New Technology - I Want It Syndrome

Today you're going to learn something about me. Oh boy, here we go again.  This is my place to mind barf, deal with it.

I love learning about, playing with, and using new technology.  It doesn't matter what it is, whether it's a new online tool, new personal device, gaming system, etc.  I could learn about things all day.  If I could I would spend all my monies on things just to learn about how they work, to see where technological innovations are taking us.  Do you feel the same?

I hope so, because then I'm not alone in my the carnal desires I feel to buy new things.  Luckily for my bank account I have a strong will to resist such urges, but nevertheless they are there.  But such desires left unsatisfied ultimately cause distress, so how do I deal with them?

I wait a few years, and then buy used goods.  I'm a big fan of second-hand goods; that's how I have all of last generations video game systems.  Aren't you risking your money on a POS?  Yes I am, but at my current life-stage (graduate student) it's a risk worth taking; plus sites like eBay have ways to compensate you if it is a POS, so I'm not too concerned.  I don't always buy used goods either, occasionally I do buy new items (especially on discount if I can).  This also helps to satisfy that constant desire to have the newest item.  But here's the trick...

I also don't buy a lot of 'new' (to me) items all at once.  I take time to examine, fall in love with, and understand every essence of my most recent purchase.  Uhh... too much information...  Think what you will, but I am not ashamed of my relationship with technology (future blog post?); after all a lot of my weekends I have several dates with technology (Netflix, Hulu, Gaming, etc.).

On a related note, I have found extreme satisfaction from the things I own when I know every detail about them; the tricks, shortcuts, tools, features, etc.  Reading the manual and online wiki's is also helpful to find new uses.  There's no feeling like being able to use a product to its fullest capacity; not only do I feel like my money was worth it, but I have a deeper appreciation for my device.

Why bring this up now?  Well I am near the end of my rope; I am in some serious need for a new technology love.  What's going to be your new love?  I think the new iTouch 5 will fill that hole, after I lost my 4G iTouch to drowning this summer (curse you horizontal washing machines and your lock mechanism, curse you...).  So if you're feeling those carnal technology urges to buy the newest thing, you're not alone.  But also remember the tricks I use - it will help your bank account and help you feel satisfied, at least for a while.  "Back to the Future" and hovering skate boards here we come (you know I'm getting me one of those)!  Cheers!