I used to be a big time computer hardware geek. I built my first computer at 16. I would paint my computers, add lights, fans and even cut the symbol from my favorite Star Wars character (Boba Fett, reprezent) into the side of the computer case.

Like most people doing this sort of thing, I tried to get the best stuff available. If I could get a 2.4ghz processor for only $100 more than the 2.3ghz, I did. If 1gb of memory was only $200 more than 512mb, I got 2gb. I could always find a way to justify getting the best hardware.

Well yesterday that changed and it weirded me out.

Like all people in this blogging/designing world that don't have a Mac, I want one. Badly. A few days ago the iMacs got some hardware updates. Nothing crazy different, just a little better stuff than what was already in there. As I looked at the different hardware options, for the first time EVER I told myself that I would be completely content with the cheaper version of the 24 inch screen models even though the better version wasn't a drastic amount different in price.

Here's how I justified not wanting the latest and greatest, and why I believe that computer hardware for the average consumer is losing its importance.