I love tech gadgets. Don’t you love tech gadgets?

How can you hold an iPhone 4 and not say “it’s one of the best phones I’ve ever seen”? How can you stare at your 1080p HDTV playing Avatar on a Blu-ray disc and not be mesmerized at the amazing detail and clarity?

This is evidence of the innate behavior of the human race to strive towards what has never been done before – to continue inventing new things that makes a chore or task even easier. Tech companies are, and will forever be, in a perpetual competitive race to release the next gadget or software that will revolutionize our lives.

As a result, consumers like you and I are stuck in between their wars in this age of technology. Nowadays, technology is evolving at such a rapid pace that I find it threatening to our financial situations.

Technology’s Death Grip
Stopping to think about the lifestyles we now lead, we can see how much money we are spending just to keep up with the trends.

Your sizable DVD collection has become obsolete as you can now stream high definition movies straight to your television. Yes, you spent hundreds of dollars on the movies, while racking up some substantial debt, and now you have to pay for your monthly Netflix subscription. Don’t even think about rebuilding that collection with Blu-ray discs (start reading again from the top if you are asking “why?”).

Cold hard fact: Most new consumer technologies are actually old. The toys that just became recently available had to undergo a long process of production and development – the idea or concept originated months or even years ago.

Let’s use the recent 3D craze as an example. The movie Avatar ignited a new trend in the film industry to shoot their movies in 3D. Production companies already had the idea of 3D entertainment a couple years before the movies were released. Then, the top players in consumer electronics (e.g. Sony, Samsung, LG) finds that there is high consumer demand for 3D video and begin making 3DTVs. HDTVs just became a norm in my household and here comes a new trendsetting change.

It is an endless game of playing catch-up. Either we spend the money or we get left behind to miss out on a world of new experiences.

If you cut off my broadband Internet connection, I’d go berserk. If there wasn’t a single computer in the house, I’d go mad. My iPhone 3GS was water-damaged and died and I felt like I lost an arm. They’ve become drugs and the fuel to an addiction. I know that I’m one of the millions of consumers who will forever be indebted to technology.

To imagine how life would be without a computer, internet, and a smartphone is terrifying.

We Willfully Adapt
The easy solution is to stick with what we have and what we can afford. Adopting an Amish lifestyle is also an option…

Obviously, this is easier said than done. When enough people integrate these new gadgets into their lives, it becomes a standard. It dictates a progressive change that we feel would be disadvantageous if we did not follow along.

• In the workplace, following the trends keeps employees up to date. The competitive employment environment weeds out the select group that possess the skill sets to adapt new, upcoming technology because such knowledge would be beneficial to the growth of the business and the company.
• In social settings, peer pressure and the need to impress plays a major role in how likely a new technology will survive in the consumer market. In a few years time, the Apple brand went from a fluke to a fad to a cult and now it’s like a religion. There is no doubt that some of us buy things just to say “I have that”.
• From a curiosity standpoint, technology often sparks an interest. How cool is it that we have vacuum robots working while we are away? Sometimes, I feel like buying new electronics just to see them function in my own home.
• From a functionality perspective, if something that makes your life easier is worth paying for, then why not buy it. After all, advancements in technology are meant to make our lives easier.

Unfortunately, the rate of technological growth is always higher than the rate of growth of our bank accounts. The new gadgets we buy today will be old gadgets tomorrow. Our ability to refrain from constant upgrades will determine how much we spend on technology.

(Photo credit: ndrwfgg)

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It was just another Sunday. It is laundry day.

As I reluctantly woke up to my mom’s voice, I rolled up my bedsheets and what dirty clothes I had into a ball and tossed it into the washer.

About 45 minutes later, I heard a whipping cry as my mom pulled my iPhone 3GS from the bundle of wet clothes. Exactly how that happened is still a mystery to me but I blamed my half-asleep state of mind.

The Proper Reaction
The typical instinct would be to poke at every button in an effort to elicit any signs of life. Instead, I hopped on my laptop and resorted to good ole’ Google. Soon, my iPhone was in a Ziploc bag filled with uncooked rice and silica gel packets.

For the next 3 days, I’d occasionally open up the phone and place it where there was a light wind current from the fan.

