Comments on: Gadgets that I “Need” http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm Building Wealth through Saving and Investing Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:42:59 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: kevin http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26723 kevin Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:51:28 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-26723 So I have been disappointed with technology over time, as they also seem to break down (2 GPS, 3 shortwave radios, 2 stereos...). So I can live without. Perhaps the exception is my marine radio, which is pretty useful for getting race and wind information at sailing regattas. And maybe a GPS watch, so we don't go too far astray. The rest... not much interest. kevin So I have been disappointed with technology over time, as they also seem to break down (2 GPS, 3 shortwave radios, 2 stereos…). So I can live without.

Perhaps the exception is my marine radio, which is pretty useful for getting race and wind information at sailing regattas. And maybe a GPS watch, so we don’t go too far astray.

The rest… not much interest.

kevin

]]> By: CheapCanuck http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-25084 CheapCanuck Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:47:18 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-25084 I'm a big gadget guy, and love reading about all the latest tech. However, I find the reading to be almost as entertaining as owning any of this stuff. Checking out forums where early adopters that paid thousands for the latest tech stuff are grousing about all the problems they are having is a great impulse control check. All that being said, I don't just enjoy gadgets vicariously. My PS3 is my guilty pleasure (though more for its multimedia capability than game playing). I’m a big gadget guy, and love reading about all the latest tech. However, I find the reading to be almost as entertaining as owning any of this stuff. Checking out forums where early adopters that paid thousands for the latest tech stuff are grousing about all the problems they are having is a great impulse control check. All that being said, I don’t just enjoy gadgets vicariously. My PS3 is my guilty pleasure (though more for its multimedia capability than game playing).

]]> By: Johnn http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-25082 Johnn Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:35:48 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-25082 My wife told me I forgot one thing off my list: 5) Coffee maker Yes, she is correct. Again! :) My wife told me I forgot one thing off my list:

5) Coffee maker

Yes, she is correct. Again! :)

]]> By: lena the thinker http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-25066 lena the thinker Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:51:25 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-25066 1.Internet 2.Computer 3.Cell Phone 4. Digital Camera 1.Internet
2.Computer
3.Cell Phone
4. Digital Camera

]]> By: jpohl http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24957 jpohl Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:59:26 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24957 have to say that the camera is one you won't regret... Being in IT my hubbie has often had gadgets sent to him in exhange for services from other techies and as gifts of appreciation... He got a really good deal on a new camera after our first born was born, and it may be my favourite gadget. This Christmas I put together albums for our mothers... the best present ever! Can you believe I went to Europe with a dinky ten dollar 110? (the images were wonderfully grainy when I blew them up for a show a few years later.) The digital are getting much better and save a fortune on film and prints. Being frugal you have to love that... With so many gadgets going to landfills I think there are a lot of hand me downs that still work perfectly well at a fraction of the cost. My hubbie is into retro technology... and is having parts for Newton's sent to him from all over after blogging about one of his latest hobbies. have to say that the camera is one you won’t regret… Being in IT my hubbie has often had gadgets sent to him in exhange for services from other techies and as gifts of appreciation… He got a really good deal on a new camera after our first born was born, and it may be my favourite gadget. This Christmas I put together albums for our mothers… the best present ever! Can you believe I went to Europe with a dinky ten dollar 110? (the images were wonderfully grainy when I blew them up for a show a few years later.) The digital are getting much better and save a fortune on film and prints. Being frugal you have to love that…

With so many gadgets going to landfills I think there are a lot of hand me downs that still work perfectly well at a fraction of the cost. My hubbie is into retro technology… and is having parts for Newton’s sent to him from all over after blogging about one of his latest hobbies.

