I love trying out new gadgets when they drop, but they tend to have a short shelf life — ending up tucked away somewhere, forgotten. Same goes for apps and websites. I used to sign up for every new thing that caught my eye, explore it for a bit, then move on to the next shiny object. I had accounts everywhere.
Now I only buy what I know I’ll actually use. I stopped buying new gadgets three years ago after a layoff, and my approach to apps has mellowed out too. I still dabble in new stuff once in a while, but nothing like the signing-up frenzy of my past.
My latest device is a MacBook Air, and I’m still tempted to get a VR/AR headset soon. But I don’t think they’re ready for what I want out of them. I’m not a gamer — I want real productivity, better visuals, and solid caption support. Right now the caption experience in most VR/AR devices is either missing or an afterthought. That’s a dealbreaker for me. And honestly, I’m afraid I’d use it a handful of times and abandon it anyway.
And yet — here I am already eyeing the rumored Samsung Fold Wide. I don’t need it. I know I don’t need it. I already have two great phones: a Galaxy Z Fold 7 and a Pixel Fold that’s honestly still holding up better than expected — no lag, no complaints. So why did I buy the Fold 7 if I was happy with the Pixel Fold? The thinness got me. The Pixel Fold is thick and heavy, so it mostly lives at home as a backup when the Fold 7 is running low. But I love the Pixel Fold’s short, wide passport-style form factor. So when Samsung goes in that direction with the Fold Wide — and Apple may not be far behind — it’s hard to call it pure impulse. I already know I like this shape. That’s never really stopped me, has it?
I agree with this article — The Case for Saying No to New Gadgets — and it’s got me asking myself better questions before I buy. Will I still use this in a month? Is it solving a real problem, or am I just chasing the new-thing feeling? Do I actually need it? How will I use it? Or will I abandon it like everything else collecting dust in my gadget graveyard?
I’m learning to say no — even when something looks really cool. That’s harder than it sounds. But will I actually stick to that? Or will the next shiny device win anyway?