A thread for those of us with OCD...

[Kal-037]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this.

Anyway, so the point of this thread is to advise about new products but also give support and talk with each other to control OCD or feeling the NEED to upgrade or get the newest stuff. If you are stressed about buying an iPad due to bending reports or a possible refresh coming soon, come here to talk to people to help remind you these choices don’t need to be so complicated or tough. Also come to this thread to talk about an Apple device that is driving you bonkers cause you want the latest and greatest but maybe know deep down your current device is great... upgrading and wanting the most advanced product is a huge continuous headache because you want to wait for the next “big thing” With that, you’ll always be waiting for the “next one” and not get a chance to enjoy that awesome tech you have. It’s tough to fight that urge to buy the newest thing, so talking it through maybe could help put things into perspective and help you feel satisfied/happy with everything you have and will upgrade ONLY when you do need to.
Talk about the little things like cosmetic damage or any imperfections that really bug you and put into your mind: “this device isn’t perfect, it came with a smudge on the back. I need to replace/return, or get the new one, cause then it will be better.”
**just an example.
But it is hard to not buy these highly advertised products. Let’s say you have an iPad Pro 2017, and you love your device and it does all you need and more... but that 2018 looks good. There’s nothing wrong with upgrading every year, but if you do, are you upgrading for the pizazz, or does you device need to be retired as it doesn’t work anymore.
Anyways yes... this is a weird thread, but so many of us struggle with buying or not buying the newest that I think making a thread for people to discuss, support, or even rant about something bugging you is maybe a good thing to try out.

***I myself have crippling OCD, anxiety, and depression, so personally, I'm having a tough time with looking for imperfections or listening to rumors that make me think I should sell my amazing dream iPad for $400* off because the newer one might bet 10-14% faster and everyone else is buying it.

So anyone here having a tough time buying or not buying everything from the Apple?

 

[kazmac]

@Kal-037 I can relate.

My issues with Apple these past five years have almost left me with a twitch. So my OCD is based on past negative experiences rather than the "Oooh Shiny and new!" of the past (Granted a lot of PC OEMs hit that "Oooh shiny" spot recently, but I couldn't commit).

I've made myself and several other kind posters here annoyed as hell in not being able to just roll with whatever non-defective Apple product to buy or not. My past experiences with hardware and software failures/issues has helped with some of my purchases which brings me to this weekend.

I bought an iPad Air 3 yesterday as I'll need it for a class I am taking, but am trying to cancel a 2019 iMac 21.5" as I am not even sure I need it at this point (my 2013 27" is still chugging along, albeit slowly), and I just learned the hard way not to order anything else with the main purchase as that means 1) I cannot cancel the order outright, and 2) may have to ship the Beats back.

It's been easier for me to avoid most new Apple tech given the price points and build quality. Most importantly, whether or not I actually need any new Apple tech, but... despite my beefs, here I still am.

Now, I understand that you love your iPads and there's a constant desire to get the new tech. I no longer suffer from Fear of missing out because I am not a power user and certainly not a photographer/vlogger or anything like that. The price points and build quality have cured a lot of my "Must Have It!" feelings. Plus, I just do not like Face ID. I do not want lasers scanning my eyes or my face.

As I am using the Air 3 a lot, I know I still need to use a Mac, but am not sure if I need as much horse power as I ordered. Plus, do I even want a 6th iMac?

After decades of spending a lot of money on non-essentials, I am understanding that no movie, memorabilia, or piece of tech will induce supreme happiness, I have to look for that in my creativity and inside myself. The competitive keeping up with the Jones feeling puts a lot of unnecessary stress on me and being able to slowly detach from that has been helpful.

Plus, real life is demanding my funds be prioritized for real life.

I completely get some of your feelings (I used to be like that with every Apple release), and I hope you can resolve some of them and enjoy the tech you have now. Perhaps you can come up with a list of things you're not keen on with Apple and that might help stave off some of the FoMo that's going on.

Of course, if you still work at a Best Buy, I can certainly understand how much harder resisting new Apple tech must be.

Hang in there.

