Splurge or save?

I am the kind of person who values the quality of products. In the long run I feel it can be cheaper by buying a good quality item rather than replacing it multiple times later. Here's my list of my priorities of what I will pay for:

I never pay full price for:

-Cds: Why buy a new CD, when you can buy it used for a third of the price old? The music quality is still the same. Now that itunes exists, I also don't buy songs I don't like. Saving me a few dollars. 

-Book: Same argument as the CDs. You can find almost any book cheaper than the full price. 

 

Applications: I love using computer and palm software to make my life more productive, but I don't pay for it. I use opensource or freeware application that are as good or better than the ones you have to pay for. 

I am willing to spend more money on: 

Laptop: This is such a crucial thing for college. My whole life is on my computer. I have a macbook, and it was a great investment on my side. Many of my peers have scolded me for getting such an expensive computer, but I have avoided a lot of problems by buying a higher quality computer. The cost of replacing a crappy computer with another crappy computer equals or exceeds the price of a good quality computer. 

Wire Headset for my cellphone: I use this often, and it goes everywhere with me. It was $60, but it was well worth the splurge. I drive safer.

A good quality backpack: I spent $45 on a back pack my freshman year of high school and I use the same backpack today as a college junior. It has protected my computer from the rain, while big enough to carry all my books. 

Items that I don't compromise quality for, but I get cheap. 

Clothes: Generally, I don't like to spend more than $20 on one item, but I don't like to shop at clothes stores that sell junior's clothes for $5. The quality is usually terrible, and it ends up in the garbage or give away pile a few days later.  I always go to the sale racks of pricer stores. I have found great stuff at Urban Outfitters and Macy's. 

Cell Phones: I value a high quality phone, but with all the offers and deals out there, it would be silly to pay full price for one. I have a smartphone costing $99. 

Dishes, Pots, Pans: These things are important to be good quality, but you can find great deals at Department Stores. Through my use of coupons and searching for sale items, I got a $100 12 piece pots and pans set for $28. By waiting for a sale I got cook ware that will last me many years.