The Strawberry Paradox Sometimes buying computer equipment behind the leading edge can save you cash. by BILL STEINBERG eople who buy the latest and greatest "leading edge" computer systems, usually at premium prices, need to be aware of the phenomenon called the "bleeding edge." In reality, buyers often have their excitement and sense of pride in their new purchase privately tempered by the less-publicized negative aspects surrounding the introduction of cutting-edge technology. The latest-generation machines on the market, after all, are essentially near-prototypes of the new technology. Initial buyers might be characterized as paying for the privilege of becoming beta-testers because not all of the bugs have been worked out and there are compatibility issues yet to be discovered. Bleeding-edge buyers also assume the risk that a new technology may not be fully adopted into the mainstream marketplace and could eventually become unsupported or prematurely obsolete. Impetuous buyers should adopt a "no regrets" stance. It's a near-certainty that they will soon see lower prices for the very same (or better) equipment, because new technology tends to become cheaper as production volume increases. For those interested in best buys on computer systems, patience (along with the discipline of solid research) has its virtues. My daughter Nessa will be 3 this summer. Last weekend my wife and I began researching a computer we could buy for Nessa. We had been to the homes of some of her friends who were beginning to master preschool educational software programs with animated characters from Sesame Street and Disney. The time seemed right to get her started. But we were intent on getting the best value for our money. Most of my computing experience has been with Apple Macintosh machines, so the first computer we look at is the stylish and colorful Apple iMac. The local CompUSA retailer has a dedicated carousel-shaped display area for the compact iMac machines with each of their translucent hued cases. The newest iMac with a 333 MHz G3 processor is selling for $1,199. The store offers the 266 MHz G3 version for $100 less. When one of the senior salespeople asks if we would like to make a purchase, I lament that the store's prices are so much higher than those of the mail-order catalog resellers. He politely counters that the catalog companies are able to discount their inventory, while his retail company is not. Shortly thereafter, he wanders away from us, probably concluding that we will likely not buy an iMac from his store. At least not today. But we continue to evaluate the iMacs on display. After reading a number of iMac reviews, this is my first up-close look at the popular machine that has revitalized Apple Computer. After a few minutes, a younger salesperson tells us that there is a rumor floating around that the original Bondi blue 233 MHz G3 iMac machine (not currently on display) would soon be discounted to a close-out price of $799. He wonders if we would be interested in an iMac at that price if they still have one in inventory. I say that we would seriously consider that deal, if it exists. He leaves to check with his store manager. While he is gone, I explain to my wife that a G3 processor operating at 233 MHz is light-years faster than my faithful 7200/120 Power Mac at work. How could a child possibly need blazing speeds of 266 or 333 MHz to access the Internet or run Elmo Preschool or simple word-processing and drawing software? And having lived with beige computer cases for so many years, couldn't we live without a strawberry-colored machine, which is our daughter's unusually strong first preference? Besides, the Bondi blue color is a perfect complement to the color scheme of her bedroom. I have done my homework. I am keenly aware that many of the Apple catalog resellers have already sold out of their original iMac inventory. So when the salesman returns to say that the store will indeed offer us the machine at the bargain price, I pull out my American Express card. A few days into owning the lovable iMac, Nessa is already showing some budding proficiency with her mouse skills. She regularly asks to turn on the computer, requesting programs and Web sites by name. Before putting her to bed one night, I quietly ask her how she likes having her own computer. She takes my face into her tiny hands and looks closely into my eyes, as if to get my undivided attention. Then, speaking with the clear urgency of a 2-year-old's profound thinking, she matter-of-factly declares: "We can take it back. We can get another one -- a strawberry computer!" (William I. Steinberg's e-mail address is bill@kelman-lazarov.com)