Home Computer

Every year, computers get faster, more powerful — and cheaper! Consider…

1. What will you be using it for? If you only want to send e-mail, browse the Web and write documents, a simple package (for as little as $400, with software included) will do. But if you plan to download music, store pictures or play complex video games, you’ll need a model with a large hard drive.


2. Apple (Macintosh software) or PC (Windows)? There’s far more home and entertainment software available for computers that use Windows than there is for Macs. But Macs beat Windows hands down on reliability, tech support and protection against viruses.


3. How often do you replace your computer? If you get a new PC every couple of years, consider buying your own copy of Microsoft software (about $50) instead of the version that comes with the computer, which will work only in that particular machine. You can move your own software from computer to computer and save money in the long run.


4. Do you really need all new equipment? Most packages include a central processing unit (or CPU, the brains of the machine), a monitor, speakers — the works. Save by using your old monitor and speakers. You can even cannibalize your old CPU for memory cards and its cable modem.


5. Should you pay for extra security programs? Definitely. Viruses can ruin your computer. You can protect your machine for as little as $25 a year.

Toaster Oven

Few kitchen appliances are more convenient than a toaster oven. But before you choose a particular model, ask yourself…

1. Do you have enough room? Measure your available counter space. There’s a big difference between a small unit, typically 16” wide x 8” high x 11” deep, and a larger one, typically 20” wide x 10” high x 15” deep.


2. Can your kitchen handle the load? A toaster oven uses a lot of wattage and should have its own separate electrical outlet.


3. Do you want it mainly for toasting bread, bagels and English muffins? If so, save the money (prices range from about $20 to $100) and the space, and buy a two-slice toaster instead for as little as $10.


4. Will you cook messy items in it, such as burgers? Pay a little extra (about $20) and opt for an easy-wipe porcelain interior.


5. Are you going to bake with it? Consider buying a model that uses convection or infrared technology to speed cooking.

High-Definition TV

The prices for high-definition TVs are dropping, and used ones are now available. Before you buy a high-def TV — which offers a clearer picture than the sets we all grew up with — ask yourself…

1. What size do you want? Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs, which rely on a technology that allows for a thin, flat screen, are lightweight but come only in moderate sizes (23 to 45 inches). Plasma TVs look similar to LCDs, but are bigger and more expensive, and use more power.


2. How much are you willing to pay? The best values are conventional picture-tube units, which start around $700.


3. Where will you put the TV? If you plan to mount the TV on a wall, you need a mounting kit. If placing the TV elsewhere, you must buy a strong stand with shelves for audio-video gear.


4. Do you have enough room? For good viewing, you need to sit at least four feet from a 37-inch or smaller HD set, and at least five to nine feet from a 40- to 65-inch set.


5. Do you mind paying an additional monthly fee? If you have cable or dish reception, HD service will set you back about an extra $10 a month.

Digital Camera

New models appear every few months, and prices have never been better. Consider…

1. How long have you been using a digital camera? If this is your first purchase, you should probably buy an inexpensive point-and-shoot (automatic-focus) compact. Reliable models can be found for less than $200. If you’re graduating to a more sophisticated camera, then you need to ask…


2. Do you want a lot of control over picture taking? You’ll need to upgrade to a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with manual controls. SLR cameras have only one lens, meaning that what you see in the viewfinder is what your picture will be. Minimum cost: $700 to $1,000.


3. Do you want to go wireless? New cameras from Kodak, Canon and Nikon (in the $500 range) allow you to send photos to a nearby computer or printer without having to fuss with cable hookups.


4. Are you really particular about how clear your photos should be? Four-megapixel cameras are sufficient for the dabbler who wants to view her pictures online or from a disk. But if you plan to print highly detailed pictures, you need five or six megapixels.


5. Are you torn between buying a digital camera and a camcorder? No need to choose. Many of the more expensive compacts (in the $300 to $400 range) can take video recordings of up to an hour.