The short answer: when it’s no longer new, of course—early adopters are the pawns in the great game of consumer electronics, easily sacrificed by both sides in order to fuel product launches, establish word of mouth, and help discover any 1st-gen bugs. (*cough* iPhone *cough*) SmartMoney says on average, wait six months after a product is released before buying it, but they also provide a list of specific advice for things like cellphones, computers, and cameras.

Cellphones – six months. Prices drop quickly when a new model is on the horizon, or when multiple carriers are offering the same device.

Computers – as long as you can. Even a year-old computer is more than advanced enough these days for most “normal” tasks, and you can pick up last year’s model for hundreds less.

Digital Cameras – wait one year. The editor of CNET tells SmartMoney, “Digital cameras are still a niche market, which means prices are slow to drop… But advancements have slowed somewhat, too.” If you wait for a new model to come out, you can pick up the older one at a discount and only miss a “new design and a minor feature or two.”

High-Definition Video Disks – wait until the dust settles.

Read the rest of the list and advice at SmartMoney.

“Early Adopters Miss Out on Best Gadget Deals” [SmartMoney]
(Photo: Getty)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.