My journey into the Apple iOS ecosystem started in September 2009 with the third gen iPod Touch. I still use it to this day, but, age and use has shown on it. Technically, I got an iPhone 4s from a friend abroad in 2015 that ran up iOS 9. It wasn't unlocked though, so, I could only use it as an iPod. I was hoping to get it unlocked, but couldn't (well, I could, just was not going to spend US $150 to do it); considering the age.
In November 2015, I bought by first iPhone, a 6s 64 GB unlocked, directly at the Apple store. Came back to Jamaica and set it up with my SIM. Been using it ever since and its been going pretty well. It is showing so early signs of aging, volume buttons making camera sound when I press them; Touch ID working sometimes; Touch ID/Sleep/Wake button doesn't work sometimes. Hopefully iOS 11 might sort those out and maybe some cleaning. Haven't take it out of its casing I put it in year ago.
Originally, I wanted buy a iPhone 6s Plus 64 GB Gold, but it wasn't in stock at the time, and I ended up splurging on a MacBook Pro 13 Early 2015. Last year, I was on the verge of picking up an iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black. I had the money ready and played around with the device in the store. Then I said to myself, where is the immediate value in buying this? My 6s is still working well and the 7 though nice, still felt like minor iteration. Not to mention, it was expensive.
As the story goes, I put it down and walked out the store. Its nearly 2 years since I bought my 6s and now we have two revisions, 8 and X. But, I have concluded, I want neither, well not now.
My energies are once again set on that iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black - and its likely to be the 128 GB model. Why now and why not jump to the 8 Plus instead?
Well its a combination of factors: aesthetics and expense.
The iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black is now fully in stock; in fact, it was in stock last year when I visited the US. But, the new 8+ line up does not have this particular finish. The space gray, while nice, is not Jet Black. The other thing is, the 8+ is expensive and I want to save a few bucks; sure, I could indulge myself, but, I don't want to be broke. It has taken be two years to come back in form financially after my last escapade at the Apple Store. Between paying bills and getting the return on my investment, its a tough journey - especially in my line of work as a freelance writer.
But, its 2 years later, its gonna be 2.5 when I return to the US to visit the Apple Store again. In addition to the iPhone 7 Plus, I have my mind set on a iPad Pro 12.9, too. I have resigned myself to use iOS as much as possible for my computing going forward.
That said, I'm taking baby steps. It turns out, waiting can be your best game when it comes to upgrading. Two years is looking like the sweet spot, but as these Apple devices keep getting better, waiting 3 years is not a crazy option either. Of course, not everyone has that kind of patience, in my case, its a winning formula for my pocket book. Yes, I will be missing out on all the cool tech: animojis, Face ID, dual OIS, OLED display, wireless charging, super fast A11 Bionic chip, all screen design - but thats high cost of entry I just will not spend on for a smart phone.
I'm sure in another 2 years, the iPhone 8 will likely drop to the bottom tier and I will be able pick up a plus model, likely in Silver. This strategy is not for early adopters and those wanting to live in the future on the bleeding edge. I admire those users and they drive the innovation forward, but for me, I don't mind taking it slow. Besides, just like Pokemon, I want to catch em' all!
In November 2015, I bought by first iPhone, a 6s 64 GB unlocked, directly at the Apple store. Came back to Jamaica and set it up with my SIM. Been using it ever since and its been going pretty well. It is showing so early signs of aging, volume buttons making camera sound when I press them; Touch ID working sometimes; Touch ID/Sleep/Wake button doesn't work sometimes. Hopefully iOS 11 might sort those out and maybe some cleaning. Haven't take it out of its casing I put it in year ago.
Originally, I wanted buy a iPhone 6s Plus 64 GB Gold, but it wasn't in stock at the time, and I ended up splurging on a MacBook Pro 13 Early 2015. Last year, I was on the verge of picking up an iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black. I had the money ready and played around with the device in the store. Then I said to myself, where is the immediate value in buying this? My 6s is still working well and the 7 though nice, still felt like minor iteration. Not to mention, it was expensive.
As the story goes, I put it down and walked out the store. Its nearly 2 years since I bought my 6s and now we have two revisions, 8 and X. But, I have concluded, I want neither, well not now.
My energies are once again set on that iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black - and its likely to be the 128 GB model. Why now and why not jump to the 8 Plus instead?
Well its a combination of factors: aesthetics and expense.
The iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black is now fully in stock; in fact, it was in stock last year when I visited the US. But, the new 8+ line up does not have this particular finish. The space gray, while nice, is not Jet Black. The other thing is, the 8+ is expensive and I want to save a few bucks; sure, I could indulge myself, but, I don't want to be broke. It has taken be two years to come back in form financially after my last escapade at the Apple Store. Between paying bills and getting the return on my investment, its a tough journey - especially in my line of work as a freelance writer.
But, its 2 years later, its gonna be 2.5 when I return to the US to visit the Apple Store again. In addition to the iPhone 7 Plus, I have my mind set on a iPad Pro 12.9, too. I have resigned myself to use iOS as much as possible for my computing going forward.
That said, I'm taking baby steps. It turns out, waiting can be your best game when it comes to upgrading. Two years is looking like the sweet spot, but as these Apple devices keep getting better, waiting 3 years is not a crazy option either. Of course, not everyone has that kind of patience, in my case, its a winning formula for my pocket book. Yes, I will be missing out on all the cool tech: animojis, Face ID, dual OIS, OLED display, wireless charging, super fast A11 Bionic chip, all screen design - but thats high cost of entry I just will not spend on for a smart phone.
I'm sure in another 2 years, the iPhone 8 will likely drop to the bottom tier and I will be able pick up a plus model, likely in Silver. This strategy is not for early adopters and those wanting to live in the future on the bleeding edge. I admire those users and they drive the innovation forward, but for me, I don't mind taking it slow. Besides, just like Pokemon, I want to catch em' all!
