Everyone in this thread seems to assume buying a brand-new item. My preferred route is to buy the high-end of one generation prior, used, from somebody who is upgrading to the latest and greatest. They can pay the early-adopter tax for me.
If you're experienced enough to be able to tell (or have a trusted friend) then that's a good route. But if you're a beginner buying used then it's a lemon market and you can very easily get ripped off.
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