Finding Great Gadget Deals Where You Least Expect Them

When it comes to buying gadgets and the inevitable accessories you need to go with them,a discount store like Marshalls is probably not the first place you would look. But if you're not, you're making a mistake.

When I purchased my iPhone 3Gs at the Apple Store in Willowbrook Mall, they had about a ka-gillion cases for it hanging on the wall. The prices ranged from about $20 to $70, but being the cheapskate that I am, I knew I could do better. So I drove over to the Marshalls store down the street, and in their tiny gadget department, I found a great Griffin case that protected the phone as well as the screen, for only $7.99.

The deals don't stop at iPhone cases either. During a recent trip to a Marshalls in North Jersey , I found a highly rated DLO iBoom iPod dock, valued at about $150, for $99.99. I also found a Phillips Network Music Player that streams music wirelessly to your stereo, for $59.99, about $40 less than the current price on the internet. They also had a variety of computer accessories, and headphones all for less than retail. So, if you're looking for a particular piece of gear, especially items like iPod and Notebook Accessories, it may pay to stop by a store like Marshalls or TJ Maxx first.

However, while the prices are great, you must also use some caution when buying electronics from a discount store like Marshalls.

First of all, most of the items are discontinued products, so you must make sure that they are compatible with any newer products you may want to use them with. Also, when you buy electronic products from a store that sells primarily UGG Boots and bedsheets, don't expect to get a lot of assistance from the staff regarding your headphones. They probably know less about them than you do. Unfortunately, the staff at "traditional" electronic stores are usually not much better, so as always, the internet review is your friend.