Tech lust is something we have all suffered with at one point in our lives and it’s a lust that often simply won’t leave us. In a world of planned obsolescence where the lifespan of our tech seems to be dwindling year by year, there’s always that ‘next’ piece of kit that’s going to make everything else seem antiquated by comparison. Until the ‘next’ thing comes along, of course.
Still, if you want that new tech and you want it now, there are often more affordable options, routes and ideas to consider, many of which we’ll explore below.
Getting the latest tech for less
Finance
Whilst you might not have the funds right now, that doesn’t mean you won’t have them later. Many websites allow you to purchase top tech on finance, meaning you can spread the cost over a number of months. Generally speaking, the shorter the repayment, the less interest you’ll need to pay. Indeed, there are certain sites that will offer 0% finance on a 9-month finance plan. Shop around for the best finance deals and you might be surprised what you’ll be able to walk away with today.
Warranty
Extended warranty is almost like gambling and is often simply not necessary. Why pay over the odds for Apple Care, for example, when your tech could be covered by your existing home insurance? Unless you have no home insurance and are particularly accident-prone, it’s usually preferable to leave the extended warranty at the door.
Accessories
When it comes to superfluous add-ons such as HDMI cables and luxury cases, you’re often better off looking elsewhere at the more generic brands. In most cases, you’re not paying for quality; you’re paying for a name.
Second-hand/Refurbished
The second-hand and refurbished tech market is absolutely booming. From eBay and Amazon marketplace to your local electronics or pawn shop, you’d be surprised what people are willing to trade away. As the old adage goes; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Indeed, that new phone or laptop you’re coveting might be out there somewhere waiting to be picked up for a steal because it just wasn’t right for someone else. This is even true of cars, with sites such as Unbeatable Car offering incredible discounts on second-hand vehicles, many of which will come equipped with all the latest technological bells and whistles.
Sell to Buy
Of course, one of the most obvious ways to free up a little space in the wallet is to get rid of the unused tech that’s undoubtedly collecting dust somewhere in your home. You might be surprised how much some of your old tech can be worth, particularly if it’s from a reputable brand.
Research
Finally, make sure you don your research before hitting the shops (both online and offline). Know what you want and how much you are willing to pay and don’t waver! No matter how tempting it might be if that highly coveted piece of tech lies within your grasp for JUST that little bit extra.
