We’re at the end of 2008 now, and I’ve just finished consolidating all my electronics (gadgets) purchases in 2008.
I did a checkpoint half-way through this year back in May, and up to that point, I’ve already spent S$2,500. Move forward to end of year today, that number has ballooned up to S$4,167. Singaporean says *jialat liao*
Looking back, I’m not sure I could have spent much less than what was needed. I’ll run through them from the most expensive ones, and you tell me if I’ve bought more than I should?
Apple Macbook (white)
Committed at S$1,400 for 30 months installment, I’ve paid 9 months of S$46.67 each for a total of S$420 this year. Twenty-one more months to go. So far, this laptop was the one that made me switched to Mac, and it has been a useful laptop as I travelled around the globe this year. Along the months, I have upgraded the RAM from 1GB to 4GB for about S$55, “accidentally” upgraded the HDD from 120GB to 320GB for S$95, and bought Applecare for S$200 (from S$446 retail price) to extend its warranty cover until 2011.
Compaq Presario V3638
Bought this for my mum. The original price was S$999, but after adding RAM upgrade, minus GST claim, etc., I ended up with S$1,108.95.
Canon Digital IXUS 860IS
In need of a digital camera for my USA trip in September, I bought this one for S$519, complete with all goodies I need. I added $70 for an extra original Canon battery.
Apple iPod Nano 4G – 8GB
Apple store in Singapore is selling this for S$248, but Apple store in New York was selling for US$149. With USD-SGD exchange rate as low as 1.40 back then, it was cheaper to buy in New York.
Western Digital My Passport 320GB
As my Macbook 120GB storage wouldn’t be enough to store and backup photos and videos taken during USA trip, this external hard drive is the cheapest and easiest way to have more storage on the road. Got it for S$149.
Logitech v470 Bluetooth mouse
This excellent mouse retails for S$85 and after all these months, the last time I checked last week, some shops are still selling it for S$89. I got two of these from eBay for a total of S$85, so you’d consider I got 50% discount. I uses one, and my mum is using the other one. The pair of battery I put in since August are still working as of today. Amazing battery life.
Starhub re-contract
This time, I decided not to change my phone during re-contract. Instead, I simply recontract, and sold the new phone off for a S$362 profit. Pretty good.
Miscellaneous
There are other sub-$50 stuffs like web-cam for my mum, USB hub, earphone, etc.
What do you think? Could I have spent any less this year? How?
Yes, you could have spent much less =)
I have checked Microsoft Money for my Electronics spending 2008 is around $906.37, mostly by installment
My 2009 installment payable is $879.14.. provided I didn’t shop anything new for this year =)
Good luck in reducing your electronics spending heheheh
Comment by sen — January 4, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
@sen: How? with all stuff that are needed?
Comment by hendrikch — January 5, 2009 @ 1:18 am
Is it needed or is it wanted?
Comment by sentosa — January 5, 2009 @ 10:08 am
@sentosa: hmmm… good point … let me see:
1. Macbook -> want that became need
2. Compaq -> need
3. IXUS -> need
4. iPod -> want
5. WD 320GB -> need
6. Logitech mouse -> need, though I wanted a good one. Could have settled for a cheaper cabled ones.
7. Misc -> web-cam, USB hub, earphones, all need.
What do you think?
Comment by hendrikch — January 5, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
since all want is already bought… guess this year expense shd be lower mah? Control your want lor hehhe
Comment by sentosa — January 6, 2009 @ 9:08 am
@sentosa: hopefully. but with a potential need already for a new LCD monitor and *another* digital camera, not sure how low I can get this year *haiz* …
Comment by hendrikch — January 6, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
okay lar.. keep spending to boost the economy =)
Comment by sentosa — January 6, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
I liked reading your blog. Good work!!
Comment by Andres Thornton — May 21, 2009 @ 11:04 pm