5 Things To Consider Before Buying A New Gadget

I was supposed to write about "Things to consider when buying a new phone" or "Things to consider when buying a laptop" but then I thought that there so few things that you can consider especially if your not comparing it to another product so I decided to write about things that you should consider when getting a new gadget in general.

Over the years I was able to acquire different kinds of gadgets, from watches to phones to computers but since I didn't have my own money (I was still in school back then), I had to really think about it when I buy gadgets. So to help others that are in distress and can't decide on which new gadget to get (or give in case you intend it to be a present), here are a few guidelines that helped me over the years and hopefully will help you too.

1. Aesthetics

Okay, so if your going to get a new gadget it should first and foremost look good! You don't want to carry around a cheap looking piece of gadgetry that maybe does the job but doesn't present it with justice. Well if you are trying to keep a low profile, cheap-looking maybe what you want but for everybody else (and let's admit it we like flaunting our new "toys") we want it to look at its best. Nowadays, gadgets are thought of more as a functional accessory rather than a device for work, especially now that gadgets are becoming more and more portable. So when you get a new one make sure that YOU like it and YOU look good with it, make sure that its looks suit you, your lifestyle, your activities and generally the occasions with which you'll use these gadgets frequently.

2. Function

Of course we don't get a gadget to put them on display right? (or do you?), we get them because we need them, we need the things that they are capable of. When you get a new gadget check its features and see if you'll be using these features now or in the near future.

For example, I got myself an Olympus Water-proof digital point-and-shoot camera last February. I was thinking about getting a Canon EOS back then but I decided to go with the Olympus because of the water proof capabilities, the following summer I had a trip to the beach and I was able to utilise all the features of the Olympus camera, plus I didn't have to worry if it get's wet (or soaked for that matter). So it was a really good deal for me.

That being said make sure that whatever gadget you get, you get to use most if not all of its features within a year (this is so that if ever you overuse it its still under warranty).

3. Price

So I put price on third, this is because if you didn't have the money you wouldn't even be thinking of buying a new gadget right? If money was not an issue I suggest you get the latest model of whatever gadget you want to buy, remember technology moves forward (and fast) so whatever technology fails to catch up gets left behind (Yes beeper, I'm talking about you). That being said you don't have to worry about compatibility because eventually the functions that you'll need will catch up and what you have might be outdated sooner than you think. But if you have a tight budget (like me) then you should consider price versus value, make sure that the gadget you'll get is worth every penny. Let me give you an example, last March I decided to get myself an iPhone, I bought a White 64GB Contract-Free iPhone 4s, so you can guess how much that cost me (and I didn't use a credit card either I bought it in cash, I had to save up for it). It was expensive, yes, but I use every inch of it, from messaging to phone calls to email to FaceTime and all the other 3rd party apps like the "MTR Next Train", "HK Observatory" and "Numbers for iPhone", I even use Siri whenever I'm alone (because I feel I look crazy talking to my phone in public). So you see I maxed out all of the possible uses that I could do with it and maybe there are still more that I can do that I have yet to discover. That being said, make sure that you can use every inch of the gadget you'll buy otherwise it becomes a waste of money.

4. Reviews

This one is very important, not everybody has the financial capacity to try and try until they succeed, gadget buying shouldn't be trial and error, you want to make sure that what you get is the best for you. Read reviews, ask friends, get recommendations. Remember it's one thing to THINK that a gadget is good for you and another to KNOW that it is. Get as much opinion as possible before you make a decision. There are a lot of resources available to get as much information on a gadget as possible. You can visit the product website, go to a retail store to try it out and may know someone that already owns the same device and get their opinion. You can never be too gadget-meticulous after all you'll be the one spending your hard earned money right? You deserve the best!

5. Lifespan

Lately manufacturers have been putting the label "Future-Proof" on their devices, so what does this mean? It simply means that no matter how far in the future technology innovates your current gadget will be as useful then as it is now (or so they say, Yes beeper, I'm still on you). As a long time gadget user I give my gadgets one year lifespan, yes one year only, because that's only as long as the warranty will cover it, after that if something happens to it even if its caused by wear and tear you'll still be the one responsible for the repair charges. So when you get a new gadget make sure that you will use it frequently up until the last day of the warranty after that you can upgrade (meaning get a new one) or retain and maintain it. Most gadgets are manufactured to last more than a year of course but that comes at a price, when you buy a gadget you don't just purchase the features but also durability (have you ever seen a cheap diver's watch?). Some gadgets are so durable that they can last for years, one good example is a desktop computer, no matter what OS update come its way you can still use it almost the same way you used to. Make sure that what you get will last you a year (or two *cough* smartphone contract *cough*).

Bonus

6. The *gasp* Factor

Okay I did say 5, but I really wanted to add this one for fun. You know that feeling when you see a new shiny piece of gadgetry? Whether its in the mall or a TV commercial or held by your not-so-techy-but-rich-uncle? I get that feeling when I see a new piece of gadgetry that I like. I look at it, eyes wide open, smile up to my ears and do a very rapid gasp. The moment I do that I know that I'll get myself one of those. I have proven and tested (on myself only of course) that whenever I do that to something I will surely get it but of course before I do I use my 5 things to consider list.

So there you have it, these are the guidelines that helped me over that years and are still helping now when I decide to get a new gadget. I hope these will help you decide whether you'll get that new gadget or not, by the way these guidelines also apply to gadget-upgraders after all upgrading is like getting a new gadget all over again.