Have You Ever Made an Emergency Gadget Purchase?

After a series of alarm-clock blunders led my friend to snatch up a pricey iPod/iPhone-compatible alarm clock in a hurry, she learned the hard way that a better alarm for half the price could have been hers. Of course, comparison shopping online is the best way to avoid buyer's remorse, but she needed it that moment to avoid any more tardy mornings at work.

Most major gadget purchases are made after some deliberation and planning, but sometimes the device you need most quits on you and you can't wait for the next release date or even rushed shipping. Have you ever made an emergency gizmo purchase?