I think that humans are collectors and hoarders, even at a young age we covet our toys, teddy bears, etc., with the latest addition most likely to be our favorite...at least for a little while.
I believe having something new like your laptop example, fulfills us on an emotional level. It's just a little strange that we should have such a relationship to an inanimate object.
So true. Hoarders is definitely an appropriate term.