By William Kristoph

Last week, I read some live blogs during the Apple iPad event. Along with everyone else, I was surprised to see the “4th generation” iPad introduced. Sure, we were all expecting the iPad mini, but a new full-size iPad with better specs? I didn’t see that coming, nor did I read any rumors about it. As soon as it was introduced, the rage on the internet message boards started from many of those that purchased the 3rd generation iPad 7 months earlier.

I’m one of those people that purchased it, but I don’t get the rage against the 4th generation or the rage against Apple for introducing it. Technology, especially gadgets like the iPad, is a never ending chase for the best. I distinctly remember dealing with similar technology chasing with graphics cards years ago. Back then I learned there are four major groups of people with tech:

1. Bleeding Edgers – Those that will pay plenty of money to keep up with the technology (there are folks that will sell their iPad 3 to partially fund a new iPad 4).
2. Complainers – Those that rage on the boards, but ultimately get over it in a few days and go back to enjoying what they have.
3. Wait and Sees – Those that always wait to buy a piece of technology, because they want the best, but they end up paralyzed by the fear of something better coming out in a few week.
4. Practicals – Those that budget and buy the device that satisfies their need at the time and don’t worry about trying to future proof.

I fall into the fourth category. Years ago I wanted a digital camera. I waited it out a bit, because I couldn’t find anything I liked in my price range. After a year or two, technology and prices collided and I purchased my first digital camera. Graphics cards were the same way, I bought the best bang for the buck and maybe upgraded it a few years later when a demanding game required it. With the iPad, I waited until that gorgeous retina display showed up with the iPad 3 and that sealed the deal. Next to the iPad 2, it was what I wanted.

So why would I be made about an iPad 4? It’s faster? Okay, great, but my 3 does everything I want it to do. HD Facetime camera? Again, that’s nice, but nothing that makes me regret buying an iPad a few months ago. Even better, the iPad 5 or 6 will probably do all kinds of things my 3 doesn’t. Will I upgrade? Nope! Not until my 3 is dead or no longer supported with iOS updates.