I'm a big fan of, "if it doesn't do something useful, don't buy it", and also the corollary "if the only difference between 2 things is the brand name, buy the cheaper thing". How many discussions have I had about the actual value of a diamond? Comparing a diamond ring to a cubic zirconia... if I'm trying to cut my way out of a glass prison, I might choose the diamond... but otherwise, go with the glass! However, if I can just persuade my gal to go for a "hunk-o-nuke". See this post over at BoingBoing...