Choosing.
WHAT MATTERS
Whether it does your task well Whether it can search, if you need current information What happens to your data Whether it fits into how you already work Cost against time saved
WHAT MATTERS LESS THAN MARKETING SUGGESTS
Benchmark scores Model size Claims of being most advanced
HOW TO DECIDE
Test on your actual work, including cases you know the answer to.
Ask it something it cannot possibly know and see whether it admits it.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE NEED
One good general assistant.
Most specialised products are the same underlying capability with a different interface.
WHEN A SPECIALISED TOOL IS WORTH IT
High volume of one task, or genuine workflow integration.
WHEN TO CHANGE
When your current tool cannot do something you need.
Not because something newer exists.
THE PRACTICAL ADVICE
Learn one properly. Prompting skill transfers; tool familiarity does not.