 

[Kal-037]

@Kal-037 I can relate.

My issues with Apple these past five years have almost left me with a twitch. So my OCD is based on past negative experiences rather than the "Oooh Shiny and new!" of the past (Granted a lot of PC OEMs hit that "Oooh shiny" spot recently, but I couldn't commit).

I've made myself and several other kind posters here annoyed as hell in not being able to just roll with whatever non-defective Apple product to buy or not. My past experiences with hardware and software failures/issues has helped with some of my purchases which brings me to this weekend.

I bought an iPad Air 3 yesterday as I'll need it for a class I am taking, but am trying to cancel a 2019 iMac 21.5" as I am not even sure I need it at this point (my 2013 27" is still chugging along, albeit slowly), and I just learned the hard way not to order anything else with the main purchase as that means 1) I cannot cancel the order outright, and 2) may have to ship the Beats back.

It's been easier for me to avoid most new Apple tech given the price points and build quality. Most importantly, whether or not I actually need any new Apple tech, but... despite my beefs, here I still am.

Now, I understand that you love your iPads and there's a constant desire to get the new tech. I no longer suffer from Fear of missing out because I am not a power user and certainly not a photographer/vlogger or anything like that. The price points and build quality have cured a lot of my "Must Have It!" feelings. Plus, I just do not like Face ID. I do not want lasers scanning my eyes or my face.

As I am using the Air 3 a lot, I know I still need to use a Mac, but am not sure if I need as much horse power as I ordered. Plus, do I even want a 6th iMac?

After decades of spending a lot of money on non-essentials, I am understanding that no movie, memorabilia, or piece of tech will induce supreme happiness, I have to look for that in my creativity and inside myself. The competitive keeping up with the Jones feeling puts a lot of unnecessary stress on me and being able to slowly detach from that has been helpful.

Plus, real life is demanding my funds be prioritized for real life.

I completely get some of your feelings (I used to be like that with every Apple release), and I hope you can resolve some of them and enjoy the tech you have now. Perhaps you can come up with a list of things you're not keen on with Apple and that might help stave off some of the FoMo that's going on.

Of course, if you still work at a Best Buy, I can certainly understand how much harder resisting new Apple tech must be.

Hang in there.

Thanks, and I get what you mean too, hopefully things work out for you as well. I luckily don't work at Best Buy anymore. lol
If things get even more annoying, come back here and vent, tell other people too. I think many times while this website and forum are amazingly awesome, people diagnosed with OCD or just have severe stress and anxiety get caught up in the excitement and maybe sometimes buy stuff "everybody else got the new thing" but after something is bought the stress takes over or the regret... and its a real thing that can cripple you or impact your life in a terrible way. Some will balk at this thread claiming we all have free will and just make bad decisions... but it's not that simple. Maybe actually talking about stuff without trying to hype each other up or down, will help.


Kallum.

 

[jaybar]

Thanks, and I get what you mean too, hopefully things work out for you as well. I luckily don't work at Best Buy anymore. lol
If things get even more annoying, come back here and vent, tell other people too. I think many times while this website and forum are amazingly awesome, people diagnosed with OCD or just have severe stress and anxiety get caught up in the excitement and maybe sometimes buy stuff "everybody else got the new thing" but after something is bought the stress takes over or the regret... and its a real thing that can cripple you or impact your life in a terrible way. Some will balk at this thread claiming we all have free will and just make bad decisions... but it's not that simple. Maybe actually talking about stuff without trying to hype each other up or down, will help.


Kallum.

I am concerned about threads like this. A lot of people on Macrumors who talk about OCD, have neither been evaluated or diagnosed. OCD is a clinical manifestation of behaviors. Many people get anxiety about their Apple devices and the devices imperfections, but this is hardly OCD in the clinical sense. People here, claiming they are OCD about x or y, does a disservice to people who have OCD and struggle with in.

I have no idea, whether anybody on this tread has OCD, but I remain concerned about how loosely the term is used on MR.

