Purchasing Gadgets

Handhelds and PDAs

Handhelds and PDAs get outdated just as fast (if not more so) than your home computer, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Like discussed above, don't get caught up in the latest processor, operating system, or integrated multi-megapixel camera, and rather focus on what purpose the PDA will serve you. In this way, you can typically get a great deal on an outgoing model because the store needs to make way for the overpriced new version of essentially the same unit.

Things to look for (depending on the user):

• Operating System: Usually a version of Palm or Windows/Pocket PC
• Internal Memory: Will it be enough?
• Expansion: Is there room for additional memory?
• Multimedia: Will you be using this as a portable music/video player as well?
• Applications: A good calendar and contact list are usually at the top of the list, as well as compatability with editing Word or Excel documents (though not everyone needs this)
• Phone: Sometimes it's worth the extra money to pick up a smartphone (PDA/cell phone combo) rather than having two separate units, though many people do not like using a PDA-sized device for phone calls.

Other useful handhelds include electronic dictionaries, portable units that store drink recipes, and electronic translators.

Portable GPS Units

As GPS becomes more and more mainstream (many new car models have GPS touchscreen displays as options or even standard equipment on higher-end vehicles), the ability to navigate through new neighbourhoods has become a lot easier. If you are staying within your home town most of the time, you may not need a GPS unit, but if you do a fair amount of travelling, or drive a lot for work (visiting clients in neighbouring towns and municipalities), a worthy investment just may be a GPS unit.

Things to look for:

• Portability: Can you easily transfer the unit to another vehicle?
• Maps: which are included? Do they indicate points of interest?
• Expansion: Can you purchase or download additional maps and updates?
• Voiced turn-by-turn navigation: It can help keep your eyes on the road as the unit actually "tells" you to turn left or right, instead of you having to glance at the screen.

MP3 and Movie Players

Portable CD players may be a little yesterday, but if you have a good sized library, you don't want it to go completely to waste. That said, MP3 players are getting very affordable these days, and you are not bound to buying a multi-gigabyte version from Apple. There are many good brands out there. Check out our article on How to Buy an MP3 Player for more useful advice. Similar conditions apply for portable movie players, be them DVD or hard-drive based.

Around the Home

One set of gadgets that rarely get outdated are things that you can use around the home. You can find these at most major department stores, kithen supply stores, and other similar retail outlets. Some may be electric/electronic, like a digital thermometer, but others are just new takes on old form factors. Salad spinners, innovative can openers, and electric scissors are but a few examples of what you can find. Bear in mind that you will be paying a premium to get your hands on these less conventional appliances, so you should ask yourself if the extra cost involved is worth it for you, because what may be a good value to one person can be an absolute waste to another.

Fun Gadgets

Of course, not all gadgets are particularly functional, and are designed more to be a fun addition to your home (and to their revenue). We've all been there, and we've all bought something stupid along the way from such stores as The Sharper Image, San Francisco, or Spencer Gifts. These include, but are not limited to back massagers, lava lamps, and a cow-shaped cookie jar that moos when you open it.

There is little harm in buying one of these odd trinkets from time to time for the sake of amusement -- we all need a smile and a laugh from time to time -- but don't get caught up and empty your bank account in these stores, because the novelty of said gadgets quickly wears off. The mooing cookie jar will stop being funny and just start being annoying.

Related Buyers Guide Links

• Buying an iPod Nano
• How to Buy a Cell Phone
• How to Buy an MP3 Player
• How to Buy a Camera Phone
• How to Buy a Digital Voice Recorder