In the meantime, I was able to find a Motorola RAZR, which was able to work with the SIM card from the iPhone 3GS. It felt like such an ancient piece of hardware but I had not other choice.

A Tragic Loss
Unfortunately, after completely drying the iPhone 3GS, it failed to turn on. My baby did not survive a full wash cycle.

It was still under the one-year warranty from Apple but the warranty does not cover water damage. Each iPhone has moisture indicators in the headphone jack, the sync cable port, and on its internal components. Therefore, Apple will know if your non-functional phone was the result of water damage.

My Options
I went directly to the Apple Store to let them know of my situation and see what I could do from here on out. Since my phone wasn’t covered under warranty, I couldn’t get a new or refurbished 3GS squat-free. And, iPhone 4′s were sold out in stores and were estimated to ship in 3 weeks.

Only 10 months into my two-year contract, I checked my upgrade eligibility with AT&T and a 3GS (8GB) would cost me $299 while an iPhone 4 (16GB) would cost $399.

Next, I head to the world’s most popular auction site and looked around for any iPhone 3GS. The price range for a used 3GS on eBay was $300-$400. Then, in hopes that someone on eBay was willing to pay for a water-damaged 3GS, I searched the completed listings for broken, as-is, non-functional, and water iPhone 3GS and found that they sell for quite a lot!

If I was lucky, I could get over $200 for it. That settled it for me.

My plan was:

1. Order the iPhone 4.
2. Use the RAZR until the new phone arrives.
3. Sell my 3GS when the new phone gets here.

Making Me Whole Again
Logging in to the AT&T account to order the iPhone 4 took less than 5 minutes. While Apple said it ships in 3 weeks, AT&T said it would ship in 7-14 business days.

Surely enough, I had the iPhone 4 in my hands two weeks later.

After practicing some of my unremarkable product photography skills, my water-damaged iPhone 3GS eBay listing was up for a Buy-It-Now price of $230. I was overshooting it quite it bit but that’s my method of selling.

Within 30 minutes, I received a $190 offer for it. I countered for $200 and it was done. I pocketed about $180 after fees.

So, I “upgraded” my phone for about $40 more than a new customer and had to renew the two-year contract (but still kept the $30 unlimited data plan).

Living a few weeks without an iPhone felt like a handicap. I guess that’s what technology has done to us. And contrary to popular belief, I did not “wash” my 3GS as an excuse to get the iPhone 4 – I didn’t want to get it yet. But, life threw a curveball at me and I think I came out okay.

(Photo credit: kona99)

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The release of the iPhone 4 has garnered an excessive amount of media attention, as should any other new product invented by Steve Jobs. Thanks to my semi-addiction to tech gadgets (not to forget being a frequent reader of Gizmodo), the iPhone 4 has certainly gotten my attention as well.

I’ve never been the type to upgrade my phone every year. But, I’ve definitely suffered from a slight lifestyle inflation after obtaining steady income coming out of college. That’s why I’m contemplating whether or not I should upgrade my 3GS for an iPhone 4.

There are probably a bunch of others who are going through the same dilemma. In my case, I know it would be the smarter financial move to hold out on upgrading – if I couldn’t resist it, I may find myself repeating history. So, I broke down the goodies in an iPhone 4 so I could convince myself not to get it, yet.

The most notable new features of the iPhone 4 and my take on them:

• Facetime video calling. Being able to see the person you are speaking to seems like a great technological advancement for a smartphone. But, honestly, I don’t think I’ll be using Facetime religiously (or ever) unless more people I know gets an iPhone 4.
• Retina display. The screen sports such high definition that it’s pixels are undistinguishable to the naked eye. Nothing bad to say – I can always go for more better displays.
• iOS4. Multitasking. Folders. Improved email interface. Customizable looks. Bunch of other stuff. These improvements are lovely but they are now available on the 3GS too. It’s almost like getting a new phone.
• HD video recording. To me, this feature is the upgrade that I find most appealing. Again though, I don’t find myself using this often but it is great to have ready.
• 5-megapixel camera with LED flash. Ever since I bought a DSLR, I guess I’ve become a stickler when it comes to digital photography (even though I’m just an amateur). The upgrades to the camera mean nothing to me. The camera on the iPhone 3GS still satisfies the spontaneous moments that I use it for.
• The new look. Without a doubt, the iPhone 4 is the sexiest phone to ever exist on the face of the earth (for now). While I don’t intend to ever drop my phones, this one seems extremely fragile compared to previous models.

