Last Years Model

I have a post in my drafts folder that is tentatively titled “Planning The Switch”. In that post, I describe my plans to migrate from Windows to the Mac and all the new hardware purchase that would entail.

I’ve since reconsidered the value of that post, and the information contained within. I really have no need to buy a new computer, no need to switch to a new computing platform, and no need to spend all that money for pretty much no gain.

I discovered a brilliant mini-site called Last Years Model courtesy of a blog I read for no real reason other than to stoke the fires of my computing envy — Minimal Mac. The site, created by Anil Dash, is basically an encouragement to not needlessly upgrade gadgets and computers.

It got me thinking about whether or not I upgrade my gadgets and computers without having a good reason. The conclusion I came to was not a pleasant one. Needless to say, I have wasted money and resources on purchasing things I did not need.

Realistically I use a computer for dealing with email, surfing the Internet, media management, and lightweight code editing, without any need for a superpowerful machine, as the little video I do watch on my computer is not hi-def.

I encourage all to re-evaluate your situation and think about whether you really need that new computer or gadget, or if you just have a case of tech lust. I’m almost certain that 9 times out of 10, you will find that you don’t need to upgrade.

In my case, despite my huge lust for a switch to Mac, all I really need is some more RAM to speed up my machine, and I will be set for at least another year or two.