Comments on: How Addiction to Electronics Affects the Environment & Our Lives http://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/ Personal Finance Blog, Your Guide to Financial Fitness Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:28:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Peterwiighttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-35399 Peterwiig Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-35399 Holly . . . you have really hit the nail on the head! Thanks - I don't consider myself an addict, but I could definitely cut back and encourage others around me to cut back. Peter Wiig Holly . . . you have really hit the nail on the head! Thanks – I don’t consider myself an addict, but I could definitely cut back and encourage others around me to cut back. Peter Wiig

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-33579 Anonymous Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:01:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-33579 test test

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-33448 Anonymous Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:45:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-33448 er er

]]> By: anyahttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-19833 anya Sun, 19 Dec 2010 22:34:14 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-19833 I am addicted to the latest trends. Although, I do try to reason w/myself on why I want it. Other than my 5yr old laptop, I puchased a netbook about a yr. ago. It's small and portable. I justified the matter, It controled my urges for an Ereader and portable gamers. I was fine for a while. This yr. after B & N lower their price for the Nook, I soon brought it. Don't really need it, just that it is nice and I like it. Use it sometimes. So it's Christmas. I'd been reasoning w/myself once again why I should have the Ipod Touch. Since I already had the Nano 3rd genration. Welll, ny thought was it has a great video camcorder, and other good stuff. I tried to fight it, I told myself NO. :) Well Bst Buys; had a good sale on Ipods, so I brought it. I don't buy clothers, I do my own hair, don't eat out like I use to, nor do i spend money on outdoor entertainment. I'm glad I have it. I am addicted to the latest trends. Although, I do try to reason w/myself on why I want it. Other than my 5yr old
laptop, I puchased a netbook about a yr. ago. It’s small and portable. I justified the matter, It controled my urges for
an Ereader and portable gamers. I was fine for a while. This yr. after B & N lower their price for the Nook, I soon
brought it. Don’t really need it, just that it is nice and I like it. Use it sometimes. So it’s Christmas. I’d been reasoning
w/myself once again why I should have the Ipod Touch. Since I already had the Nano 3rd genration. Welll, ny
thought was it has a great video camcorder, and other good stuff. I tried to fight it, I told myself NO. :)
Well Bst Buys; had a good sale on Ipods, so I brought it. I don’t buy clothers, I do my own hair, don’t eat out like I
use to, nor do i spend money on outdoor entertainment. I’m glad I have it.

]]> By: williamhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-11884 william Wed, 19 May 2010 18:59:46 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-11884 I am addicted to electronics. I just realize that all my life depends on electronic devices. My laptop makes me stay connected to the world, my video game console entertains me, my game boy keeps me entertained as well, my mobile phone is important and more recently my electronic dictionary... If one of those things fails, the whole system I've created will collapse! I am addicted to electronics. I just realize that all my life depends on electronic devices. My laptop makes me stay connected to the world, my video game console entertains me, my game boy keeps me entertained as well, my mobile phone is important and more recently my electronic dictionary…
If one of those things fails, the whole system I’ve created will collapse!

]]> By: Audrahttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8199 Audra Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:04:26 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8199 I'm not surprised at all and I totally believe the majority of us are obsessed with Consumer Electronics. I'm not so sure though that it's a lust for technology...I think it's more of a lust for what's cool. Tweens want the phone that texts because everyone else is texting. The CEOs want the smack daddy air book because it's got that new car smell! Hubby wants a tv big enough to be seen from space because it completes him. Now I'm just teasing really...I don't think there's anything wrong with technologically advancing as a society and using technology to advance our careers. Some of us buy pants so we'll have pants on. Some of us buy pants because they have glittery sparkly rhinestones in the shape of someone's stage name...and I suppose that's the very thing that keeps an economy going. I’m not surprised at all and I totally believe the majority of us are obsessed with Consumer Electronics. I’m not so sure though that it’s a lust for technology…I think it’s more of a lust for what’s cool. Tweens want the phone that texts because everyone else is texting. The CEOs want the smack daddy air book because it’s got that new car smell! Hubby wants a tv big enough to be seen from space because it completes him. Now I’m just teasing really…I don’t think there’s anything wrong with technologically advancing as a society and using technology to advance our careers. Some of us buy pants so we’ll have pants on. Some of us buy pants because they have glittery sparkly rhinestones in the shape of someone’s stage name…and I suppose that’s the very thing that keeps an economy going.

