Wax is only protection. Detailing removes embedded dirt/grime/contaminants, swirls/scratches and restores shine to better than factory. Unless you car never leaves the garage it needs paint correction sooner or later.
On a new car you really shouldn't have to detail the paint unless you have swirl marks or the dealer did a really poor job prepping the car. Just protect it with a quality wax. I like Meguiar's products.
Always wash and dry the car before doing any detailing work. If you don't do this you will just be pushing abrasive dirt over the clearcoat which will scratch and leave swirl marks.
If you have contaminants then use a paint cleaner or clay bar. If you have swirl marks, use a show car glaze (again, Meguiar's makes good quality products). Have plenty of clean dry cotton rags for applying and more clean rags to remove after each application. Finish with a good quality wax and more clean dry rags to remove.
I've had my car for almost a year now and have waxed it twice. I used some paint cleaner on the front bumper recently because it had bugs and tar on it but the rest of the paint was in fine shape and just needed a good coat of wax.
I know people who swear by Zaino but I've never understood the need to wax your car 50 times just to get a better shine. Seems like a huge waste of time to me.
Edit-I wouldn't recommend using an orbital polisher. Just do it by hand, it takes a little longer but you don't risk ruining your paint doing it by hand.