Common Woes When Buying Consumer Electronics

Never has there been a time like the present, where the consumer electronics department is filled with rivalry and advancement. Consumers are faced with many tough decisions when buying products for audio, video, communications, and other electronics fields.

Buying with Fear

The tough decisions for electronics consumers usually have to do with formats. A shopper decides to by a new DVD player, but is faced with several formats that are competing. These formats affect everything else, from the type of television the consumer buys to the types of movie DVDs they buy. If one format outweighs the other in consumer demand, that format will be preferred in all related products. Therefore, if the consumer chooses the format that "loses out," they're just out of luck!

Another example from the video electronics industry is formatting for televisions. There is HDTV, SDTV and Blu-Ray. Other formats are sure to pop up eventually. Buying an HDTV also means buying a new DVD player with HDTV compatibility.

When to Buy

Consumers can avoid format wars somewhat by waiting a while before making a purchase. They don't have to rush out and buy the latest audio or video product. There's no need to buy the brand new cell phone with all latest features. Music equipment can usually wait as well.

If consumers can wait a little while before buying, the best format will be revealed by consumer demand and the number of related products that will support that particular format. If an electronics product is released in fall, consumers can wait until the following spring before buying. When waiting is not possible, research can help. The Web offers a wealth of information on just about any product.

Product Updates

Another woe of buying consumer electronics is the tendency of companies to continue releasing updated versions of their products. For instance, video games and consoles almost always have a Part 2 and Part 3. Parents end up buying a new console every holiday or birthday. And, of course, they must buy new games and accessories to go along.

Electronics Online

The great thing about electronics today is they are readily available online for consumers to shop and compare 24 hours a day. There are many sites that specialize in electronics, so consumers can find products easily. Some sites carry video and audio products, music equipment, communications products such as cell phones, and more all in one central Web location. Web shoppers can browse electronics by category and take their time to compare. It's great to shop without pressure.

Buying electronics doesn't have to be stressful. Thorough research can lead to smart purchases.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Woes of Buying Electronics or Majon's Electronics directory.

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Making Wholesale Electronics a Family Affair

These days, it seems that each person is helping himself or herself to a different slice of the digital pie. There's no doubt that the consumer electronics market is booming, and there's no end in sight. Yet, although it might seem that our lives revolve around various electronic gadgets, in my family, each person has a preference for a certain type of electronics - something that captures his or her imagination and simply won't let go. Luckily for our family budget, we've been able to find sources for wholesale electronics, so that we can indulge each person's preferences.

My youngest son, for example, would be hard-pressed to give up his video game consoles. Although he has other interests, his video games bring him an extraordinary amount of pleasure. Solving puzzles, creating new worlds, collecting objects, and defeating enemies give him such joy. He goes so far as to think up new characters and activities for game sequels, even sketching out what new realms might look like. For a school project last year, he designed and wrote a 24-page puzzle book (crosswords, anacrostics, word searches, and so forth) based on Pikmin, one of his favorite video games.

My older daughter, on the other hand, couldn't care less about video game consoles. Like most teenagers, music is her thing. She was enthralled with her mp3 player for about a year, but when she received an iPod for her birthday (purchased at wholesale, of course!), the mp3 player began collecting dust. Whether tucked into her pocket or her pocketbook, her iPod goes with her everywhere.

Although my husband enjoys video games, he prefers portable video game consoles. He especially favors his PSP, although his Nintendo DS also gets a workout. His true passion, however, is the digital camera. He was an early adopter of the technology, and his wholesale purchases have been keeping pace with the evolving technology. He's currently using a 7-megapixel digital camera, and is waiting for the prices to come down a bit before moving to a single lens reflex digital camera.

As for me, I've been enchanted with DVD players for years. My affections have turned to DVD player-recorders, and I delight in programming my DVR to record my favorite shows, to learn my viewing preferences, and to copy episodes onto DVD.

Wherever the future of electronics us, my family is ready. As long as we can continue to find wholesale electronics, we will delight in whatever devices come along.

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The ABCs of Personal Electronics

Wallis Simpson once infamously said, "You can never be too rich or too thin." Today, she might say, "You can never have too many personal electronics." With a tremendous variety of electronics from which to choose, and ever lower prices, personal electronics make life more enjoyable, more convenient, and definitely more fun. In the spirit of fun, here are the ABCs of personal electronics:

Apple - For many reasons, Apple belongs at the top of the list. Think Mac, iMac, iPod, iPhoto, and iTunes.

BlackBerry - The ubiquitous handheld device from RIM that keeps you in constant contact.

