Electronics: Newer, Faster, Better

When it comes to electronics, newer, faster, and better models of everything from computer processors to cellular phones appear at least every six months. The evolution of technology means manufacturers are incorporating more features and more power into virtually every type of consumer electronics. When you're in the market for consumer electronics - whether for yourself or as a gift idea for someone else - the question becomes, do you need to buy the latest and greatest?

As an example, let's take a look at digital cameras. Virtually everyone is making the switch - if they haven't already - from film to digital. Seven mega-pixel digital cameras are everywhere, and single lens reflex digital cameras are poised to dramatically drop in price within the next twelve months. With the dozens, if not hundreds, of models from which to choose, does it make sense to buy a top of the line digital camera?

Not necessarily. The type of digital camera you need depends on how you're planning to use it. If you primarily use a camera on vacations or while traveling, the most important feature might be the weight of the camera. The ultra-thin, lightweight digital cameras now on the market may not have all of the features of their heavier counterparts, but they're perfect to stick in your shirt pocket and pull out at a moment's notice.

If you take most of your pictures outdoors, an LCD screen with backlighting - and a viewfinder - might be the most important feature for your needs. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to see what you're shooting. On the other hand, if you primarily use your camera indoors, a red-eye reduction feature is a must-have. If you want to use your camera at your child's soccer games, a digital camera that allows you to take short movies might be perfect for you.

You also need to consider how you'll be using the camera when it comes to selecting the appropriate picture resolution. Most people don't really need a seven mega-pixel camera; and you definitely don't need one if all you're going to do with the pictures is view them on your computer monitor or post them online.

Unlike jewelry, where more is almost always better, consumer electronics don't need to have every single feature in order to be useful. Let's face it: most of us only use a fraction of the power and features in our computers and software. So, when we're buying consumer electronics, it's important to think through which features we'll use and which are extras that add to the price but not the value.

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Electronics Companies: The Leading Edge

As technology becomes more refined, electronics companies are offering consumers and businesses a number of cutting-edge products. Following is a rundown of some of the top electronics companies and their latest offerings:

Nokia: Nokia, notable for its cell phones, has taken the lead in promoting mobile phone imaging. In events ranging from the London terrorist bombings to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, traditional news media relied on cell phone images of citizen journalists to bring viewers up-to-the-minute pictures of unfolding events. Moblogs - a combination of weblogs and mobile phone images - is gaining popularity on the Internet. Nokia plans to take advantage of these phenomena by continuing to refine the cell phone picture quality.

Sony: Sony has its proverbial fingers in every piece of the electronics pie, from televisions and digital cameras to computers and MP3 players. Sony's latest hit is the VAIO notebook computer, which takes multimedia technology to the next level. In the VAIO, Sony has integrated software with hardware that allows you to watch television shows and record them to DVD as well as manage your music and create CDs. Sony is the leader in mobile computing innovation.

Apple: Although Apple continues to command only a small percentage of the personal computing market, it has captured the imaginations of digital music aficionados. Apple continues to rank number one with its iPod, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle. With iTunes, Apple is aptly able to provide both the content and the hardware for the digital music revolution.

Fujitsu: Fujitsu provides both consumers and vertical markets with computing solutions. From notebooks and Tablet PCs to scanners and printers, Fujitsu has the computer market covered. Fujitsu's latest work in security biometrics, called PalmSecure, has earned the company awards such as "Best of Innovations" at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Panasonic: Panasonic offers an incredible range of products for both consumers and businesses. Panasonic's consumer products include DVD and VCR players, cameras and camcorders, phones and fax machines, and computers. Panasonic's plasma televisions have a "Wow!" factor that can't be beaten - especially their line of framed plasma TVs that incorporate home décor into cutting edge technology.

Viking: Viking brings electronics to the kitchen with its high-end appliances. Viking is the gold standard - or in the culinary world, the stainless steel standard - of kitchen appliances. Its ranges incorporate electronic controls, and its refrigerators and outdoor grills turn amateur chefs green with envy.

Canon: Canon makes a variety of electronics for businesses and consumers, but their cameras are among the most innovative of those on the market. The Canon EOS 5D is one of the world's smallest and lightest full-frame digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. A 2.5-inch LCD screen provides a superior viewing area, while their proprietary image processor allows for three frames per second for up to 60 JPEG frames in a burst.

