Maybe it’s because I’m frugal. Maybe it is because I worked in a company where you had to complete a business case for buying a new computer even though it was an essential part of getting a person’s job done. Either way, I put off buying and upgrading new technology whenever I can, for as long as I can. Which means I am typically buying a new computer, software, or phone when whatever I have had before has completely exploded.
In the past twelve months, the “absolutely have to buy it now technology purchases” included a new Asus laptop in January (affiliate link) when the display stopped on my old laptop and two new hard drives after surprise crashes. You might think going through the same “buy technology when it’s already failed” scenario repeatedly would change me, but so far, it has not.
Last weekend, however, Cyndi MADE me replace my Blackberry, a remnant of my corporate days, with a Motorola Droid phone. While at Verizon, I also wound up with a new iPad. Quite a change for me to buy a phone before it was necessary and to make a strategic, yet impulse buy for the new iPad (affiliate link).
My 5 Reasons to Delay a Technology Purchase
So why do I delay a technology purchase whenever possible? The five reasons seem strategically sound to me:
- I hate the inefficiency of a learning curve - It kills me to be slower at performing functions on a computer or phone that are quickly accomplished on the hardware I have been using for years.
- You can delay the ancillary costs tied to a new technology purchase - You do not just buy a new piece of hardware; you also wind up with accessories and software that come along for the ride. My $150 new phone from Verizon cost hundreds of dollars more, for whatever reason. Something about having to buy all this other stuff to get the discounted phone and service. Huh?
- New technology means more functions and less “free” time as you explore them – Think how much time you spend to buy new apps you HAVE to have, customize them to your preferences, and then incorporate the apps into what you do. While Instagram has helped spruce up a few blog graphics the past week, I was more than fine viewing other peoples’ Instagram photos instead of creating them myself.
- Delaying technology purchases means missing multiple rounds of new costs - Over time, it seems you will spend less money on technology because by delaying new purchases, you are buying fewer rounds of incremental enhancements. If I keep my new phone for 2 years, it costs around $20 per month. Keep it as long as the Blackberry and the monthly cost is closer to $10.
- There is ALWAYS better technology coming along next week, if not this week - Other than the Flip camera being discontinued, I’m hard pressed to remember any technology I put off buying where a better and higher value alternative wasn’t ready when I finally gave in and made a purchase. Can you think of one that's happened to you?
Those are my five solid, strategic decisions for why you should consider delaying new technology purchases.
Are there other reasons you would add to the list? Do you agree with these reasons?
If you do not agree with them, check back tomorrow. That post is going to be about why I wind up regretting delaying purchasing new technology every time I do it! - Mike Brown
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