it won't have all the bells and whistles, but in the presence of fast-paced technological change it is often a worthwhile strategy. E.g. if you spent $250 on a chartplotter rather than $2500 then it will be less of a hit to the wallet (and the psyche) when there is technological obsolescence. It is true, though, that the lower-end entries might become phased-out earlier, though. I use this strategy when buying non-boating related eectronics as well (e.g. laptops, digital cameras) and it is a strategy which cost-conscious sailors should consider.

Jerry