]]> By: jpohl http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24915 jpohl Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:26:12 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24915 none of the above... i'm using my husband's old laptop, and all his hand me down gadgets, and let him determine our need for gadgets. big trust factor here. I must say he's been pretty good. his diyplanner.com came out of determining the palm wasn't a need. then I convince him that my needs include art supplies (like exotic pigments) and low tech gadgets like expensive have to be ordered out of the country brushes, and beautiful throw pillows (well at least a few) and a wonderful closet sytem (which we got 40 percent off in a january sale). If it makes you sane and more productive then it may pay for itself and be a justified need... there has to be a little give and take, and a lot of respect. it's hard to understand the needs for constant upgrades with some gadgets though... who needs three of one thing, if you didn't use the first two? be strong guys. be strong. is it like keeping up with the changing fashions? none of the above… i’m using my husband’s old laptop, and all his hand me down gadgets, and let him determine our need for gadgets. big trust factor here. I must say he’s been pretty good. his diyplanner.com came out of determining the palm wasn’t a need. then I convince him that my needs include art supplies (like exotic pigments) and low tech gadgets like expensive have to be ordered out of the country brushes, and beautiful throw pillows (well at least a few) and a wonderful closet sytem (which we got 40 percent off in a january sale). If it makes you sane and more productive then it may pay for itself and be a justified need… there has to be a little give and take, and a lot of respect. it’s hard to understand the needs for constant upgrades with some gadgets though… who needs three of one thing, if you didn’t use the first two? be strong guys. be strong. is it like keeping up with the changing fashions?

]]> By: BaseGuardian http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24913 BaseGuardian Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:04:45 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24913 The gadget that I need;(drumrol) 1. PS3 2. Iphone 3. New Powerfull laptop(for ultimate pleasure of blogging) The gadget that I need;(drumrol)
1. PS3
2. Iphone
3. New Powerfull laptop(for ultimate pleasure of blogging)

]]> By: Johnn http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24899 Johnn Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:40:30 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24899 1) Hipster PDA 2) Car 3) Computer 4) Internet access None of these are gadgets though, sorry. I just couldn't think of any gadgets I need. 1) Hipster PDA
2) Car
3) Computer
4) Internet access

None of these are gadgets though, sorry. I just couldn’t think of any gadgets I need.

]]> By: Karl http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24873 Karl Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:58:22 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24873 "1. Garmin’s iQue3600 - Palm Pilot and GPS combo. Now discontinued. I never thought I would ever want a Palm device, but bought it for the GPS capability and have not been without it for about 5 or 6 years. It’s going to be a real transition when it dies and I cannot replace it." If the iPhone ever gets to Canada (I'm assuming your Canadian), it has GPS, calendar, tasks, MP3/video player, and cell phone all in one to replace your iQue3600. Granted, the iPhone isn't cheap and will definitely be available only with a 2 year contract. I'm sure there are other devices that would be a worthy replacement if you looked around. “1. Garmin’s iQue3600 – Palm Pilot and GPS combo. Now discontinued. I never thought I would ever want a Palm device, but bought it for the GPS capability and have not been without it for about 5 or 6 years. It’s going to be a real transition when it dies and I cannot replace it.”

If the iPhone ever gets to Canada (I’m assuming your Canadian), it has GPS, calendar, tasks, MP3/video player, and cell phone all in one to replace your iQue3600. Granted, the iPhone isn’t cheap and will definitely be available only with a 2 year contract. I’m sure there are other devices that would be a worthy replacement if you looked around.

]]> By: Houska http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24850 Houska Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:12:42 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24850 Î travel a lot, so 1. Laptop - provided by work 2. Blackberry - provided by work 2. Digital camera - I'm a 1st adopter here; I care about my photography 3. iPod - I'm a follower here, 2-3 yrs old is fine Don't own a TV or game machine...a grand piano is a lot more fun (though also more expensive) Î travel a lot, so
1. Laptop – provided by work
2. Blackberry – provided by work
2. Digital camera – I’m a 1st adopter here; I care about my photography
3. iPod – I’m a follower here, 2-3 yrs old is fine
Don’t own a TV or game machine…a grand piano is a lot more fun (though also more expensive)

]]> By: CanadianRetiredGuy http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24830 CanadianRetiredGuy Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:26:48 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24830 1. Garmin's iQue3600 - Palm Pilot and GPS combo. Now discontinued. I never thought I would ever want a Palm device, but bought it for the GPS capability and have not been without it for about 5 or 6 years. It's going to be a real transition when it dies and I cannot replace it. 2. PVR - no commercials, and "what the heck was that or what the heck did they say? 1. Garmin’s iQue3600 – Palm Pilot and GPS combo. Now discontinued. I never thought I would ever want a Palm device, but bought it for the GPS capability and have not been without it for about 5 or 6 years. It’s going to be a real transition when it dies and I cannot replace it.

