• by jen , July 21, 2008

As I move into my very first solo apartment, I'm forced to follow a fairly strict budget. In an attempt to cut some corners, I've been contemplating unsubscribing to cable TV (gasp!). I know. A few months ago I would never have entertained such a ridiculous thought, but as I face the reality of my minimal TV watching and the high price of cable-for-one, I'm having a hard time justifying the monthly expense.

Media Post cited that "94% of adults who subscribe to cable or satellite television services prefer to watch television on traditional TV sets rather than Online." I would count myself in that 94 percent; however, from a monetary standpoint, FREE online viewing just seems more sensible. Nonetheless, the 300 pound TV I forced two of my closest friends to carry up two flights of stairs should really be used for more than aesthetics.

As I begin my research on how to buddy my computer and TV for my live viewing purposes, I realize that I may owe my brother an apology for some consistent criticism towards him. You see, I never understood why he would drop well over a grand on a 42" flat screen HDTV and other expensive, high-end gadgets and gizmos. Although I reap the benefits of his budget-breaking purchases, I always said that I could find other ("more important") places to spend my money. Well...now I'm paying for that attitude.

I recently bought a new laptop believing I needed it only for research and writing purposes. Well, now I'm wishing I had consider laptops with other, more advanced features (something under HP's "Entertainment Powerhouse" tab). As I examine my computer for TV hook-up capabilities, I am realizing that purchasing the more expensive, more high-tech appliances might save me money in the long run. Although I'm not certain I'm ready to make this shift from TV to online viewing, I'd at least like to have the option. With this ever-changing technological world, I made the mistake of not anticipating the direction we were headed and therefore find myself unprepared for the future. I'll have to adopt my brother's mindset in order to avoid constantly updating lower-end electronics that will not last in the long run.

Fortunately, my brother is too consumed in his HDTV, Xbox, and computer games that I don't have to worry about him reading my admittance of error.