Used or New?

Like many people interested in technology, there is nothing quite like the pleasure of opening a new device and setting it up. Obviously this is a superficial pleasure and fleeting, but it is something I enjoy nonetheless when I have purchased something new.

Now, when purchasing used technology this pleasure is absent. Not that should detract from the enjoyment (hopefully) of using the device. There is also the fact that someone else has been using whatever it happens to be, so it will never be the same as an out-of-the-box item.

Should this matter? Perhaps not, though this is a factor at the back of my mind when considering buying something.

Then there is the issue about warranty. It is unlikely that a used item (certainly over 2 years old) will have any kind of warranty, so if I buy a dud I am stuck.

The primary reason for buying a used item is simple; to save money. With many items this is a sensible and cost-effective way of buying something that is wanted. But is it a good idea with used technology? I am not so sure.

I guess I am a sucker for the 'new thing out of the box' scenario, but on a more sensible level I also think that perhaps buying tech new is a good idea for peace of mind (ie warranty) but also ensuring what is purchased is relevant and should stay relevant longer than an older item of technology. This last point is perhaps very relevant to technology where the evolution of devices is extremely fast.