Living on the leading edge on a long tail budget

So there are few things I like better then opening up a new electronic and seeing how it works, how it will improve my life, how it will make me happy, but there is a small problem with that, I cannot afford my own tech fetish. Don't get em wrong, I don't deny myself, but I do need to do some thinking before I make some bad decisions about the things that I want.


I only buy the latest and greatest when I really think I cannot live without it. Now, I know what you are thinking, "How can an early adopter also have the restraint to know what electronics he needs in his life?" and this is a fair question. I look at each item in three ways. First, will the device make me more productive, will it help me relieve stress, or can I see myself using it everyday. Not always the easiest thing to measure, but you know it when you see it. Secondly, will the device give me enjoyment. Will I like to use it, as opposed to it becoming a chore. Finally, do I know anyone else who has it and do they like it. I am not saying that i am going to take their thoughts as the be all and end all, but maybe i can hold it, see how it feels in my hand, or at least see how they use it.


If the product is entertainment based I also look at whether or not it will take all of my time or not. I like to be entertained, but i also like to turn things off when i want/need too.


With all of that said, here are some of the products that i love in my daily life.

1. An iPod - You all know, they are great... Great I Say!!!!
2. My Cell Phone - I am actually in the market for a new one, but I am holding out to see the iPhone. My current phone is a simple little Nokia, without all of bells and whistles... I want some bells and whistles.
3. Tivo - So my Tivo may break a couple of the rule above, I am kinda a slave to it, but it has changed the way I watch TV and has made me more efficient. For the efficiency, I DO NOT WATCH COMMERCIALS. That alone saves me an average of 8 minutes for every half hour I watch. As for changing the way I watch TV
4. Video Games - While this is not limited to a single device, they can be very relaxing. I am a fan of more casual games, like Peggle, a DS game called Puzzle Quest (think of an RPG with Bejewelled) and I am still a madden fan. But there is a caveat for Video Games. I don't get the latest and greatest in terms of systems. I am still working with an Xbox, which I have not played in a while, a PS2, and Old PC and my DS... which may be my favorite.

Honestly, I think I know about technology that I don't have yet, but there will come a day when the budget's tail gets much closer to the mind's leading edge.