2. PVR – no commercials, and “what the heck was that or what the heck did they say?

]]> By: Selene http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24826 Selene Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:06:17 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24826 I need a cell phone like you do. I couldn't leave the house without, because I feel disconnected from the rest of world. When I lost my cell phone I felt so vulnerable, because I couldn't call people in the case of an emergency. I need a cell phone like you do. I couldn’t leave the house without, because I feel disconnected from the rest of world. When I lost my cell phone I felt so vulnerable, because I couldn’t call people in the case of an emergency.

]]> By: DJP http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24823 DJP Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:45:16 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24823 Another gadget which quickly proved to fall into the "need" category is my Creative ZenW PMP (portable media player). Although its a little larger than an ipod, it can do more. It plays music, video (4.3" screen), FM radio, and can act as a portable data drive. The clincher was it's built in compact flash slot which we use to download the digital camera memory card when traveling. This device was used everyday on family vacations for outputting music to a stereo or video to a tv. The last trip to Mexico I filled it up with movies for the kids and with the included cable would play the movies on the hotel tv; that sure beats lugging a portable dvd player and a stack of movies. Basically this device does many of the things you would lug a laptop around for but it is much more portable. The Archos 604 & 704 models are even WiFi enabled for web-surfing. Another gadget which quickly proved to fall into the “need” category is my Creative ZenW PMP (portable media player). Although its a little larger than an ipod, it can do more. It plays music, video (4.3″ screen), FM radio, and can act as a portable data drive. The clincher was it’s built in compact flash slot which we use to download the digital camera memory card when traveling.
This device was used everyday on family vacations for outputting music to a stereo or video to a tv. The last trip to Mexico I filled it up with movies for the kids and with the included cable would play the movies on the hotel tv; that sure beats lugging a portable dvd player and a stack of movies.
Basically this device does many of the things you would lug a laptop around for but it is much more portable. The Archos 604 & 704 models are even WiFi enabled for web-surfing.

]]> By: Karl http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24821 Karl Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:10:42 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24821 There are only 2 gadgets that come to mind immediately that I "need". 1) My Laptop. I use it several hours everyday! I couldn't live without it. (I guess I should include my wireless router here as well, I couldn't do much without internet access). 2) My iPod. A fairly large initial cost, but lots of free content out there that entertains me for hours on end. With all the time I've used it, it easily works out to pennies per hour of use so far, and that ratio is still dropping. Personally, I think that one main factor in how you should judge whether a gadget is worth it is to estimate the "cost per hour" of use/entertainment. Somethings might be very expensive up front (I think I paid $250 for my iPod) but after all the use it gets, it is very cheap (a rough calculation brings me to $0.15 cents per hour of use). Compare that to going to a movie ($13) for 2 - 3 hours of entertainment ($4 to $6 dollars an hour). Gadgets might be expensive, but over the long run they can provide much more value. There are only 2 gadgets that come to mind immediately that I “need”.
1) My Laptop. I use it several hours everyday! I couldn’t live without it. (I guess I should include my wireless router here as well, I couldn’t do much without internet access).
2) My iPod. A fairly large initial cost, but lots of free content out there that entertains me for hours on end. With all the time I’ve used it, it easily works out to pennies per hour of use so far, and that ratio is still dropping.

