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The end of desktop sync?
While this probably isn't news to many, I have almost come to the conclusion that syncing a handheld with the desktop is dead. The only exception is media as OTA (over the air) sync is far too slow (currently) to handle large photos, music, and movie (for the most part). It has taken me awhile to come to this conclusion as I spent many years working on desktop sync software. In the last few weeks, we installed Zimbra at work and are moving people towards syncing their handhelds (Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, iPhone, and Palm OS devices) over the air (primarily cellular). In these cases, the desktop just becomes another sync client and not the master; the server handles the synchronization.
My life seems much simpler now that I don't have to deal with desktop sync; no more desktop configuration, physical connection issues, and various conduits.
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Bottom of the line
When I look to buy lasting goods I don't usually don't buy the top of the line as it is not affordable nor would I get the value out of it (however, I do buy my Macs at almost the top of the line). The other day I had to take my circular saw in for service as it didn't quite sound right; I bought it a few months ago reconditioned. I know I didn't buy the top of the line (the saw along with a drill, flashlight and reciprocating saw was $199), but didn't buy the bottom. When I started talking to the folks at the repair shop, they pretty much laughed at me with my saw. These people repair professional tools and my rinky dink saw was basically a toy. I admitted that I knew what I was getting, but it definitely wasn't the bottom of the line; it did come with lithium ion batteries which should have moved it up a notch. However, they didn't agree. After talking with the manager for a bit, I learned that the price of the tool doesn't necessarily mean anything as they get all tools in for repair; it really doesn't matter the brand (there are only a few manufacturers of electric tools as there have been a lot of mergers).
In any case, in a few weeks, I should have my saw back fully repaired (yes, it should have lasted more than a few months), but since I don't use professionally, the tools work work fine. If I get at least a few years out of them, I'll be happy.
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The disposable society (or $35 to say it is broken)
Our washing machine started to become quiet noisy during its spin cycle, so we had a repair guy come out to give us an estimate. Knowing that our washer is 8 years old and a front loader, I suspected that the bearings or motor were bad as the whole drum rests on bearings and puts significant weight on them. So, I hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst; the worst being replacing the washing machine. The guy came out, listened to it for about 2 minutes and said that it will cost about $500 to replace and pretty much he wouldn't do it (he's only done a couple because most people replace them). Of course, this visit wasn't free; $35 to tell me that it was broken and had to be replaced. So we have maybe 6 months left before it blows. A new front loading washer with a warranty runs around $800. While not what I want to buy right now (not after my plumbing fiasco which turned into a bigger mess as I had to redo sprinklers in the back as well), but it makes little sense to put $500 into a machine without a warranty which could go at any time.
I hate to basically dump a washer, but for the extra $300, it is worth it to have years of hassle free operation and a warranty.
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The fallacy of an income tax refund
I'm almost ashamed to admit that this year I received a tax refund. Why? A tax refund means that you (including me) have provided the government with a zero interest loan. Granted I wouldn't have earned all that much on my refund, but it's the principle of loaning the government money. In my case, I was self-employed for a long time and doing an accurate estimate of my owed taxes was nearly impossible as my income fluctuated based on contracts I had and ReceiptWallet income, so I always ended up owing taxes at the end of the year. The latter part of last year, I started a W-2 job which kind of changed the game.
In any case, it seems like Americans expect tax refunds and then spend them. The smart thing to do is to adjust withholdings so that you come close to your tax burden and don't get a refund or only get a small one. For most people with predictable income, this shouldn't be hard.