The No-iPhone-4-For-Me Rationale
I feel that the iPhone 4 is simply a prettier version of the 3GS that contains features which I won’t find myself using at all. With iOS4 fully compatible with the 3GS, I’ve practically been offered the same increased productivity and operating experience available on the iPhone 4.

Plus:

1. It’ll cost me $399. Currently, I am not eligible for an upgrade since I got my iPhone 3GS last September. According to AT&T, my eligibility starts in April 2011 for the subsidized iPhone 4 pricing. Even if I sold my 16GB 3GS (going for roughly $220-$280 on eBay), I’ll still have to fork over $150 out-of-pocket.
2. Apple may have a few bugs to fix. As with many new technologies, there are often bugs that end up affecting consumers despite many months of testing. In the case of the iPhone 4, there have been funky antenna issues that affect reception due to the way you hold the phone.
3. There may be upgraded versions to come. Just like how Apple released the iPhone 3GS (up from the 3G), we could see Apple release a better version of the iPhone 4 next summer – which would coincide with the time when I’m eligible for an upgrade.

In my current situation, the right move is to wait it out. The cost-benefit analysis doesn’t justify paying such a hefty price for, what essentially is, a better looking phone. The tech aficionado in me wants to ditch the technicalities and just upgrade now but everything is indicating that I should wait in the sidelines.

(Photo credit: Yutaka Tsutano)

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For anyone with minimal knowledge of computers, the price difference between Macs and PCs are evident – a reason for the never-ending debate over which one is actually worth your money.

When a computer from Apple costs $500 more compared to a Dell with similar specifications, sirens go off alerting most wallet clinchers. Obviously, this was the case for me as well. When my trusty $750 Dell Inspiron laptop finally gave up after 5 years, much past my expectations, I was stuck with the decision of going for PC or a Mac. Well, I ended up with a MacBook Pro and got a firsthand taste of the Apple allure.

Brand Loyalty … and Brand Hatred?
At this day in age, the Apple culture represents the pinnacle of consumerism. Much of the company’s success comes from slick marketing and minimalistic advertising that relates the Apple brand to simplicity, elegance, and technological evolution. It all starts with an iPod, followed by a Mac, and finally an iPad. Once that crappy cellphone contract ends, the iPhone is next on the list.

Currently, any move by Apple garners excessive media attention – good and bad. If a new gadget is in the works, everyone expects it to revolutionize technology. Those who despise Macs actually play a big role in contributing to Apple’s popularity. They often post product reviews about how Macs are a waste of money.

And how ridiculous is it that people actually donate money to Apple – in the sense that people buy iPads just so they can pulverize it with a hammer, cook it in a microwave, or put it in a blender.

Mac OSX Operating System
For some people, the “complicated’ Windows operating system has been at fault for slight computer-illiteracy. The Mac OSX operating software has received appreciative compliments for its user-friendly interface. I’ve been with Windows for most of my life and switching to a Mac was odd at first. But, it became evident that Mac operating systems were much simply to use.

No Fewer Viruses
An advantageous perk of Apple’s proprietary operating system is that it deters hackers and malware more so than PCs. Since Microsoft holds a very large market share of computers with Windows, PCs automatically become the favorable targets. Because Macs don’t get much malware-love, Apple can dismiss our need for antivirus software – quite appealing to those who often get spammed by popups and antivirus alerts.

Is It Worth It?
Only time will tell, after you get a Mac. And don’t be stubborn when it comes to sticking with PCs or Macs. I’ll be using both and I actually like both – each for their own reasons. Macs may be more expensive but it is quite amazing how Apple can still get people to buy them despite know it.

To each their own.

(Photo credit: Cordey)

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Looking to get the hottest selling video game console of 2009 and want to practice frugality while doing so? Here a guide that I’ve created from my experiences of purchasing a PS3 system along with games and accessories. I hope these tips will help you with reducing the stress on your wallet.

Getting the System
Very few major retailers will offer a lower price than retail for a video game console. So, always head over to sites such as Fatwallet.com or Bensbargains.net to see if there are any recent discounts for a PS3 system. Dell or Newegg would occasionally reduce prices or provide coupon codes for the PS3.