Cell Phones - Now that everyone carries around cell phones, our society has experience a sea change in the way we communicate.

Digital Camera - If you're still using film, you're so twentieth century. It's time to go digital!

Email - The ultimate electronic communication.

Flat Screen TVs - Combine a flat screen TV with HDTV, and you'll have an unprecedented home entertainment experience.

GPS System - The best automotive electronic since self-locking doors. With a GPS system, you'll never get lost!

Handheld Computer - Whether it's a Palm, a BlackBerry, or a tablet PC, handheld computing is the way to plug in - wirelessly - anytime and anywhere.

IPod - Steve Jobs and his crew have forever changed the way we buy and listen to music.

Jensen - Manufacturer of great headphones and earbuds.

Kid's Electronics - Virtually every adult electronic item is available in a kid's version, from CD players and DVD players to cell phones and karaoke machines.

LCD Flat Screen TV - The best of the best when it comes to televisions, and the prices are coming down!

MP3 Player - If you don't have an iPod, an MP3 player is a must-have to listen to the latest tunes.

Nintendo - A great gaming system, and home to Mario and Luigi!

Online - The best place to find electronics bargains is at an online shopping mall.

Personal Computer - Whether it's a desktop, a laptop, or a handheld, a personal computer is a necessity in today's world.

Questions - When buying electronics, always ask questions to learn everything you need to know about the device.

Radar Detectors - Another electronic automotive necessity.

Sony - The world's premiere manufacturer of personal electronics.

Toys - Electronic toys are amazing, fun, and educational.

USB Key - The portable information storage system that allows you to save files and carry them with you on your keychain.

Video Games - Non-gamers may not understand the attraction, but video games can take you place and challenge you in ways you could never imagine.

Watches - Great watches are packed with wonderful options that allow you to do everything from simply telling the time to checking your email.

Xbox 360 - The best gaming platform around - for the time being!

Yellow - The most popular color of kid's electronics, followed by red.

Zzzz - Something (sleep) you won't get a lot of once you're hooked on personal electronics!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about The ABCs of Personal Electronics or Majon's Electronics directory.

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What About The Taxes On My Wholesale Consumer Electronics From China

That’s the question, isn’t it? We all don’t want to end up being chased by the guv’ment because we didn’t pay our dues, right? We have to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Anyway, for those of you who are now looking at buying wholesale electronics from China, here’s great news: For now, most China-based wholesale consumer electronics supplier aren’t charging any VAT, other taxes or any other hidden charges at all. Zero. Nada. So, what do they charge you? Just pay them what you see on your computer screens when you checked your items out which, of course, includes shipping charges which are very minimal (and at least say “Thank you” in your heart for their wonderful service).

But hold your horses! Your supplier doesn’t charge you any taxes, yes, but depending on your country’s tax regulations you might pay up for some custom duties. Yup, that’s one of life’s hard facts. But, hey, don’t lose sleep! Do these quick and easy but very necessary steps to learn how to deal with tax matters when importing to save you time and money:

• Do your homework. Do a research on your country’s tax regulations on imported goods. Don’t guess.

• Take time out to contact the right government agency that handles these concerns and remember to talk to the right person in that agency.

• Contact your supplier and ask if they have special arrangements to help you minimize your taxes (or even eliminate them altogether).

• Outline your special instructions for your suppliers concerning disclosure of amounts or value of the goods and they will be more than glad to assist you with these matters.

Remember, your suppliers are from foreign lands. They won’t know how to deal with your tax situations until you fill them in on what’s up with your country’s tax regulations.

So go check out your supplier’s wholesale consumer electronics offerings, compute the costs and do your homework now and get started with the lucrative business of selling Chinese wholesale consumer electronics.

Charlemagne Solanor is from the Philippines and has began blogging in November, 2006. His blog Wholesale Electronics talks about consumer electronics products. His goal is to help electronics retailers find the best online wholesale electronics deal to explode their retailing business.

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Use of Electronics in Automobiles Increased Demands for ASIC, ASSP, and FPGAs

Frost & Sullivan has recently made public their new report on the current status of ASIC, ASSP, and FPGA markets. The report not only states how the industry is faring but also forecasts what will be the trends in the markets and what will be the challenges that it will have to confront.

In the study, the experts analyzed also other factors that affect the industry directly like their end-users. They include also in their studies body and chassis, central command, telematics, power train, engine control, safety and security, and driver relevant information. The main thing that the study shows is that more and more electronics are being used on automobiles which increased the demand for ASIC, ASSP, and FPGAs.

