Obsession, Opportunity & Now Accountability

So I went ahead and ordered the phone today. Saving the $400 I believe is the better option and it seems we are in unison on that. We all also agree it's a freaking expensive phone.

It's a lot of money, no denying that but the phone doesn't feel super expensive to me. It actually cost about $307 USD. Given my exchange rate is 2 of my local dollars to 1 American dollar, $620 for a smart phone is quite cheap. Phones over here in Barbados can get to quite some outrageous numbers. For example, the new blackberry bold touch that costs $590 USD which should convert to about $1180 local currency is selling over here for anywhere between $1400 - $1800. At $1800 I was definitely using the pay phone as Carla said lol.

I apologize if I shocked any of you without explaining the exchange rate. The phone isn't really that expensive in comparison once I get someone to bring it in. I wonder how freaked out everyone would have been if I said I just financed a brand new car for $121,000 local currency(I think that is what the Toyoto Prius is going for over here in Barbados).

Anyways, Judy asked about the different cell plans we have in Barbados, so here is a snap shop of the plans offered by the provider I use(Note: None of these are my plan as I have a special one).

click to make bigger

The  top part shows regular plans for all phones except the iphone. The iphone carries it's own plans which can been seen at the bottom. For me personally the iphone plans suck. Actually, all the plans suck because if I didn't have the special plan I have now, I would have stuck with prepaid all the way. I guess I should mention all plans include voicemail, caller id, call forwarding, call waiting and 3 way calling. They all still suck though. We also only have two cellular providers on the entire island so there isn't much competition. If you want a full peek of the plans offered by both in detail you can find them here.

1. LIME
2. Digicel

And for those Tech Junkies like me who are interested. This is the phone I ordered; The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V.

So now that obsession and opportunity have won the fight. Their not so good friend accountability stopped by to see if I could use his help. Since I went and bought this phone without fully planning for it or being prepared for it, I need to hold myself accountable and make sure that I don't make any more purchases of this kind for the year, no matter how good a deal I see and how bad I think I want it. I think $620 is more than enough for a year of fulfilling material wants. At least this one was on my 2012 goals list so I will cross that off soon. Just in case I slip into a moment of weakness, I am more than sure I will mention it here on the blog first(after begging P) before I do anything stupid and if I do, I need you to hold me accountable and say

"No Rafiki, remember you bought that expensive, shiny phone at the start of the year without properly planning for it. Booya! Gotta(got to) pass on this one. Sucks for you :) "

So I think that's it for today. Thanks for all of your input. You people are awesome. I can't wait to get started on my secret project(woopsie, that wasn't suppose to be mentioned until later this week, oh well).

Thanks once again everyone.