In addition to that, those two sites are participating in cashback programs at Bing or Fatwallet., which means more savings for you. Whatever the deal may be during the period you are looking to purchase a PS3, take it or wait for a possible better deal. Just make sure you are not paying retail.

Getting the Games
Don’t ever think about buying a new game ever again. Why? Because you are paying extra just for the “new” and the plastic seal. Take a look at a previous post of mine about how used video games are perfectly fine. Go find some used games or pre-owned games and don’t pay full price for them. Remember: you can always sell games that you no longer play.

Another option would be to rent video games through Blockbuster or Gamefly. Be sure that you are (or going to be) an avid gamer to make it worth the membership fees.

Getting the Accessories
In order to maximize your PS3 gaming experience, the right accessories make a difference. And they, too, do not have to cost you a fortune. Here’s how you can save on these must-have PS3 accessories:

• HDMI/Component cables. A PS3 exists for high definition gaming so it is essential to get the cables that will permit 720p (for games) and 1080 (for Blu-ray) playability. You do not need to buy cables from the overpriced Monster brand. Visit Monoprice.com for HDMI/component cables that cost less than $10. They work just as well as the $100 cables.
• Controllers. Like getting the PS3 system, controllers don’t always go below retail. Again, just look for the best deal possible and remember to get cashback when possible.
• Bluetooth headset. The official Sony PS3 headset costs $50 retail and it is totally worth it but you don’t have to pay that much. Instead of buying just the headset, look for the game bundles that come with the official headset. The two bundles you should look for are those with Warhawk or Tom Clancy’s EndWar. Check them out at eBay or Amazon and you should be able to get a bundle for less than $40. After that, you can sell the game alone for at least $10 and save even more money on the Bluetooth headset that you keep.

How Much You Can Save
Depending on your perseverance and some luck, you may come across some amazing deals and you could be saving hundreds, if not thousands, over the course of owning your PS3. At the least, you should save $100 by the time you’ve made your first several PS3-related purchases and $100 can buy plenty of games that can last you quite a while.

Just some advice of caution: it is easy to become addicted to video games, which would result in compulsive spending. Here’s something that’ll keep you from running through your games too fast – many previous PS3 owners have burned out their systems after playing for hours on end. Take care and maintain your system to prolong the life of this precious toy. (Hint: keep the system cool!)

(Photo credit: DeclanTM)

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What is the biggest difference between buying a new DVD and a used/rented DVD? The new plastic wrapping around the disc case. If there aren’t any scratches, it is the same as every other functional disc out there, including the new ones. It is the same game or movie in the same quality.

This post was sparked by a recent video game shopping spree I went on. I saved $40 on $110 worth of games and they still feel new to me because they are. They were old and used to the previous owners but not to me. Since they all played fine, I have no complaints.

During the few occasions that I visit a store such as Best Buy, the movies section never gets any of my attention. Even though aisles are filled with newest and hottest movies and TV shows, I could care less about them. One thing I might get out of it is to know what the retail prices costs so I know how much I’ll be saving when I buy it used from some place online. As for the video games sections, I just take a look at what games are out and then I’m out as well.

That’s why I feel that it isn’t worth it to be the first one to own a new movie and pay full price for it. It is futile to have to go to popular electronics retailers and buy brand new movies and games. Of course, if shoppers realized that they could get all their movies and games used at a lower price, major retailers would be out of business.

When visiting game or video stores, always ask if there are used or pre-owned inventory. Stores like Gamestop or EB Games always have used games for sale. They always cost less and play the same. These stores check that they work before putting them back up for sale.

My top 4 places I go to get my entertainment:

1. Forums. Yes, forums. I’ve been part of sneaker forum, since back in the days when I collected sneakers ravenously, where people talk, live, and dream about sneakers. The great section of the forum is the marketplace, where users sell their stuff from shoes to clothes to electronics. The ability negotiate a lower price is what makes buying from these places a much better place to shop.
2. Craigslist. Another great site to find other people who put up stuff they don’t want. One perk here is that these people are in the local area and you can meet up and check on what you are getting before actually paying for it. Once again, there is the option of negotiation and bargaining here. Used movies and games are all over the “for sale” section.
3. eBay. The home of where one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The opportunity to get some great steals still exists in the most popular auction site on Earth. I always ask about scratches and problems if the seller doesn’t specify product condition.
4. Amazon. Although there is no way to work with the seller to get a lower price since the listing price is set, Amazon has prices that can be lower than anywhere else I look. I shop here the least because I rarely get to see a picture of the actual disc and it is difficult to haggle for a lower price.