Today’s vehicles are becoming more and more reliant on electronic components. Different systems of a vehicle that are being developed and produced today are equipped with electronic systems which aid the mechanical parts in performing effectively. Fuel injection systems for cars rely on electronic components to provide the engine with the right amount of fuel. Likewise, safety systems also rely heavily on electronic circuits to provide optimum safety to the occupants of a car in the event of a crash. Braking systems also depend on electronic components like the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The automobile specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application specific standard products (ASSPs), and the field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) markets have been achieving much success, thanks to the needs for the said products in the automotive industry. The increase in the number of consumers means that the demand for the said electronic parts will also rise. Other factors that made the need for electronic parts are government pollution mandates, safety and security regulations, and the oil crisis. The use of electronic components also reduces manufacturing costs since human errors are very much avoided.

In the automotive industry, the introduction of luxury features also increased the need for specialized electronic components. The popularity of hybrid vehicles like the popular Toyota Prius also made the demand increase. Electronic components are needed on hybrid vehicles to facilitate the smooth change of power from engine to electric motor muscle. Other mandatory safety systems also need electronic components. Electronic stability systems rely on electronics to keep the car stable especially while cornering. Suspension systems also depends on electronics as shown by electronically controlled independent suspension systems employed by the latest mass produced vehicles.

Due to the increase in the demand of such, the industry is expected to generate considerable revenues especially in the European region’s market where the industry is doing a very good business. While Europe may be the leading region in terms of production of ASICs, ASSPs, and FPGAs, Asian countries are joining the bandwagon. The region has become the fastest growing segments due to the increasing automobile sales in the said area. Without the aid of electronic components, even high quality parts like brake components from EBC Active Brakes Direct will not perform to the best of their capabilities.

While the industry may be enjoying much success, they still have to come up with more world class electronic design automation software tools to provide better service to their end users. Fierce competition is also expected since there are companies that are already established which will make it hard for smaller enterprises to break into the market and stake their claims in a share in the growing market. The analysts said that there is a possibility that the large and established companies will acquire smaller companies to increase their productivity. Analysts further said that the market for electronic components will grow dramatically as the technology used in cars will likely advance in the future.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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What Your Electronics Manufacturing Service Provider Needs from You

Contract electronics manufacturing service or EMS providers typically work with customers in a wide range of industries with differing requirements for inventory control, testing, product packaging, and product support. In some applications, the EMS provider simply assembles the printed circuit boards and then ships the boards to the customer. In other applications, the EMS provider will assemble the printed circuit board, load firmware/software into memory, test the board, and then assemble the board and associated cables, enclosures, and documentation into a finished product that is shipped to the customer. Some customers will provide all of the materials, raw boards and electronic components, required for a job and the EMS provider assemblies the printed circuit boards, performs any required testing, and ships the finished boards to the customer. This is generally considered as inventory provided on a consignment basis where the EMS provider basically provides labor and expertise only. Some customers provide some portion on the materials, such as specialty or high cost integrated circuits, proprietary parts such as transformers or coils, raw printed circuit boards, etc. and rely on the EMS provider to purchase the remainder of the components needed to assemble the boards. Most EMS providers prefer to use their own purchasing power, their extensive contacts, and their existing parts inventory where applicable to provide all of the required materials for a customer's particular project. This method is generally considered as inventory provided on a turn-key basis.

But before any of this can happen, the EMS provider must provide an assembled board quote or pricing estimate to the customer for the project. In addition to the quantity commitments, production release quantity and annual usage quantity, this pricing process also requires a detailed bill of material from the customer along with a set of the Gerber files for the printed circuit boards. The BOM should define all of the components along with the approved vendor and vendor's part number for each component. This information allows the Materials Management group to determine availability, packaging, and pricing for each component based on the quantities and vendor information. The BOM information is also needed to allow a technical review to determine the amount of labor and the equipment required to place the parts and to solder the components to the board.

The Gerber files for the printed circuit board design provide Materials Management with the information they need in order to get raw board pricing and lead times from the printed circuit board manufacturing vendors. The Gerber files also provide the Manufacturing Group with the information they need to develop the manufacturing plan, are components on top only or top and bottom of board; surface mount, thru hole, or mixed component types; wave solder or reflow oven processes required, etc. The Manufacturing Group also has to estimate time to program the component placement equipment and to load the components in the placement feeders, set-up costs, costs to order the solder paste stencils, and must also quantify test plans, procedures, and required test equipment. In order to correctly place components on the printed circuit board with each component properly oriented, the EMS provider will need silkscreen files to know the correct orientation of the parts on each side of the board. The screen paste file for surface mount applications will be required to order the stencils for the solder paste application to the board prior to the part placements.

