Coping with 'computer frenzy'
By MIKE BERMAN
Scripps Howard News Service
April 03, 2002

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that every time I buy something new for my computer, it becomes obsolete before I open the box.

Here are a few examples:

-The new whiz-bang video card you just installed was immediately replaced with a newer version boasting more memory and outperformed yours on the "Quake test."

-The 80-gigabyte hard drive you just purchased for $120 has been superseded by a 120-gigabyte model costing $100.

- The super-fast 1.6 gigahertz computer you have been drooling over and just unpacked has been replaced with a faster 2.2 Ghz model at the same price, but they're now throwing in a monitor, printer and scanner.

- You have finally gotten a 24X CD writer and discover they're now selling 32X models.

Get the picture?

Coping with these things often requires inhuman fortitude and an extremely high tolerance for planned obsolescence - somethings most of us don't have. So, knowing this, I've developed a simple guide to coping with what I've started to call "computer frenzy."

First, you have to make up your mind that you've purchased exactly what you need and what is sitting in the store's stockroom waiting to be put on the shelves is not important. This is tough, especially for a geek like me who drools over everything that will enhance my computer's performance. But, after years of training, I've learned to control myself.

Second, assess your needs. Why do you need that new computer, video card or other device? Will they make a big difference as you surf the Net at 56K and write proposals using a word-processing program?

Third, is the system or peripheral upgradeable? Although some configurations for peripherals are written in stone and can't be changed, you should make sure that the computer you buy can handle hardware upgrades and that you can easily replace items such as the CPU, video card, sound card and memory to make it a meaner machine.

Finally - and this is the most important - find a place where you can be by yourself, making sure the room is soundproof so your uncontrollable sobbing won't bother anyone.

The key here is to purchase what you need when you need it. Too many of us fall into the trap of waiting, because we know that something bigger and better is just around the corner. The result? The purchase is never made.

Or we wait until the prices on other items come down. The problem here is that prices are reduced whenever a new model hits the shelves or just at the whim of the manufacturer. The result, again, is that you end up waiting forever and never make the purchase.

Remember: it only hurts for a little while. Soon the aches and pains will go away and you will be computing to your heart's content, not even remembering how inadequate you felt when you realized that you were a victim of planned obsolescence.

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