So, you have just got to grips with the Hi Fi system you bought a few years ago and you can now play music as and when you please. You are no doubt pleased with the sound quality, too. That is until one of your friends comes around and raises their eyebrows at your failure to stay abreast of recent advancements in technology.

There is nothing more frustrating than this! Whether it is the latest mobile phone deals or indeed that HI Fi, there is always a newer and grander model coming on to the market that shows your equipment up to be a real old dinosaur.

Should you buckle to such pressure, as far too many other people do, and ensure that you are furnished with the latest equipment? Or should you simply retain what you have and be happy with your lot?

Well now, this is often a decision that is actually taken out of your hands. At times, it can feel as though there is a conspiracy going on that forces you to purchase the newer items of equipment. Take the Hi Fi as a good example here, where old vinyl records and cassettes have been phased out in favour of the more contemporary CD. Then, of course, try and purchase videos nowadays - you will not be able to do so brand new any more.

People who work within such industries would insist that the new technology is far better than what it has been invented to replace. However, we do not all agree. DVDs and CDs do not last anything like as long as the manufacturers say. Even if you only play one or other a few times, you can guarantee that it will soon be jumping all over the place - something records, videos and cassettes did not do anything like as much.