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I am truly addicted to gadgets, which I guess is good when one of the many hats I wear has Gadget Gal written all over it. But how do I decide when it is a good time to buy or replace a gadget? That's a good question.

I must admit that sometimes I succumb to a bit of impulse buying - I HAD to have one of the latest iPods (an MP3 player) from Apple Computer recently. When something great just gets better it is hard for this Gadget Gal to resist, and Mother's Day was a convenient excuse to beg for one. But most of the time I bide my time and do my homework by reading magazines, looking at online reviews, haunting electronics stores and talking to others about the choices they have made before I take the big plunge for a new gadget. But it's hard to resist the latest and greatest.

Here's a checklist of questions and methods that I try to follow when "gadgetitis" strikes:

Do I really need this gadget? That's an important question whether you are a "gadgetholic" or just occasional dabbler. Do any of us really need any of these gadgets? Probably not, but having them can make life easier, more organized and just plain fun. I can remember when people used to ask me if they really needed a computer. I've noticed that they don't ask me that anymore.

Does this gadget enhance my collection? There is a lot of overlap in gadgets these days. My new iPod, for example, has a calendar and an address book function so it is going to be much harder to justify replacing my Handheld (Palm device) the next time around. Be careful that you are really adding new capability to your collection.

Do I have time for a new gadget? Got to face the facts. There are very few gadgets that don't have a breaking in period. For example, if you buy a handheld to keep your date book and addresses, you do have to spend time getting it up to speed. A GPS device will be not any good to you out in the middle of nowhere if you haven't programmed in the right maps. By the way, this applies to gadget gift giving, too. Will the person getting the device take the time to get it up and running? If you don't think so, then don't give the gift.

When is it time to replace a gadget? What about warranties? I've noticed that most of the gadgets I have have a built in obsolescence that kicks in around the 2 to 4 year mark. This obsolescence comes in two different forms - either the device stops working or the features on it become so outmoded that that I can't take full advantage of the gadget especially when it is to be used in conjunction with my computer. There are two lessons to be learned from this: 1) Think carefully about what kind of extended warranty you buy for a gadget. If it is something small that might be dropped, definitely get the warranty, especially if it covers replacement. 2) Two years is usually the right coverage for warranties. After that, you're probably going to want to upgrade anyway.

What kind of homework should I do? Try to resist buying a gadget on impulse. If you take the time to do a little research, you will almost certainly find a better price and possibly a better gadget to fit your needs/desires/wants. This is especially true in the case of digital cameras. There are now so many on the market that you may very well find one that better suits your purposes and pocketbook. Magazines like PC Photo have a regular feature every month on how to buy a camera, and the ads will give you an idea of the price range of the camera. Web sites like C/Net at http://reviews.cnet.com/ carry reviews as well as price comparisons between recommended Internet vendors. Go to a camera store and hold a few cameras in your hand and explore the features. You don't have to buy, just look.

When last I looked, there wasn't a Gadgets Anonymous group quite yet, but I am sure there soon will be. Gadget prices are falling so don't be afraid to hold out for a while. But then again - don't be afraid to take the plunge. Gadgets can make your life more organized, more efficient. And they sure can be fun!