Electronics, Mobile & Cellular

Did You Know?

The global recession has hit consumer electronics makers such as Sony and Nintendo hard. Want proof? The S&P 500 Consumer Electronics Index has dropped 77% since the beginning of 2008.

That means laptop computers, cell phones, digital music players and cameras are piling up in warehouses. And retailers are slashing prices to move products off their shelves.

While that's bad news for these companies, it's good for savvy consumers, who can choose from a wide range of high-quality products without breaking the bank. Here are the best buys in key categories:

Laptop computers: Your $1,500 laptop is too bulky to travel with, but the new breed of ultra-small netbooks don't pack enough power. What should you do?

Consider the Pavilion dv2 from Hewlett-Packard. The 12.1-inch computer, which starts at $699, blurs the line between netbook and laptop. It's the first computer to use the Athlon Neo pricessor by Advanced Micro Devices, which gadget Web site CNET calls "super efficient." It's also powerful enough to run a full version of Microsoft's Windows Vista. Most netbooks run lighter operating systems such as Windows XP or Linux.

And if you like to end your day with a little 3-D gaming, the Pavilion dv2 can easily handle games like "Unreal Tournament" thanks to its high-end graphic components. That's something your average netbook can't do.

Portable music players: Apple's iPod and Microsoft's Zune are packed with features such as video playback, voice recording, customizable playlists and wireless synchronization. However, you can save a bundle of money if you're willing to give up a few of those options.

Digital cameras: If you're an amateur shutterbug, consider Canon's Power Shot A590. At $129, the camera won't leave you broke, and includes extras like 8-megapixel resolution and optical zoom that can magnify by four times. Its face-recognition feature automatically focuses on portrait subjects. The Power Shot A590 also lets you switch lenses, a rare feature for cameras that cheap.

Cell phones: You could pay $500 for a phone that offers Web access, voice-recognition technology and video recording. But the enV(2) by LG Electronics offers many of the same features for less. The phone starts at $129.99 with a two-year service agreement with Verizon Communications.

The enV(2) has all the latest perks, including a 2-megapixel camera, Web browser, Bluetooth capability, voice recognition and music player. Text-obsessed users will find a full keyboard and screen when they flip open the phone. The 4.3-ounce phone is 0.65 inches thick, so it's easy to slip into your jacket pocket.

Electronics, Mobile & Cellular