Is the lightning fast development of computing technology stressing you out? Are you afraid that you'll never make the right purchasing decision? And, that no matter what you buy, it will become obsolete in a matter of months?

Well, you're not alone! But, maybe I can help you feel a little bit better.

The upside of today's fast paced technology innovation is that you can buy much more functionality today, than you could yesterday; or at least a few months ago.

The downside of this is that whatever state-of-the-art technology you buy today will not be the latest and greatest for long. You can't have it both ways.

However, what this simple fact lacks is perspective - let me provide some.

First of all, you don't really need to pay for what is often called the "bleeding edge" of technology to become both more effective and productive. In fact, I know of few business people who really "need" to buy anything close to the most powerful technology available.

Using notebook computers as an example, (though we could be talking about any technology) a Pentium MMX 166 to 200 is more than adequate for the vast majority of computer users. If you want to buy a faster machine, and can afford it, fine. But, don't feel as though you have to! Most of your business class software doesn't really tax a machine of this class anyway. Look at it this way: few drivers really need a Porsche, and most who do buy them can't often drive any faster than the rest of us anyway!

The second thing you need to consider is that Technical specs aren't always what they seem. For example, recent testing by CFG Labs demonstrated that in the real world, the difference in overall notebook performance between a 233 Mhz chip and a 266 Mhz was only 8.8% - probably not exactly what the consumers buying the 266 expected!

Following the auto analogy, an 8-cylinder car doesn't necessary go twice as fast as a 4-cylinder model, does it?

More important that either of the above points, it's not the size, but how you use it that gets results! Most business people would be better off spending less on their hardware, and more on software and learning how to use their technology effectively.

In business, technology is supposed to make us more efficient, productive and organized. Buying the latest hardware isn't going to do this for you.

As a technology speaker and trainer, I do tend to spend on the "bleeding edge." It's a necessity for me to be able to give current advice to those who need it.

However, when I was still in sales, I was seldom the guy with the latest, fastest or biggest system on the block. On the other hand, by investing in the right hardware and software, and learning how to use it, I was certainly one of the most productive! Isn't that what it's all about?

Stephen M. Canale is a productivity and technology trainer for the real estate industry. Visit his Web site at http://www.canale.com.

Published: June 29, 1998

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Stephen M. Canale only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.