Rather than ponder for an hour or more, I usually will take a week or so, starting at the top of design/tech ladder for the gadget and researching my way down to a reasonable level. Customization of features and personalization is a big plus, and essential for many things (e.g., my heavily-optioned platinum Sony subnotebook, ordered, of course). Some other goodies: multi-colored Bang & Olufsen cordless phones, office phone, and message system; SonyEricsson P990i; Zalman black-anodized aluminum Notebook Cooler; Richard Sapper designed Tizio lamps in various metals; Herman Miller Aeron Chair; 2006 BMW 330i Sport ordered with every option plus factory M-Tech aero-body kit [very rare]; BlueAir 402 air filter; Nakamichi Compact Audio System with MiniDisc [Japan only]; and, of course... a $350 Hello Kitty MP3 player ordered from Japan [hands/feet are buttons!].
And, now I'm broke and unemployed.

TPBM is just as gadget-obsessed as I am.