]]> By: Cathyhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8194 Cathy Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:29:51 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8194 "Addiction" has such a negative connotation...or maybe I'm truly an addict just trying to justify my addiction. ;-) Yes I have an iPhone, but it's brand new as I didn't get it until my 3-year-old WM smartphone died. I was already on AT&T, with a data plan, so it was going to be another AT&T phone anyway. At the same time, I have absolutely no desire for a flat-panel TV or Blu-Ray player. In fact, my regular DVD player died last summer and I've been just fine since. I also cut the cable cord and watch everything on my laptop. Yes, HD is great (especially for hockey games!) but it's not enough of a "need" for me to dump my current picture-in-picture on my laptop. One window with streaming program, while another window with something more productive. Yep, there's that justification excuse again. “Addiction” has such a negative connotation…or maybe I’m truly an addict just trying to justify my addiction. ;-)

Yes I have an iPhone, but it’s brand new as I didn’t get it until my 3-year-old WM smartphone died. I was already on AT&T, with a data plan, so it was going to be another AT&T phone anyway.

At the same time, I have absolutely no desire for a flat-panel TV or Blu-Ray player. In fact, my regular DVD player died last summer and I’ve been just fine since. I also cut the cable cord and watch everything on my laptop. Yes, HD is great (especially for hockey games!) but it’s not enough of a “need” for me to dump my current picture-in-picture on my laptop. One window with streaming program, while another window with something more productive.

Yep, there’s that justification excuse again.

]]> By: Anissahttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8146 Anissa Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:49:35 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8146 I admit I have a lot of things on that list...but I don't have everything and nor do I want it. We are definitely bombarded w/ the idea that we need the newest electronic gadgets. I mean people buy quesadilla makers and pizza ovens when they have a perfectly good oven in their kitchen! The best thing to do is to step back and ask, do I really need it, and will I actually use it enough. I adore my GPS as I am not very good at directions and can't always read street signs fast enough. But I know that an E-reader would be a waste as I love books and would get annoyed w/ the format quickly. Just because it's a must have doesn't mean I must have it. I admit I have a lot of things on that list…but I don’t have everything and nor do I want it. We are definitely bombarded w/ the idea that we need the newest electronic gadgets. I mean people buy quesadilla makers and pizza ovens when they have a perfectly good oven in their kitchen! The best thing to do is to step back and ask, do I really need it, and will I actually use it enough. I adore my GPS as I am not very good at directions and can’t always read street signs fast enough. But I know that an E-reader would be a waste as I love books and would get annoyed w/ the format quickly. Just because it’s a must have doesn’t mean I must have it.

]]> By: Seanhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8128 Sean Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:14:13 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8128 Addiction is a powerful thing with electronics for sure. I succumb every once in a while, but lately I've found just adding what I want to my Amazon wish list helps a lot. I add it there and then every once in a while I go through the list. If I still really want something a month or two later and I have the money saved up for it, then I buy it. Otherwise, I just sit back and wait for the next cool thing of the week Addiction is a powerful thing with electronics for sure. I succumb every once in a while, but lately I’ve found just adding what I want to my Amazon wish list helps a lot. I add it there and then every once in a while I go through the list. If I still really want something a month or two later and I have the money saved up for it, then I buy it. Otherwise, I just sit back and wait for the next cool thing of the week

]]> By: jeccica simpsonhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8126 jeccica simpson Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:32:59 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8126 I am always wanting the newest and best electronic item on the market. I say for sure we are addicted!! Trying to out do each other, friends, family etc.. who has the better phone features, biggest HDTV, and the fastest computer or laptop!! I cant keep up!! HA HA HA I am always wanting the newest and best electronic item on the market. I say for sure we are addicted!! Trying to out do each other, friends, family etc.. who has the better phone features, biggest HDTV, and the fastest computer or laptop!! I cant keep up!! HA HA HA

