You're Probably Paying Too Much for Storage Space You Don't Need

Many of us probably grab the bigger flash drive models of iPads, iPhones, and other non-upgradeable devices because we feel like someday down the line we'll really need that space. However, as Slate points out, most of us never will, and we're wasting money on overpriced upgrades.

It's no secret that companies want you to buy the higher end models because they make more money of them with cheap Flash memory storage. In a report released by iSuppli they note that the cost difference between the 8GB and the 16GB model of Google's Nexus 7 tablet is about $7.50. This means the profit margin is way larger for the 16GB.

Profit margins aside, Slate raises another important issue: Do we really need that space? For most of us the answer is probably no:

The 8GB of storage that come with the Nexus 7's entry-level tablet doesn't sound like a lot, but I suspect it's enough for most people. The 16GB of storage available on the cheapest iPad, meanwhile, should be more than plenty. You'll almost always use these devices when they're connected to a broadband line-when you're at home, work, or a coffee shop-or when you're in between those locations. This means you'll always be pretty close to virtually unlimited online storage-the splendors of Dropbox, Netflix, Spotify, iCloud, Flickr, Facebook, et al-so you won't need to keep all of your media on your tablet.

Of course, everyone has different needs and certain people do need the extra space. Still, as Slate points out, most of us are probably fine with the low-end models on our portable devices. Don't talk yourself into a memory upgrade at the store unless you plan on really using it.

Storage Suckers | Slate