All of this may seem to be a lot of information, but each piece is needed in order to provide the most cost effective pricing for the finished product. Fortunately, the Gerber files are usually readily available from the pcb design system as the Gerber format is the industry standard output format. The BOM is usually in the form of an Excel spreadsheet or formal drawing. Assist your EMS provider by providing the approved vendor's name and part number for each component.

In Summary:

The information required to prepare an accurate quotation for a typical printed circuit board assembly project includes:

-Definition of inventory method, consignment, partial consignment, or turn-key.
-Complete Bill of Material with at least one manufacturer's name and part number for each component along with notes identifying any components to be supplied by the customer.
-Gerber files for the printed circuit board designs.
-Estimated Annual Usage, EAU, quantities and production release quantities.
-Name of technical contact person, along with their telephone number, fax number, and email address.

Additional information that may be helpful if you have it available:

-Assembly, schematic, and PCB drawings.
-Sample board assembly or prototype board assembly to review. -Test requirements and procedures required by the customer.

Jim Usery
Sales and Marketing Director
Innovative Circuits Inc.
311A S Parkway St
Corinth, MS 38834
office 662-287-2007
toll free 866-887-7381
fax 662-665-9275
email jusery@icimfg.com Website http://www.icimfg.com

Visit our website at http://www.icimfg.com for more information about Innovative Circuits Inc. and the services and expertise that we provide to our customers or for additional technical articles. You can also sign up for our free Ezine, PCB Information, at the bottom of the Home Page at http://www.icimfg.com.

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PocketDish is a Quantum Leap of Electronics

The ability of electronics to enrich our lives and enhance our quality of life just keeps increasing. Watching older movies and TV shows, even ones made only twenty years ago, can provide perspective on how quickly things have changed. Back then you didn't see mobile phones or laptop computers. If someone was listening to music while jogging it was probably on a portable cassette deck like a walk man, or if they were really high tech- a compact disk player, rather than an MP3 player. Cameras are also much more convenient than they used to be. Where film and waiting to develop pictures used to be the standard, now its all digital and you can even edit pictures to make them look better.

The same thing has happened to portable entertainment. It used to be that you could get portable over the air televisions, but most people didn't bother with them because they got poor reception and were still somewhat bulky. Now we have portable video devices which are basically color LCD screens placed on MP3 players with bigger hard drives. Just like the music for MP3 players (which these devices generally function as too) the video is typically downloaded from the Internet to a computer and then downloaded from the computer to the portable video device. This process has a number of headaches associated it that include finding the desired video on the Internet on an on line store and then downloading it for a small fee.

Now there's a portable video device on the market that bypasses that frustration by downloading video from digital video recorders or even recording it directly from other sources of video. This device is called the PocketDish and it's marketed by the satellite TV provider Dish Network. If a satellite TV provider seems like an unlikely source for a portable video device, consider the advantages of Dish Network offering a portable video device that can download video from its digital video recorders. First, and most obviously there are the profits to be made from selling the actual PocketDishes to people who already have Dish Network subscriptions. But there's also the possibility that if these people are finding more time to watch TV by using a portable device, they might decide to upgrade to a larger programming package which will increase Dish Network's ongoing revenue. Then there's the possibility that someone will be shopping around for a television service provider and a portable video device at the same time. When such a person learns about the PocketDish, that might be just enough of an incentive to get a Dish Network subscription instead of going with another company. That would definitely increase Dish Network's revenues far more in the long term than just selling a few electronic devices.

There are numerous benefits to consumers as well. All of the video downloaded from Dish Network digital video players is free- actually it's already been paid for in the form of the subscription. It also allows Dish Network subscribers to easily find the programming that they want to download because everything that comes with a Dish Network subscription is available for download. The only exception to this is HDTV programming, but we can anticipate that to change with future models.

In all the PocketDish represents another electronic leap.

This article is for consumers looking for information on Dish Network TV. It provides a resource for finding Dish Network Promotions, and any great Dish Network Offers that are currently available.

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Are Electronics Contract Manufacturing Companies Listening to Customers

More than 500 managers and executives in the electronics hardware and design sector, many from electronics contract manufacturers and technology original design manufacturers (ODM), were recently polled in an online survey which presented numerous questions and various business perspectives and scenarios for commentary and ranking.

Part of the survey, which was presented online by www.VentureOutsource.com, asked electronics original equipment manufacturing (OEM) survey respondents currently outsourcing contract manufacturing and product design to about ranking specific objectives related to their company’s business strategic priorities.