]]> By: Jennifer Phillipshttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8119 Jennifer Phillips Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:34:28 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8119 I know I am addicted to TV. I don't own most of the other gadgets, but would love to. I know my sons with their video games, mp3's, cell phones and all they have sure are. It is rather scary too when you think how many people actually think these are needs and not wants. I know I am addicted to TV. I don’t own most of the other gadgets, but would love to. I know my sons with their video games, mp3′s, cell phones and all they have sure are. It is rather scary too when you think how many people actually think these are needs and not wants.

]]> By: thriftygalhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8101 thriftygal Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:15:19 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8101 Not necessarily! I get puzzled by the culture of instant gratification and entitlement displayed by my peers. Sure the older models probably won't have a sleek design or be as compact in general, but are the differences/advancements really worth the extra cost? And it's also not always true that you'll end up paying more for a new design if you opt to wait. e.g.: the Iphone 3G was unveiled at a <a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/133838/2008/06/iphone3g.html" rel="nofollow">$200 discount</a> from it's previous models in 2008, and then further <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124448050292994727.html" rel="nofollow">discounted by $100</a> last year to make way the the Iphone 3G S. The difference in technology (between the 3G and 3G S) is faster speed and vedio capture. Considering that the 3G Iphone is quite fast already, how many people would really benefit from spending more to get the newer gadget? Apple also cut the prices of its 13-inch macbook pro by $100 and the macbook air by $300 last year! I bet it was definitely worth it for those customers who waited :) Not necessarily! I get puzzled by the culture of instant gratification and entitlement displayed by my peers. Sure the older models probably won’t have a sleek design or be as compact in general, but are the differences/advancements really worth the extra cost?

And it’s also not always true that you’ll end up paying more for a new design if you opt to wait. e.g.: the Iphone 3G was unveiled at a $200 discount from it’s previous models in 2008, and then further discounted by $100 last year to make way the the Iphone 3G S. The difference in technology (between the 3G and 3G S) is faster speed and vedio capture. Considering that the 3G Iphone is quite fast already, how many people would really benefit from spending more to get the newer gadget?

Apple also cut the prices of its 13-inch macbook pro by $100 and the macbook air by $300 last year! I bet it was definitely worth it for those customers who waited :)

]]> By: David/Yourfinances101http://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8090 David/Yourfinances101 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:51:23 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8090 Controlling our wants to things that we need is the key. In addition to shopping frugally for such items. Yes, I own a flat screen, but I bought it second hand for $175 two years ago--and it was a 37". We own a lpatop (a second home computer) but again, bought on clearance. Retailed for $950 and we got it for $700. I think anybody out there in this day and age who has a need to be the first kid on the block with the latest gadget is an absolute fool. Controlling our wants to things that we need is the key. In addition to shopping frugally for such items.

Yes, I own a flat screen, but I bought it second hand for $175 two years ago–and it was a 37″.

We own a lpatop (a second home computer) but again, bought on clearance. Retailed for $950 and we got it for $700.

I think anybody out there in this day and age who has a need to be the first kid on the block with the latest gadget is an absolute fool.

]]> By: Elizabeth Ihttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8087 Elizabeth I Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:51:39 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8087 I have a $1000 coffee maker. However, I do not have a cell phone (gasp!) and we just got a high definition TV after not having any television for 4 years. We have made 2,500 cups of coffee with that coffee maker. Economically it is cheaper than going to Starbucks. As for the cellphone, I stay at home quite a bit. I can only think of a couple of occasions in the last 5 years when I thought a cellphone would be handy. I do not think people assess WHY they want these items. Is it filling an emotional need or is it really a necessity? I have a $1000 coffee maker. However, I do not have a cell phone (gasp!) and we just got a high definition TV after not having any television for 4 years. We have made 2,500 cups of coffee with that coffee maker. Economically it is cheaper than going to Starbucks. As for the cellphone, I stay at home quite a bit. I can only think of a couple of occasions in the last 5 years when I thought a cellphone would be handy.

