If you are reading this after January 27, 2010, then you already know the truth. In fact, you may have already forgotten what all the anticipation was about. But today, still more than a week before Apple is expected to premiere its long-rumored and long-awaited tablet computer – not that we have any real solid idea of what it actually is – speculation is at a high.
That makes me think. For about two years I have been contemplating buying an e-book reader. I read a lot – books, both fiction and non-fiction, news sources online and on paper, and lots of RSS feeds. Having an e-book would make a lot of sense for me.
Then, Amazon released their Kindle, and then their Kindle DX in Canada. I could have had a Sony E-Reader free from Air Miles. But I have been waiting – waiting for Apple’s rumored announcement. But why?
There’s a Chinese maxim that says the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, and the second-best time is right now. So why do we hold off on adopting life-changing technology?
Cost is a factor for sure. Nobody wants to drop big money on a gadget that will become obsolete days or months after you bought it, and then have to live with a day-old antique or replace it with the latest at additional cost.
But what about technologies that cost nothing, or even save you money, but require you to change your habits? How many times have you put off adopting one of those, switching email service providers, changing your browser, or switching to VoIP to save money on your phone service, even if it requires using a softphone on your computer instead of your landline?
What excuses do you give yourself? I don’t feel like changing, I’ll wait for the technology to be perfected, this is good enough, etc.
The best time to adapt to a new, life-improving technology was when it first came out. The second-best time is now.
Go out and see where there are improvements to the processes that you go by today. If smart people that you trust recommend it, go for the new thing. You can save time, save money, improve on skills and knowledge you have, and acquire new ones too.
Do not wait for the big announcement that waits around the corner, because there will always be another one after that.
You know, after January 27.
