Pay Too Much for everything

Post by shiftpgdn » Fri, Jul 13, 2012, 11:33 AM UTC

antonioevans wrote: post #158

beloch wrote: post #31

The idea in this article is sometimes true, but it completely fails to take into account the relentless march of technology. Some items, such as cell-phones or laptops, will be totally obsolete within 10 years no matter how finely made they are. Other items, such as guitars, will not be obsolete since the technology isn't changing quickly, if at all. There will be new digital guitars with funky synth modes every year…

Why do people say Apple Computers aren't able to be modified? Go on Amazon/Ebay. Find the screwdrivers. It's a computer not Fort Knox.

Post by greedo » Fri, Jul 13, 2012, 3:13 PM UTC

latch wrote: post #74

mayneack wrote: post #67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As a personal anecdote: when I eventually stopped growing taller (~19), I started purchasing clothing and outdoor gear that was a step up from the quality of when I knew that I'd grow out of things. While not universal, I did notice a definite uptick in the durability and comfort of most things. It's obviously possible that this was a placebo effect or maybe I'm nicer to my gear now, but I've certainly been getting m…

The placebo effect appears to be massive, at least where it's been studied (wine, for example). I'm happy to admit that, as a general rule ( cough jaguar cough ), higher prices indicate better quality, I just don't think it translates into better value (again, as a general rule). Sure, highly functional things, like shoes and a bed, probably warrant paying more even though the value isn't proportional. Paying 50% mor…

Post by superuser2 » Fri, Jul 13, 2012, 3:55 PM UTC

latch wrote: post #74

mayneack wrote: post #67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As a personal anecdote: when I eventually stopped growing taller (~19), I started purchasing clothing and outdoor gear that was a step up from the quality of when I knew that I'd grow out of things. While not universal, I did notice a definite uptick in the durability and comfort of most things. It's obviously possible that this was a placebo effect or maybe I'm nicer to my gear now, but I've certainly been getting m…

The placebo effect appears to be massive, at least where it's been studied (wine, for example). I'm happy to admit that, as a general rule ( cough jaguar cough ), higher prices indicate better quality, I just don't think it translates into better value (again, as a general rule). Sure, highly functional things, like shoes and a bed, probably warrant paying more even though the value isn't proportional. Paying 50% mor…

Post by mixmastamyk » Fri, Jul 13, 2012, 5:42 PM UTC

pbreit wrote: post #139

freehunter wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As an anecdote to add to your great analysis, I know a lot of my engineering coworkers (including me) who refuse to buy new cars. I drive a 15 year old truck not because it's fuel-efficient, not because it's beautiful, not because it has all the features, and certainly not because it needs no maintenance. It's because when it does need maintenance, I can do it and it's relatively cheap and easy. It's the Timex vs poc…

My experience with cars is the opposite which is why I only lease now. You get a brand new, terrific car every three years.

Post by tripzilch » Sat, Jul 14, 2012, 4:26 PM UTC

beloch wrote: post #31

The idea in this article is sometimes true, but it completely fails to take into account the relentless march of technology. Some items, such as cell-phones or laptops, will be totally obsolete within 10 years no matter how finely made they are. Other items, such as guitars, will not be obsolete since the technology isn't changing quickly, if at all. There will be new digital guitars with funky synth modes every year…