At what point do you just ditch the electronics and stick with tried-and-true methods such as mechanical filtration, chemical purification or good old boiling?

I'm intrigued by the steripen -- being a gadget person it appeals to me -- and came close to buying one on several occasions. But the big turn-off for me is UV sterilization does nothing to improve the clarity or taste of the water, and then I have concerns about dead batteries or just the random failure of electronic devices at inopportune moments (if you check the buyer reviews of Steripens, you'll seem my concerns are not unfounded).

I've used a Pur (now Katadyn) Hiker Pro water filter for over 15 years and never had it completely fail on me. Likewise my Sawyer Point Oh Two filter, which I use in my homemade dip-n-go water bottle (I liked the filter, but not Sawyer's bottle or cap). I recently purchased a First Need XL filter, and so far it's been equally reliable. I also carry chlorine dioxide tablets, but I've only used them to demonstrate to others how they work and taste.

Just my opinion based on what works best for me.