I should know by now not to try to be "human" on the internet, let alone forums with mostly teenagers, but I think it's worth the chance of being replied to with thoughtless cynicism if I can express something I think is important.
McFreak and Justforgeeks, if I see something less than ideal I'll stand against it despite the odds. Hot deals IS horrible, and most people aren't going to listen to me, but does that mean everyone should choose to ignore the fact that what is going on is empty and near enslaving? Sure, there are those who realize what they're doing is shallow and not even in their own interests, but there are, I suspect, many more who haven't been made aware of some of the senseless aspects of buying for the sake of buying, or buying for the sake of getting a good deal, when all it accomplishes are differences in performance that the user does not NEED to have, and did not WANT to have before the products were made and marketed.
You're right, I've valued my computer much too much, but that doesn't mean I can't change, or anyone else here can't. So if you're going to reply to my criticism, do so by saying that this is not the best time or place to bring up the issue in depth, or critique my claims, but I'd like to ask you to do me the favor of avoiding resignatory apathy. Thanks,