This is only a sampling of what some of the leading electronics companies are offering. Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung, Toshiba, Siemens, and Wolf are also among the industry leaders offering innovative solutions for both businesses and consumers.

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

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Electronics: The Must-Have Accessory

You might not see iPods on Paris runways, but electronics have undergone a transformation from a utilitarian necessity to a fashion accessory. While electronics aren't exactly replacing jewelry as a status symbol - bling is still the thing - the types of gadgets a person can't live without speaks volumes about his or her lifestyle.

Those in the halls of power can't live without a BlackBerry - nor can Hollywood celebrities, it seems. Keeping in touch - anywhere, anytime - makes everything from cell phones to Bluetooth to PDAs must-haves. The popularity of electronics hasn't escaped the notice of those in the automotive world, as microchips have migrated from those controlling the vehicle's on-board computer system to the automotive accessory of the year - the Global Positioning System (GPS).

There are, of course, the ubiquitous headsets, which are connected to cell phones, MP3 players, or - for the electronics fashionista - the iPod nano. On any give airline flight, passengers will have a mind-boggling array of electronics on board to entertain them or keep them otherwise occupied. Computers, music players, and portable gaming devices all appear once cruising altitude is reached. With the plethora of must-have electronics devices, it's a wonder that today's travelers have room to pack their clothes!

Electronics have also begun to accessorize the home. When the X-Box 360 sold out before Christmas 2005, eBay sellers raked in the cash for the must-have gaming console, which sold on the auction site for $1,000 or more. Plasma and LCD televisions are proudly displayed on walls, while microchips are finding their way into our kitchen appliances. While true wireless integration is still some time away, the stage is being set for complete interactivity among all our electronic devices.

Luckily for consumers, the cost of electronics goes down with the passage of time. The newest and greatest must-have is sure to be priced at a discount within eighteen months, and will grace the clearance aisle a year after that. In the meantime, those of us who don't have the cash or the desire to keep up with the trends on the fashion runways or the trends in the world of electronics can continue to observe how the other half lives.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Electronics Website and Majon's Electronics directory.

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Women: Give Yourself Gifts of Electronics - Jewelry and More

As women, our children come first, then our mates, then our family members and friends. We're often consumed with making sure the needs of those around us are met. In the process, we often neglect to treat ourselves to the same largesse we shower on others. But unless we take care of ourselves, we won't have anything left over for those around us.

When it comes to shopping, we often bustle around town, picking up groceries, computer supplies, pet supplies, and dry cleaning. When it comes time to give gifts, we put thought and love into our selections. But perhaps it's time to take a moment and give ourselves a gift - something we might be longing for, but we wouldn't dream of splurging on.

When I recently got together with a group of friends, we started talking about what we'd like to splurge on. Several women mentioned personal electronics, like iPods, cell phones, and headsets. One friend said she'd been dragging around a battered suitcase for years, and would really like a nice set of luggage. Another said she'd really like beautiful jewelry - a set of pearl earrings or a necklace.

Then we talked about why we don't simply go ahead and spring for our heart's desire. Many of us felt guilty when we considered spending money on ourselves. One friend said that she's purchased personal electronics for her husband, son, and daughter, but she couldn't justify buying herself an iPod. Two women who were sporting new fragrances said that they justified buying the fragrances because they figured their husbands would get enjoyment out of them as well. The friend with the battered suitcase said she'd always wait until she could find luggage on sale, go and look at it, but would never buy.

The sense that we're all waiting - whether for the perfect sale, to receive what we want as a gift, or for everyone else to get what they want first - seemed to be the common thread among us. In the days after our get together, I gave this a lot of serious thought. In a sense, I thought, we're all putting our desires "on hold," waiting until something or someone gave us permission to buy more than groceries, computer supplies, pet supplies, and gifts for others.

While none of us are wealthy, none of us are overwhelmed by debt or engaged in an epic battle to make ends meet. There's no reason why we can't buy that special something we've had our eyes on - whether it's personal electronics, luggage, phones, or jewelry. I came to the conclusion that, ultimately, we have to realize that we deserve to have nice things, and then give ourselves permission to buy them for ourselves. After all, life's far too short to spend our lives waiting.

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

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