do they change the smaller bits and pieces on the leatherman tools often?

i was checking out a site for one i want to get and then saw the official leatherman site has the 2004 wave thats got a bit on it i didnt see on the first tool.

http://www.all-leatherman-4-less.com/detail_leatherman_wave.html

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/Wave2004/default.asp

ive never owned a leatherman, so would it be better to buy the first listed (especially since its cheaper) or waiting for the 2004 model in the fall?

The cheaper one is the first iteration of the wave model. The 2004 model has a number of notable improvements.

1. Stronger plier pivot
2. Wider blades, safer
3. Multiple tool bits included

The old one is nice, but the new one will be stronger and more useful. There are also the titanium handled versions called the Charge Ti and the Charge XTi, that have better knife blade steel too.

IMHO it would be better to bu the new models, but you probably won't be unhappy with the old model either.

thanks thats the kind of info i needed.

ill probably get the older one since its my first leatherman purchase and probably upgrade to a better model later.