1) Firstly, do a thorough check-list on whether the purchase is justified.

• Make sure that I really need this gadget, I can’t be productive without it, or best yet, I can’t earn a living without it.
• Make sure that I’m not getting it for the novelty features, which means I am really paying for the value that I will be getting from it. E.g. If I don’t need 3G connectivity, screw 3G devices.
• Make sure that I have done various comparisons with other models with similar functionalities and most importantly the price variations.

In short, MAKE SURE I do my homework and eat my veggies.

2) Secondly, check with my Ministry of Finance.

• Check how much cash exactly I am willing to part away to exchange with the convenience I will be getting with my new gadget purchase.
• Once I am happy with the amount that I feel is just right, I will repeat Step (1) again and this time filtering out those gadgets that is above my budget.

In short, always shop with the budget in mind, or you will end up losing on the opportunity cost that you could have had.