The top three business strategic objectives ranked in the order of importance are:

1. Reduce order-to-delivery time
2. Manage inventory more effectively
3. Reduce manufacturing costs

Meanwhile, the same business strategic priorities were also presented to electronics industry contract manufacturers and original design manufacturers.

The top three business strategic objectives these respondents ranked in the order of importance are:

1. Manage inventory more effectively
2. Improve effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts and activities
3. Improve demand forecasting

Interestingly, nowhere to be found in their responses was the number one business priority for OEMs – reduce order-to-delivery time.

Additionally, the survey also identified some of the criteria electronics managers and executives in OEMs currently outsourcing either their product manufacturing or product design to rate the importance of certain criteria presented when selecting a contract manufacturing or product design company for a business engagement. The top five, with the criteria most important listed first, are:

1. Accountability - does what it says, when it says
2. Quality certifications and facility approvals
3. Relative business experience
4. Financial stability
5. Product design capabilities

* * *

Mark Zetter is president and founder of http://www.VentureOutsource.com

More survey results can be found in the 20+ page report, available in its entirety, here

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An Online Electronics Store Provides You With Quality Products at Discount Prices

When you make the decision to buy electronics, start by shopping online, where you'll find all the latest products at the best prices. The selections are unlimited, and you will be able to obtain almost anything you want or have need of.

Shopping online has become very popular because of the ease and convenience of finding products that you want. There is no need to fight traffic or spend time looking through stores to locate an item you are interested in. At your own leisure, you can browse sites and compare prices and brands.

Electronics Stores Online

The online electronics stores offer all the products you would find in department or discount stores. The selection is usually better and you can order everything you need at one site. These sites typically have a directory at the top with the categories listed. You can browse through the items in these categories to see what is available. Or you can type in a key word to go directly to the products you are interested in.

If you want to update or replace computer parts, you will be able to locate monitors, printers, modems, hard drives, and other accessories. Other electronics available are digital cameras, GPS units, computer software, Mp3/Mp4 players, video games and satellite radios. In home electronics, you will find everything you need for your home theater and sound system.

Shopping For Other Products

There are many sites that offer electronics as well as various other products. It is like a huge catalog with a user-friendly index. There are online malls that have different stores listed in their directory so you can do all your shopping at one site. You can type in keywords or use the directory to find electronics and other goods. Look for coupon sites that will give you information on special sales and promotions.

While you are shopping for electronics, you can also shop for personal needs for yourself and your family. You will find exceptional deals on fine clothing brands, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Juicy Couture and Hollister. Find clothing - teen or adult - that will delight even the hardest to please.

As you shop an online electronics store, you can find other practical items for your use. Some sites offer wholesale prices to give you the best bargains. You will be able to buy luggage, tools, jewelry, home décor, and lingerie while you are shopping for electronics

Save By Shopping Online

When shopping at online electronics stores, compare shipping prices. Some sites offer discounts on shipping for large orders, and others offer free drop shipping for your convenience. Be sure to figure shipping into your over all expense. Even paying shipping can be cheaper and less of a bother than driving around and looking in separate stores.

Find the electronics and supplies that you want at the best prices online. You can save a lot of time and money by shopping at online electronics stores. And, you can find other merchandise for your needs during your visit. While sitting at your own home computer, you have the opportunity to choose what you want and have it delivered right to you. Without leaving your home or office, the best electronics products are available to you online.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about electronics store.

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Electronics Training

Those who are interested in the field of electronics will benefit from vocational electronics training. Quality electronics schools teach methods of installation, repair and maintenance of electronic devices and equipment, as well as industry safety standards.

Electronics schools can help future electricians prepare for positions that deal with anything having to do with electronic systems technology, such as automotive, household, mechanical, and business electronics; computers, fiber optics, and telecommunications; and more.

Coursework may include the subjects of installing, adjusting, testing, trouble-shooting, and repairing electrical equipment. Students also learn to design simple circuitry in electronic equipment, devices, and systems, as well as in business and computer operations. Electronics training from trade schools and vocational schools can lead to certificates or Associate Degrees.

Those who have completed electronics training can apply for positions that are wide and varied; electricians are in demand in nearly every form of business or commerce. Professions may include acoustic technician, construction electrician, electrical engineer, electrical installer, service technician, theater and stage technician, computer technician, telecommunications specialist, or electronics educator, to name just a few. The median salary for an electronics professional with an AS degree is approximately $35,000 per year. Advanced degrees and extensive experience in the field can net even higher salaries.

If you would like to learn more about Electronics Training, or even Online Electronics Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Electronics Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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