 

[kazmac]

I am concerned about threads like this. A lot of people on Macrumors who talk about OCD, have neither been evaluated or diagnosed. OCD is a clinical manifestation of behaviors. Many people get anxiety about their Apple devices and the devices imperfections, but this is hardly OCD in the clinical sense. People here, claiming they are OCD about x or y, does a disservice to people who have OCD and struggle with in.

I have no idea, whether anybody on this tread has OCD, but I remain concerned about how loosely the term is used on MR.

I understand what you mean, I do have it and it is a work in progress to live with it.

I also understand Kallum’s perspective so in terms of Apple, I had many years of perfectly sound tech from them and want that back. They spoiled me with dependability, ease of use etc. Whether or not they ever get back to that remains to be seen, but I adjust or not.

Case in point, I just confirmed an internet connection is needed for the TVapp to show what you have downloaded on your iDevices (which is utter bullcrap); but I found a work around, so I am still here. Apple just lost a Mac sale from me -in part- due to maneuvers like that, amongst many other things. Most importantly, my existing iMac runs okay, albeit slow, and my usage does not require a replacement right now. Also, I no longer trust Apple.

@Kal-037 Perhaps talking it through is a way to make that best decision for you. That desire to upgrade is just what Apple wants, but is it what you need (or want?)

In my negative Apple experiences, cutting back on Twitter, and real life asserting itself have helped crush my desire. Also, I look at folks here who wait until they absolutely must upgrade and see the common sense in that. I understand your perspective, so hang in there.

 

[LorenK]

I think I may have a problem, but mine might be a little different. I am currently the owner of an iPhone 5S, which is a rather ancient device, and I want to get a new phone, I need to get a new phone, but I keep thinking that the expected new developments in the next phone are worth waiting for, so rather than get a new phone, I just keep waiting for it to be more compelling and in the meantime, I'm continually recharging my battery, don't have room for any apps, take poor pictures, have no room for video files, and am just having a poor phone experience relative to what I could be getting. Telling me that I am being foolish worrying about the size of the phone, the 5S slides easily into my front pocket, while the 8 that I now have for work feels like a brick in my front pocket. Help!

 

[Kal-037]

I am concerned about threads like this. A lot of people on Macrumors who talk about OCD, have neither been evaluated or diagnosed. OCD is a clinical manifestation of behaviors. Many people get anxiety about their Apple devices and the devices imperfections, but this is hardly OCD in the clinical sense. People here, claiming they are OCD about x or y, does a disservice to people who have OCD and struggle with in.

I have no idea, whether anybody on this tread has OCD, but I remain concerned about how loosely the term is used on MR.

I agree 110%... It is thrown around like a frisbee. I have had it since I was a kid, my mom, brother, and sister have it as well. It's not an occasional thing, it is a moment to moment terrible battle for me and even worse for my brother. BUT while this thread says OCD in the title, it is okay if those who don't actually have it or suffer from it, comment and ask for suggestions or anything. Reason for that is, as a person diagnosed with severe Anxiety, ADD, Depression, and OCD... I understand the stress anyone feels and just because they don't have OCD doesn't make their anxiety or frustrations moot. Of course, I'd like people to not throw around OCD as it diminishes the seriousness of those of us who actually suffer from it, but I can't force people to do that, what I CAN do is just try to help anyone who needs it. Doing that makes me feel happier. Maybe I'm wrong in doing so, but maybe not.




K.

 

[Kal-037]

I think I may have a problem, but mine might be a little different. I am currently the owner of an iPhone 5S, which is a rather ancient device, and I want to get a new phone, I need to get a new phone, but I keep thinking that the expected new developments in the next phone are worth waiting for, so rather than get a new phone, I just keep waiting for it to be more compelling and in the meantime, I'm continually recharging my battery, don't have room for any apps, take poor pictures, have no room for video files, and am just having a poor phone experience relative to what I could be getting. Telling me that I am being foolish worrying about the size of the phone, the 5S slides easily into my front pocket, while the 8 that I now have for work feels like a brick in my front pocket. Help!