Personally, I think that one main factor in how you should judge whether a gadget is worth it is to estimate the “cost per hour” of use/entertainment. Somethings might be very expensive up front (I think I paid $250 for my iPod) but after all the use it gets, it is very cheap (a rough calculation brings me to $0.15 cents per hour of use). Compare that to going to a movie ($13) for 2 – 3 hours of entertainment ($4 to $6 dollars an hour). Gadgets might be expensive, but over the long run they can provide much more value.

]]> By: Roxanne http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24806 Roxanne Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:24:29 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24806 I have to agree with Ameya, in our household I am the one who cares about speaker tweeters size, the best cordless bandwidth on the market or the TV we "need" to see shows on. I have been on a campaign to prove to my husband that a laptop, a home theater system and an HD-PVR would be great additions to our home. He is right, we don't "need" them, but boy would I enjoy some more toys to play with! The female market is changing boys! I have to agree with Ameya, in our household I am the one who cares about speaker tweeters size, the best cordless bandwidth on the market or the TV we “need” to see shows on. I have been on a campaign to prove to my husband that a laptop, a home theater system and an HD-PVR would be great additions to our home. He is right, we don’t “need” them, but boy would I enjoy some more toys to play with! The female market is changing boys!

]]> By: Ameya http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24798 Ameya Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:37:04 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24798 heh, It's okay, I just see it all the time, so i needed to "rawr" for a second. I do realize that the affinity for techy stuff varies in different demographic circles :) heh, It’s okay, I just see it all the time, so i needed to “rawr” for a second. I do realize that the affinity for techy stuff varies in different demographic circles :)

]]> By: FrugalTrader http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24797 FrugalTrader Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:22:34 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24797 Ameya, sorry, didn't mean to be sexist! Maybe it's just my surroundings where it's usually the guys who drool over electronics. Ameya, sorry, didn’t mean to be sexist! Maybe it’s just my surroundings where it’s usually the guys who drool over electronics.

]]> By: Ameya http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24795 Ameya Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:09:36 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24795 Why is it just the guys will agree with you? Girls are just as much gadget-freaks as guys. Maybe it's just my generation. I always see older blogers talking about gadgets and such talking to guys , when us college aged people, girls have MUCH MUCH more than guys. It gets a little frustrating! Guys will have a cell and a game console (or two) while girls have the cameras, the blackberrys, more likely to have laptops, etc. Why is it just the guys will agree with you? Girls are just as much gadget-freaks as guys.

Maybe it’s just my generation. I always see older blogers talking about gadgets and such talking to guys , when us college aged people, girls have MUCH MUCH more than guys. It gets a little frustrating! Guys will have a cell and a game console (or two) while girls have the cameras, the blackberrys, more likely to have laptops, etc.

]]> By: FourPillars http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24785 FourPillars Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:26:36 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24785 PVRs are awesome - once you try one, you will never give it up! Mike PVRs are awesome – once you try one, you will never give it up!

Mike

]]> By: George http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm/comment-page-1#comment-24779 George Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:02:13 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/gadgets-that-i-need.htm#comment-24779 MikeG: That's why I rented a Wii from our local video store. Total cost (including games and a total of 4 controllers): $40 for two weeks. Over the course of those two weeks we played for a couple of hours each night, so let's say 28 hours, or about $1.42 per hour. Far cheaper than buying it outright. We got all the benefits of the "wow factor" (the first few weeks where you play the thing all the time) without having to pay the full cost. To top it off, renting it was easy - the video store had a few readily available for rent. Since I rented it shortly before Christmas, the systems weren't very easy to find for purchase. MikeG: That’s why I rented a Wii from our local video store. Total cost (including games and a total of 4 controllers): $40 for two weeks. Over the course of those two weeks we played for a couple of hours each night, so let’s say 28 hours, or about $1.42 per hour. Far cheaper than buying it outright. We got all the benefits of the “wow factor” (the first few weeks where you play the thing all the time) without having to pay the full cost.

To top it off, renting it was easy – the video store had a few readily available for rent. Since I rented it shortly before Christmas, the systems weren’t very easy to find for purchase.

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