CNET News Poll
My cure for post-CES information overload is playing music. For me, that means a return to the basics: pop on a LP, sit down, close my eyes, and just listen. Man, that feels good.
Call me a Luddite, but I like well-designed products you don't have to replace every year or so. Unless you have money to burn, why be an early adopter? Why buy a first generation anything? You'll pay a big price for being first, and pay again when trading up for the next "improved" model. I've never heard of anyone who regretted not buying a first- or even second-generation product. How's your HD-DVD player working out? I'm just saying.
High quality audio is mostly free of this sort of gee-whiz gimmickry. If you invest in a decent set of speakers, you'll get 10 or more years of use out of them. Buy a great amplifier, CD player, or turntable, same deal, which is why it makes sense to spend a little more up front, you'll get to enjoy high-quality gear over the long term. Prorated, the larger initial investment pays off, big time.
What's your oldest piece of consumer electronics?