Be careful not to overspend because it is understandable how easy it is to go on a shopping spree when you keep finding bargains and deals. I got lost a little bit when I spent $70 on PS3 games but I realized it early enough to let it get too out-of-hand.

(Photo credit: DeclanTM, William Hook)

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Before I finalized my decision to add an iPhone to my mom’s family plan, I did a little research to find out how I could afford this luxurious gadget without having to sell blood. After surveying my friends with iPhones, I found that one friend started a family plan with his other friends just so they could all have what they wanted while saving a good amount of money. Although I didn’t end up starting a family phone with my friends, I did give it serious consideration.

The whole purpose of a family plan with friends is to save money. Great perks about it is that:

• You can get the hottest new phone you’ve been wanting for a while. Your parents have a family plan already but you want that trendy iPhone or sexy Blackberry Storm that their phone carrier does not have. So, find a couple of friends who want the same thing and get it.
• Minutes won’t be wasted on calling these friends who you talk to the most since they are now in your phone plan (assuming this is a feature of your carrier). Many of us use our cell phone minutes on our friends more than our family. With a family plan where the members are your friends, you will free up the minutes to use on other people.

Using the highly popular iPhone plans with AT&T, let’s see how you and your friends can stay connected in style and save money doing it:

An individual plan: 450 Minutes + iPhone data plan + 200 text messages + taxes and fees = around $83
A family plan (4 people): 1400 Minutes + (4) iPhone data plans + Unlimited text messages + taxes and fees = about $280 = around $70 per person

Annual savings with family plan: $150+ per person / $600+ for the group

The Perfect ‘Friends’ Family Phone Plan

The success of a family plan with friends can be achieved following these steps:

1. Find a couple of honest and trustworthy friends. This is the key to making this work. If you do not know a friend’s personality and character well enough to make the right judgment, then this friend is not a good candidate. The best friends to do this with are those who you have known for many years, have a stable source of income, and you know their address, workplace, and parents.
2. Pick the most honest, trustworthy, and responsible friend to be the primary account holder. This person will be collecting payments from the group and paying the cell phone bill. If you picked the right friends to do this with, you should be having trouble deciding who takes this role (because all of you are equally trustworthy and responsible).
3. Put everything down in writing. Things will come up and nothing is guaranteed to run smoothly. Have the terms of the agreement between the group down on paper and sign off on it. Exact numbers need not be included since they can vary. This step serves as the last resort should things not work out and legal action is taken.
4. All members pay, to the primary account holder, an amount equivalent to their share of three or six months of phone service (repeated over the duration of the plan’s contract). This amount will, of course, be an estimate. The primary account holder should refund any extra funds or request addition funds as needed. Once again, this is not a problem with a close group of friends.
5. Review monthly bills to monitor minutes usage. There are hefty charges for the minutes that are used past those in your plan. Make sure everyone knows how many minutes they are allowed

With great benefits come great risks. There are many complications with these types of arrangements with your friends. If it isn’t taken care of carefully, there will be financial problems and friendships could be in jeopardy. You must know what would happen and what to do if:

• Someone decides to terminate their line. Typical phone contracts would charge an early termination fee for each line that is canceled prior to the expiration of the contract. Calculate whether or not it is worth it for that person to pay the fee or just stick it out. One other option is to transfer the extra line to another person.
• Someone doesn’t pay their share. Prepayment was meant to lessen the effects of this unwanted, yet common, situation. Call the person, his/her home, workplace, and family. Try to resolve this issue without bringing in legal action into the picture. If all else fails, save the monthly bills, bring the group’s agreement, and suit up for court.

Photo credit: D Sharon Pruitt

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The world has become a place where everyone from 1st graders to senior citizens have cell phones. With this new age in telecommunications, companies can provide expensive phone plans and consumers will still pay it. Basic individual monthly charges can start from $39.99 for a few hundred minutes per month. You want data services? That’s another $20 on top. With a $60 phone bill before taxes, fees, and other charges a month, it is quite a financial burden for anyone.