So are you wondering if you should get rid of one or upgrade to a different phone altogether? Also I wouldn't wait for 2020 iPhone to upgrade as compared to the 11 it won't be a huge advancement by any means. It will be re-designed most likely but it's not like it will be 75% faster or anything like that. I imagine it will have some fun features but I think if your iPhone 5s is just struggling... look at a Xr, 11, or maybe 11 Pro 5.8" but from reading your post you may not like any of those as they are even bigger than the 8.
[doublepost=1568671036][/doublepost]

@Kal-037 Perhaps talking it through is a way to make that best decision for you. That desire to upgrade is just what Apple wants, but is it what you need (or want?)

In my negative Apple experiences, cutting back on Twitter, and real life asserting itself have helped crush my desire. Also, I look at folks here who wait until they absolutely must upgrade and see the common sense in that. I understand your perspective, so hang in there.

Thank you, I very much appreciate it. Part of what bugs me is if I just now notice a tiny imperfection and think I should sell the iPad and go for brand new, but I agree with you... Apple's QC is not as good as it used to be, (IMO 80% of their devices don't have any issues while the rest do,) and that's unacceptable from someone like Apple where it should be maybe 5-7% QC issues (per their history of making quality over quantity and what not.) Luckily My iPad is in the 80% (touch issues occurred before software update) but after that only an occasional bug here or there. One thing that freaked me out the other day was that for about 3 seconds I was touching the screen to wake it up and it wouldn't wake up, so then I pressed the power button and Siri activated immediately and it worked fine after that. I started to freak out but remembered I'm on iPad OS beta, lol.
But man I wish I could remember I know tech malfunctions or gets bugs and just live in that, but I get freaked out when these devices have issues. ugh. lol

 

[kazmac]

So are you wondering if you should get rid of one or upgrade to a different phone altogether? Also I wouldn't wait for 2020 iPhone to upgrade as compared to the 11 it won't be a huge advancement by any means. It will be re-designed most likely but it's not like it will be 75% faster or anything like that. I imagine it will have some fun features but I think if your iPhone 5s is just struggling... look at a Xr, 11, or maybe 11 Pro 5.8" but from reading your post you may not like any of those as they are even bigger than the 8.
[doublepost=1568671036][/doublepost]
Thank you, I very much appreciate it. Part of what bugs me is if I just now notice a tiny imperfection and think I should sell the iPad and go for brand new, but I agree with you... Apple's QC is not as good as it used to be, (IMO 80% of their devices don't have any issues while the rest do,) and that's unacceptable from someone like Apple where it should be maybe 5-7% QC issues (per their history of making quality over quantity and what not.) Luckily My iPad is in the 80% (touch issues occurred before software update) but after that only an occasional bug here or there. One thing that freaked me out the other day was that for about 3 seconds I was touching the screen to wake it up and it wouldn't wake up, so then I pressed the power button and Siri activated immediately and it worked fine after that. I started to freak out but remembered I'm on iPad OS beta, lol.
But man I wish I could remember I know tech malfunctions or gets bugs and just live in that, but I get freaked out when these devices have issues. ugh. lol

Well, I am definitely a glutton for punishment with iPads*, but I am babying the heck out of this Air. Making sure to put it aside when it begins to get warm etc. because I want #9 to remain fine.

*Am grateful I stood my ground in not buying another Pro, but I will deal with Apple if necessary. That is all I will say about that. Imperfections: For me, if it’s a build quality issue, it goes back.

At any rate, I am just trying to have fun with it and get back into my creative groove. I wish you the best with yours.

 

[Kal-037]

Well, I am definitely a glutton for punishment with iPads*, but I am babying the heck out of this Air. Making sure to put it aside when it begins to get warm etc. because I want #9 to remain fine.

*Am grateful I stood my ground in not buying another Pro, but I will deal with Apple if necessary. That is all I will say about that. Imperfections: For me, if it’s a build quality issue, it goes back.

At any rate, I am just trying to have fun with it and get back into my creative groove. I wish you the best with yours.

Thank you, and thank you for being so nice. I’m the same with build quality issues but mostly in terms of marks, dents, scratches when brand new.
I hope your Air 2 works for another 5-years. Cheers!