Tech is a fickle thing. I’m usually the first to get the latest greatest from Apple, whether a new Macbook, iMac, iPod, but over the years I’ve learned a lesson good - and better things - come to those who wait.

This week the iPhone 4 was released by Verizon - my carrier - and on Feburary 3rd, current customers such as myself were given first dibs. I passed. The reason is simple. This iPhone 4 is a compromise, not a victory. For instance:

1. No GSM world service. To some who hang around the crib here in the states it’s no big deal, however if you go to any area of the world - Europe, Asia, even Canada, which uses a GSM network, you’re out of luck, the Verizon iPhone only works on a CMDA network. Some are saying this will be fixed with a patch. No chance, the Verizon iPhone 4 doesn’t have the hardware.

2. No talk while surfing. A great help when you’re talking to someone boring like your boss or uncle Harry, but annoying as hell if you decided to receive an email while talking. You can check static data, but the second you access the data network the call drops. Unlike the the lack of GSM, this could be fixed I’m told by a software update, although I’m skeptical.

3. Biggest reason is that the iPhone 5 will be in all ways much improved than the iPhone 4, which was released nearly two years ago. The iPhone 5 is rumored to have a duo-core processor, a much improved and larger screen along with better graphics capability. The capacities will also increase to 64 and 128 GB along with batter life improvements.

4. It will come in white. While Verizon was rumored to offer the iPhone 4 in white, it didn’t happen - yet. It will be in white with the release of the iPhone 5.

The expected release date is May/June, which is just too close to plunk down $199 for the 16 GB model, or $299 for the 32 GB model three months before these fabulous improvements.

If you can’t wait then take the plunge and fear the burn in three months. For me, I’m believing good things - great things - come to those who wait.