I was looking at the pictures of members' collections posted here - some pretty awesome ones I must say. I wondered whether people expressed a particular approach to collecting.

For example, is it about breadth: Trying to collect as many models as possible, or at least the most rare, technologically advanced, or interesting. The upside would that each acquisition is different, so it's more fun and exciting. You can personally re-experience the history before your very eyes. The downside would be cost (exactly how many models did Sony alone produce?).

Alternatively, is it about breadth: Focusing on one brand (Sony, Panasonic, etc), one particular model (each variant), or one technologically innovative feature. The upside to this approach is specialization, and you become the expert of details and nuances of a particular model. Also, if that model has higher collective value, you can save up for one big buy rather than spending it on five units of lesser value. Finally, the collection would be more manageable.

I'm sure it's a balance of both for most collectors, or may be no approach at all (more about personal history and buying whatever looks cool).

As my user name suggests, I tend to be in the latter category, mostly because of cost issues, but also because I tend to focus on the "world's first" type of product in all the gadgets I collect.

Free feel to share your approach to collecting.

Typo: The second category above should read: Depth.

I think each person has their thing that gives them a buzz for collecting. For me,I have a weakness for the best in everything. I've collected most of the Sony Pro Walkman's (TC-D5M / WM-D6C / WM-DC2 / WM-D3). I'm quite amazed at how well they perform 25 odd years later. Definitely more heart and soul than today's iPod's etc.

I also have a weakness for the smallest Walkman's (WM-10 / WM-F200 / WM-EX20), I especially like the WM-EX20 with it's full logic controls and it also sounds amazing (no compromise there). It's quite amazing how much is crammed into the WM-F200, these things are like Swiss Watches.

Needless to say, I have a weakness for Sony products. I'm even typing this on a Sony Computer 8-| (VGN-UX390N, look it up.......).