Why I Chose A Prepaid Phone Plan
Three years ago, I was an active seller on eBay and sneaker forums. As with every person selling stuff on the Internet, I wanted to provide prompt responses and excellent customer service. I found this difficult since I would go to class or go out and not know what was happening online. This was the primary reason for my need of a phone plan with email and web browsing capabilities. After about a week of research, I found the perfect solution to my needs – a Sidekick III with a prepaid plan by T-Mobile.

My Costs and Savings
For $1 per day, I have unlimited text messages, email, instant messaging, and web browsing. Phone calls are $0.15 per minute. From the statements of previous phone bills, I find that I never use over an hour of minutes. So in a typical month, I spend about $40 with no additional charges. Compared to the regular individual plans, I save $20 because I do not need those extra minutes. The unlimited texting and instant messaging has also reduced the need for calls since many of my friends also have phones with the same capabilities. So with this prepaid plan I get:

• A nice trendy phone with QWERTY keyboard and MP3 player (another bonus).

• Unlimited access to my emails, text messaging, instant messaging and web browsing (unlimited tweets!).

The Secret To Saving Money With Prepaid Phone Plans
The true secret to saving money on prepaid plans is located at CallingMart. This site sells prepaid phone refills at a small discount but sometimes they give specials and coupon codes that give an even larger discount. Another great perk is that I created an account and built up points through my purchases over the years and can use them on future purchase. Discounts plus a rewards program?! Stupendous!

For those considering prepaid plans, make sure to visit that site. My choices may be a great option for parents who have teenagers who are addicted to texting and the online world. This is a great way to encourage independency and financial maturity.

(I receive referral commissions through CallingMart but I am a truly satisfied customer and proud to share it.)

Photo credit: alforque

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Our HP All-in-one printer is running out of ink and the search for new ink cartridges has led to the stark realization of how expensive they cost. Yes, everyone has accepted their prices as beating (not in the good way) all other liquids including crude oil and blood.

According to Staples, a black ink cartridge and a tricolor ink cartridge would cost $23.99 and $39.99, respectively. This comes to a total of $62.99. Now looking back at how much we bought the printer three years ago, it didn’t exceed $100. The ink, alone, makes up over 60% of the cost of a printer! So the cool machine that can perform a number of office tasks is only worth about $40?

Since ink costs so much, it would seem like a better idea to just get a newer and more technologically advanced printer. My father is considering this but I always tend to do a little research online before making final decisions.

First, I looked to see if the prices of a similar printer were close to the price of our current printer. Surely, there are many choices out there. Still, it was a major purchase and it could be avoided if we had other options. Next, I gave my good friend eBay a visit. I didn’t look for a deal on printers but I searched for compatible ink cartridges in hopes of finding cheaper prices.

To my amazement, there were black and color ink cartridges for about $10 each, which would come to $20 if I purchased one of each. There is a vast price difference between buying them at Staples. Then again, these ink cartridges are of a generic brand and that might comprise the quality of the ink.

We decided to try out the generic brand ink because:

• If the quality of the ink is bad, then we are out just $20 and we can go on to get a new printer.
• If the quality of the ink is good, then we will know where to buy ink for the next few years.

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Computers have become things that many people cannot live without anymore. They cost hundreds of dollars and require good upkeep. As with any other electronic, we expect it to last as long as possible. For $800, I’d like my computer to last me 5+ years.

I’ve kept my laptop in great condition ever since I got it for college 3 years ago. My experience with my previous desktops has taught me many lessons to keep my computer in the best condition physically and technologically. I’ve had my fair share of viruses, spyware, pop-ups, and slow performance.

Recently, my laptop screen flashed to the notorious “blue screen of death” and I immediately scramble to find the problem. I refuse to let it die like this! Upon startup, I find the source of the system’s fatal error and follow the solution to prevent it from happening again. The next day, it pops up again!

Is this the beginning of the end of my laptop? The blue screen of death often means so. Coincidentally, my previous two desktops lasted 3 years each ago. Anyone find that 3 years is the average lifespan of their computers? Maybe I’m just using it too much.

I don’t want to spend another load of money to get another one.

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