Consumer Value & Smart Shopping

Some guy on a forum I go to said this:

once again, people fail to realize mobile graphics cards are MUCH weaker than desktop graphics cards of the same model number...

I responded with (there are some geek references but you'll get the point):

It's all relative. if you're comparing mobile graphics to desktop graphics, then ya, the 9600m is crap. if you're comparing the 9600m to most integrated laptop solutions like the 4500hmd or the Radeon 3200, then yeah the 9600m is appealing (especially at $585).

It's like comparing apples to oranges, it's like saying you wear clothes for it's function alone. Mobile graphics categorization does not equal desktop graphics categorization, duh. Laptops with discrete chipsets aren't just for gaming, it's a compromise of portability and power. Everyone has their needs, whether it be mobility, space constraints, style, functions, etc... And saying that the 9600m "is actually a very weak card" and that "people fail to realize" it, are very ignorant assumptions.

What you guys "fail to realize" is that you're enveloped in the marketing ploy set forth by these genius marketing campaigns that cause you to focus only on the speed and power of computing these days, that you've become critical of those not meant to be the fastest and most powerful. You don't see the computer as a whole, only what they want you to see.

It's the same thing with anything else we buy. Wake up.

But really, we all need to wake up as consumers and do some Smart Shopping. It's not about jumping on the newest sale or always using a coupon, it's about the value in what you are getting.

We buy to fulfill a need, whether it's "to be cool with my ipod, because everyone else has one", "to buy a netbook to lighten my luggage when I travel", or to "replace my 10 year old computer". Let me tell you what consumer value really is, it's:

1. Timing. Buying what you need, when you really need it.
2. Research. Knowing exactly what you need and what you don't.
3. Perseverance. We are all different! What works for some, won't work for others. Know what you need first, and then take into consideration what other people say, but don't let those smooth talking salesmen/woman, or even a cheap price, fool you!
4. Price gauging. To really understand a good monetary "value", you'll have to watch market trends in any industry. In fashion: what's in style for the season is what is going to be higher priced, and last seasons leftovers are what's on sale. It's the same thing with technology. Although the trends aren't easily marked from season to season, you can read about the up-and-coming technologies and then see the other side of the spectrum, what products are on constantly on sale (which usually marks the end-of-life of a product).

Apply this knowledge to any item you buy, and that should be a good start for smart shopping. I think 2) and 4) go hand in hand, but for the most part, I organized these aspects by level of importance, to me. Remember, everyone is different, so feel free to change or even construct your own ideology and criteria for smart shopping. It's just important that you have something to buy by.


A reflection of my perspective of smart shopping

Please view my previous, relevant postings about smart shopping (it seems that I talk about this subject a lot. I think I'm just tired of repeating myself to those who I help shop for):
Bargain Online Christmas (actually anytime) Shopping
Mechanics of buying for the future (and now)
DVDs & Blu-Rays: who needs em?

It seems that I was pretty adamant back then on my shopping ways, but I have grown. I respect other peoples values now (haha, I'm such a jerk). If you can afford the luxury of a high-priced Blu-Ray collection, by all means! I'm just the kind of guy who knows what he wants and has the patience to wait for it.

My friend Jeanne, asked me in 2002, "You're into electronics. Out of all people, you should have an Ipod!" I told her, "I'm going to wait. There will be a time, very soon, when they'll have a device where it'll be your camera, your phone, your mp3 player, and web browser." I knew exactly what I wanted. Then the 1st generation iPhone came out... but it was a touch screen (I'm a clutz) and it used iTunes to manage it's music (which was very anti-pirate/secure at the time). So I waited some more, until the Blackberry Curve came out, and I was in love! My criteria for my next mobile device:

• Mp3 player
• GPS
• Web Browser/IM
• Phone
• Integrated into a car console to replace the radio.

C'mon iPhone, I'm willing to give you a chance if you're the first on this bandwagon.