There’s those that camp outside Apple stores, queuing up nights before a product launch. And then there’s those that don’t.  Apple fans reside in both of these camps, some choosing to pre-order devices, other’s waiting a few weeks (or months) after launch day to cave.  And let’s not forget the budget-conscious Apple fans that don’t mind an older model at a cheaper price.

Each buyer is justified in his Apple-purchasing rationale, buying at different points of the product life cycle.  But when’s the best time to buy an Apple device, all things considered?

A month won’t hurt

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The general rule nowadays: if you’re looking to buy a new device, wait a month.  Why?  For discounts!.  Take the iPad 4 for example.  It was launched last October, and just after a month the fourth-gen iPad got a $59 discount.  Relative to the price, what’s a few weeks for an iPad built to last years?

First… and second deals

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Consumers also have to consider the fact that there’s a first and second deal, like first and second breakfast for Hobbits – the first is a warm up for your stomach, to fully enjoy the second one.  For Apple, the first deal is a teaser.  The second deal will leave you smiling like an idiot.

Let’s look at some examples from dealnews.  For the MacBook Pro 15.4″ with Retina Display that was released in June 2012, just two days later its price dropped by $118.  If you waited nine months for the second deal, you’d save $350.

For the MacBook Air 11.6″ Core i5 Ivy Bridge, the first deal came in two months, dropping the price by $49.  Seven months after, the price dropped by another $199.

iDelight

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Macs aren’t the only devices that get discounted.  As mentioned earlier, even iPads get some discount love.  But what about other iDevices?  Will waiting a few months save you some money?

According to dealnews, the fifth generation iPod Touch released last October received a $4 discount a month after launch, dropping another $50 three months after.  The iPhone 5 released in September got a $9 discount just two days after it was released, and $73 after three months.  As for the iPad mini, it received a $9 discount after three months, and if you’d waited five months, you would have gotten a $29 discount.

The best time to get a new Apple device

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The best time to get a new Apple device, if you’re not too concerned about having the latest model, is right after a new product gets released.  Older versions are given huge discounts to clear shelves and make room for upcoming products.

Deal-finding tips

If you’re looking for great deals or discounted Apple products, Apple’s retail and web store is not the place to go.  You’ll likely find deals from authorized retailers such as Mac sales, MacMall, MegaMacs, Amazon, and B&H Photo-Video.

Llook for refurbished Apple devices.  These are pre-owned gadgets that have been given a second chance at life, spruced up by Apple.  Though the iPhone maker offers refurbished products, you can still expect Apple’s prices to be higher than other third-party sellers.

Subscribe to e-mail alerts for price cuts, from companies like dealnews.  It’s the easiest way to reduce anxiety over waiting for a price cut on your favorite products.

photo credit: atmtx via photopin cc