Have you always had to be the first person on the block with the latest and greatest piece of technology? Then you've likely paid a hefty price for that privilege.

If you're not obsessed with beating everyone to the punch, you can save a lot by just waiting - and watching the price on these gadgets drop over time.

Hiawatha Bray takes a look at what some consumer electronics cost when they were fresh to the market, and what new versions of these products go for now.