Windows Vista Operating System got a pass by the Smart Money folks due to the fact that they think there are a few bugs that need to be worked out before you upgrade. With a needed 1GB of RAM the thought is one should wait until upgrading and just get the software new with a new purchase. The sentiment isn't Smart Money's alone. Security expert Bruce Schneier noted in a Forbes article that he thinks Vista will not actually increase security or stability or speed due to resources Vista will spend continually running, monitoring, and rebooting sub-systems to control DRM. General consumer enthusiasm of Vista doesn't seem to be strong, as earlier reported by BloggingStocks. Certainly nothing at all like the crowds of fans who lined up in long lines for Windows 95 when it first came out.

One of the reasons Bruce Schneier recommends passing on Vista is due to DRM issues Microsoft built in in order to cater to new High Definition DVD players. Smart Money cautions against buying HD DVD players, which are competing with Blue Ray DVD players right now. The comparison to Betamax and VHS comes quickly to mind. And certainly, looking at the next gadget failure, it's important to realize that the expense of an HD DVD doesn't seem worth it just yet. The Sony Playstation 3 banked on people wanting the ability to play Blue Ray DVDs on its tricked out gaming console. But at $600 buyers have stayed well clear of the system, choosing the Nintendo Wii or Microsoft XBox.

Funny to see how Sony has thrown its money after two potentially risky gadgets that many are cautioning people to 'wait and see' about. It's no surprise Sony's stock has been struggling of late. Betting on one piece of technology that's new to users is one thing; wrapping two of them up in one machine and asking people to pay more doesn't seem successful, even if overall the PS3 is cheaper than buying both a new console and a next generation DVD player. Consumers only want to invest in one new technology at a time, please.

The last two pieces of technology Smart Money warns against aren't specific to any stocks. Ten-megapixel digital cameras and 'draft-N' routers are cutting edge pieces of technology. The new 'N' wireless technology comes after A/B and G of late, but at under a couple hundred dollars, this is a fairly low risk gadget. While the technology is 'draft' it's a recoverable mistake, and since the router already has 'G' in it as well, certainly one that shouldn't hurt a consumer. Computer companies should be happy to carry these in stock for cutting edge users. Ditto the large megapixel cameras. Some consumers would like the larger photo sizes for the sake of prosperity posterity and ability to take good pictures that can be blown up. Too many of us took on the advantage of digital cameras and suffered through pixelated pictures down the road. Why not invest in a clearer picture for the future? Computer companies and technology stores like Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE:CC) and Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) will, and should, stock these and continue selling them happily.