I do not think people assess WHY they want these items. Is it filling an emotional need or is it really a necessity?

]]> By: Winstonhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8076 Winston Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:38:43 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8076 Yes, you can wait three years for the prize to go down. However after that time, that thing is then obsolete. The newest gadget will be so much better than the thing you want three years ago that I doubt you will want it anymore. Yes, you can wait three years for the prize to go down. However after that time, that thing is then obsolete. The newest gadget will be so much better than the thing you want three years ago that I doubt you will want it anymore.

]]> By: Anne Ghttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8074 Anne G Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:11:07 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8074 I think we definitely are addicted to electronics. My teens keep telling me they are the only kids their age who don't have cell phones and ipods, and we live in a poor area. My daughter just visited her friend who lives in a small trailer and they have 4 tvs, including one in the bathroom. It is amazing how much electronics people think they need. I think we definitely are addicted to electronics. My teens keep telling me they are the only kids their age who don’t have cell phones and ipods, and we live in a poor area. My daughter just visited her friend who lives in a small trailer and they have 4 tvs, including one in the bathroom. It is amazing how much electronics people think they need.

]]> By: Single Guy Moneyhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8071 Single Guy Money Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:54:59 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8071 Yep, I know I'm obsessed with electronics. It was the reason for a lot of my debt in the past. Now, I save up and pay cash for my next electronic gadget. It's sad but I've owned 9 out of the 10 things on that list. I don't have the Kindle and no plans to buy one. Yep, I know I’m obsessed with electronics. It was the reason for a lot of my debt in the past. Now, I save up and pay cash for my next electronic gadget. It’s sad but I’ve owned 9 out of the 10 things on that list. I don’t have the Kindle and no plans to buy one.

]]> By: Josiehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8066 Josie Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:39:21 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8066 I definietly think we're addicted to CE. Just look at my house for example! We've got TVs, video games, computers, laptops, you name it. AND we still want more. Try having someone give up just one thing (phone, TV, computer) for a day and see if they can handle it. I can but it sure is tough! I definietly think we’re addicted to CE. Just look at my house for example! We’ve got TVs, video games, computers, laptops, you name it. AND we still want more.

Try having someone give up just one thing (phone, TV, computer) for a day and see if they can handle it. I can but it sure is tough!

]]> By: Joelhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8060 Joel Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:58:59 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8060 An interesting question. I don't know about addicted, but I definitely think we're too enamored with The Latest Thing. I don't necessarily think we're in love with the work they do for us -- I think we're simply wowed by the cool factor. That's why Apple is so smart -- their stuff is simply cool. Consider your standard keyboard-based smartphone. Is it cool? Mmmm.... kind of. But think about the iPhone. That is COOL. Apple has tapped into the fact that we like stuff that's simplistic, elegant, and provides us with games, music, or video. A pretty strong combination. http://www.theonion.com/content/news/new_device_desirable_old_device An interesting question. I don’t know about addicted, but I definitely think we’re too enamored with The Latest Thing. I don’t necessarily think we’re in love with the work they do for us — I think we’re simply wowed by the cool factor. That’s why Apple is so smart — their stuff is simply cool.

Consider your standard keyboard-based smartphone. Is it cool? Mmmm…. kind of. But think about the iPhone. That is COOL. Apple has tapped into the fact that we like stuff that’s simplistic, elegant, and provides us with games, music, or video. A pretty strong combination.

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/new_device_desirable_old_device

]]> By: thriftygalhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/are-we-addicted-to-consumer-electronics/#comment-8056 thriftygal Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:30:06 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=1946#comment-8056 Also who says you have to buy the latest gadget? If you wait a couple of years, it's bound to go down in price. Also who says you have to buy the latest gadget? If you wait a couple of years, it’s bound to go down in price.

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