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For technophiles, it is the best of times, it is the worst of times. The market is awash in new technology. Even at Danburg Properties of Boca Raton, where we rely on reliable technology to develop, lease and manage more than 1 million square feet of commercial, office and warehouse space, we’re astounded by the constant arrival of new tech – and left to wonder how it can serve our needs.

The iPhone 5 came out earlier this year; now rumor has an iPhone 5S in the wings. Google just beta tested its Google Glass “wearable computer” glasses, and last week released its ChromeCast television-to-computer USB dongle. For good measure, the company also debuted a new Android tablet.

Meanwhile, Google Chromebooks, Microsoft Surface PCs and the Windows 8 operating system, and other tech, are flooding store shelves – and our collective mind-share.

For lovers of technology, these are the best of times indeed. But are they? Assuming we already have a host of technology at our disposal – from powerful PCs, laptops and tablets to smart phones and other peripheral devices we’ve grown to use, love and depend on – how should we consider the introduction of new technology?

In short, what’s the cost of being the earliest adopter on the “bleeding edge” of technology innovation? Is it more advisable to embrace tech when the time is right?

“Cost” is defined differently by different people. It could be the financial cost. The latest operating system (OS) or software upgrade certainly costs more than the version already installed on a computer. The newest MacBook Pro or Samsung Galaxy smart phone on the display shelf will set you back more than the one you already own.

And how do you justify something like Google Glass, which currently is not available at retail, but certainly will arrive with no real competition – or proven need or cost justification (at least for most consumers)?

And that’s just the “cost” in dollars. What about the cost in time? Learning to navigate a new OS or piece of software will require some investment in time. And that’s assuming the latest, greatest, bestest version doesn’t have bugs, glitches or errors in the code. Ditto for a new laptop or smart phone. The one you know, use and are comfortable with can be – in many ways – better than the promise of the new one in the store.

Using an analogy from the Old West, it’s been said that pioneers suffered the arrows and spears encountered by being first to explore uncharted territories. The same can be said for technology’s early adopters. By being first, you risk the arrows and spears of the Shock of the New. Sometimes, it’s good to be the settler.

The solution may be to wait for software to settle in and bugs to be worked out. Wait for hardware to find a home with the consumer or business masses before wading in.

What’s more, is the timing right? It often is wise to wait until a slow time in business to adopt a new piece of software or some new tool; I don’t think you’d see an accountant adopting a new tax preparation software in the first quarter of any year. Generally speaking, for most businesses, summer time – or any seasonally slow time – is a good time for a little experimentation or an upgrade.

Most importantly, though: Experiment when the time, product and need converge. If you business needs new hardware or software, research available applications and commit to the purchase only when you’re ready to commit to the time requirement.

Indeed, it is the best of times – but could be the worst of times – for any technophile out there. How it plays out is a uniquely individual decision. Ask yourself: Do you want to be a pioneer or a settler?