Guide to Holiday Shopping: Electronics

In this electronic age, it seems that most people have electronics on their wish list. Here's some of the top gifts that they may be wishing for.

Video Games

Hands down, video games are the most sought after gift during the holidays. The first thing you need to keep in mind is the system. New platforms include the Playstation 3 and XBOX 360. Keep in mind that the Nintendo Wii is very hard to find in stores, so searching for this platform online will yield better results.

The second aspect of video games will be the games. Depending on your budget and the recipient's interest, you can decide what games to get from there. The most popular game currently is the Guitar Hero platform, which expanded into Rock Band. Again, some platforms can be hard to find this for, so be patient. If you are on a smaller budget, look for some older games that can still work. You can commonly find older or used games for discount prices.

Lastly, accessories may be needed. Buying an extra controller for a friend is an idea. For the Wii, a remote charger is an option to limit the use of batteries. Disc cleaners can also be an idea.

Mp3 Player

In the last decade, mp3 players have exploded. These portable music players can hold anywhere from 100 to what seems like an unlimited amount of music, videos and pictures. The two biggest brands are iPods are Zunes. If purchasing for someone else, think of how much they like music to determine the proper size and memory storage amount. With new technology such as touch screens, keep in mind how technologically sound they are to be sure they can operate the device.

Camera

Another electronic item craved by many is a camera. There is a camera available for every use and skill level. If you wish to get a camera for a highly skilled and highly interested photographer, be prepared to shell out money for a higher quality, which can be highly variable depending on the focus and lens. If not, you should still get a high quality camera for durability, which usually ranges from $100 to $300, but will not give you as breathtaking photos as a professional camera would.

Cell Phone

Cell phones being purchased for the holidays can prove to be problematic. This is for many reasons. First, you must decided upon a phone and a service provider. There are thousands of phones available, from those that slide and those that are touch screen. Some phones that are wanted are only available through a specific provider.

The biggest problem with buying a cell phone for someone else is you don't know how much of what they will use it for. Unless you contact them, you will not know how many minutes or text messages they will use. Plus, you don't know what features they will use, as an Internet connection can be an additional $15 per month. Unless you have extensive knowledge of what and how they will use it, a cell phone can be challenging to buy for another person.

TV

Televisions are another good gift idea for your electronic junkie. They can range from about 15 inches to over 70 inches and differ in composition. There are different technologies, such as LCD or Plasma, which will alter the picture shown. Keep in mind if the recipient will use HDTV, as some televisions have it and some don't. With the new change of digital television, ensure that the TV is formatted or the recipient has a converter box to ensure they can use it. When buying a TV, it is recommended that reliable brands such as Sony or Samsung are bought. This is to ensure your investment does not fizzle out and can withstand over some time.

GPS

A surprising up-and-comer, a GPS system is a commonly sought after item. This is due to the practical use. Many will vary in features, such as a color screen to how detailed how the picture is. The size may be a factor too. Before buying, read reviews from past customers to ensure that the GPS you have selected is a proven worker and will satisfy what you want it to.

Computer

Computers, or more commonly laptops, can be bought for the holidays. This is a great idea for students. Whether you decide on a laptop or a home computer, recognize the need. The picture quality on the computer can vary, along with the size and programs on it. Buy a case for a laptop to protect it and ensure you have a router to get a connection. Remember accessories such a keyboard, mouse, and speakers and decide how much you are willing to spend.

Talk with a salesperson to ensure you are getting the right computer for the right use. There are smaller laptops that can easy to transport and larger ones for a wider view.

Computer Programs

What good is a computer if you don't put programs on it? Such programs like Word, Excel, and Powerpoint are now required to be purchased separately from computers. Other programs, such as Photoshop can be purchased. Another idea is computer games, as a game like World of Warcraft is a common game found of many computers. Although a purchase is required, an account can be made and the game played from there.

Overall, when purchasing electronics, go with the good names to ensure durability. Remember that ordering used will increase the risk of malfunctioning. Also, when buying online, shipping a delicate item can prove to be disastrous, so consider buying an item at a local store instead. This way, you can test the item out and see the quality for yourself. This can be important when buying a computer or television. Above all, think of what can be actually used. Don't purchase a camera for $1000 if the person using it doesn't take pictures. If you keep the above in mind, your shopping can go much more easier.