Saving Money on Electronic Gadgets

I just returned from the gadget store, you know the one where you go to pick up one thing to spruce up your computer and salivate over 5 things that look cool, and exit with a bag of just 3 new things that you can’t imagine how you’ve managed to cope without.  Although I don’t tend to have the absolute top gadgets around (still no i-phone yet), I have to admit that I think the latest cool tools are something that I typically have temptations to overspend.  And given that I maintain a home office, I often rationalize (mostly incorrectly) that this should be considered a necessary business expense.  This is how I try to keep costs down:

–I research big purchases– especially things like a new computer, laptop, or digital camera.  In addition to looking at reviews online and in magazines, if I spot a friend with a model that I’m eyeing, I’ll ask them how happy they are.  I decided against one laptop model when I a friend indicated that it ran really, really hot, making long use on the lap unpleasant.

–For very new technologies, I wait for the upgraded version — in grad school I had a roommate that had to buy the newest cool thing.  She’s the only person I know who had a Newton, and almost purchased a Lisa.  Keep in mind that new applications and tools will be easiest to find on the better sellers only.

–I look at the ongoing costs– this is particularly risk for printers where replacement ink cartridges can run into hundreds of dollars a year for the amount of printing that I do.  I specifically sought out reviews that commented on the price of replacement cartridges.

–When shopping at an electronics store — know what model, make, size and color you want and go straight to it. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (just kidding).  Browsing and playing with the latest gadgets can be dangerous.

–Look for used items on Craig’s List — some of the best bargains are from small businesses that have closed or are moving or upgrading all of their hardware.

shared at Frugal Friday