutely not ever never ever under any circumstances would I consider becoming an early adopter.

I see no good coming of it. Like you said, excessive price tags, unpolished product, uncertainty. Just so I can show off my toy a few months before everyone else?
No thanks, it seems to me like the only reason for early adoption is complete lack of self restraint or a bloated wallet.

There is just nothing whatsoever drawing me towards having any product before everyone else. I think it's foolish, if anything.

CemeteryGates
12-21-2009, 07:01 PM
I think there are some thing which some people perceive as a guarantee of quality, and for a lot of early adopters, it's that factor which comes into play when they're buying something new without knowing anything about it.

I'd say I'm mostly an early adopter in some music and movies, not nearly as much in video games, though.