I’m ready to admit that I have a problem.

I have GAS.

I suffer from Gadget Addiction and Subtraction.

Gadget Addiction and Subtraction:
The endless circular process of the acquisition and disposal of electronic devices, typically involving the following pattern:

1. initial awareness of device x
2. extensive research of device x
3. purchase anticipation of device x
4. purchase of device x
5. deployment of device x
6. enjoyment of device x
7. hacking of device x
8. over-hacking of device x
9. dissatisfaction with device x (probably from over-hacking)
10. continuous whining about device x
11. the grass is greener on the other side of device y
11. sale or discard of device x
12. extensive research of device y
and so on…

As you might imagine, this is a vicious cycle. If you’ve experienced it, you certainly know it to be just that. Take my own pattern for example, demonstrated below [fig. 1]

A few questions emerge as I consider how increasingly common GAS seems to be:

1. How many iPods, PDAs or high-end cell phones purchased today will be discarded within three years? (Maybe we should be consoled that Bill Gates believes all three will be bound together in one device within a few years.)
2. How many other $300+ items do we willingly expect to get rid of after only three years?
3. Why do people seem satisfied with this? Is this just part of living in an age dominated by rapidly advancing technology?
4. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? Seriously. Think about it.