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Media Room
Release date 12/01/2009
YONKERS, NY — Last-minute shoppers who aren’t sure what gifts to buy finicky friends and family members need to look no further than the January issue of Consumer Reports. The issue, on newsstands December 1 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org, features a list of electronics gifts including flat-panel TVs, computers and digital cameras that are sure to please this holiday season.
Despite a generally gloomy sales outlook this holiday season, electronics items are expected to hold their own according to a recent Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll. Fifty-one percent of poll respondents plan on giving recipients items such as video games or accessories, digital cameras, headphones, or other gadgets. Electronics gear also ranks among the most desirable gifts for both men and women with 15 percent of people putting gadgets at the top of their wish list.
“It’s a great time to purchase electronics items because this year is all about value,” said Paul Reynolds, Consumer Reports electronics editor. “The retailers started their sales as early as October and they will continue to slash prices through the season.”
Flat-panel TVs – Prices are Right
Consumer Reports notes that LCD and plasma TV prices continue to head downward, making for enticing deals. Plus, some new models are trimmer, as thin as an inch in depth, and most LCD and plasma sets that are 40 inches or larger have 1080p resolution, which can show off all the detail in high-def images.
Many LCD sets have 120Hz or 240Hz technology which can reduce or eliminate motion blur, and some use full-array LED backlights with local dimming, which can improve black levels. Consumer Reports highlighted recommended TVs that are notable values. Among the sets that stand out:
Although LCD models account for 90 percent of TV sales, the best plasma TVs display deep blacks and unlike LCDs they have a virtually unlimited viewing angle. Plasma TVs can also display fast motion without blurring, and many are now as energy-efficient as LCDs.
Netbooks: high tech on the cheap
Inexpensive and portable, netbooks are downsized laptops with a 10- to 12-inch screen that weigh 2 to 3.5 pounds and cost $300 to $550. Consumer Reports recommends the Acer Aspire One AOD250-1341 ($348). It comes in a funky purple color option and weighs only 2.7 pounds. The Toshiba Mini NB205-N325BL ($400) features a touchpad that is larger than that on most netbooks.
Laptops offer more features for a bit more cash. Consumer Reports recommends the Sony VGN-SR520G/B ($900), a 13-inch laptop that weighs just four pounds, and the Apple MacBook MC207LL/A ($1,000), which sports a new LED display. For 15-inch models, consider the Dell Inspiron I1545-4203JBK ($500) for its very good performance and battery life of 3¾ hours.
Someone looking for more power should consider a desktop. Consumer Reports recommends the Apple iMac 21.5-inch MB950LL/A ($1,200), the Dell Studio XPS SX8000-2361 ($1,020) and the compact and inexpensive Dell Inspiron 537s ($485).
Point-and-shoot cameras beefing up
Digital camera makers are improving the capabilities of many point-and-shoots and many of the 27 models Consumer Reports recommends include at least 12 megapixels. Consumer Reports’ list of recommended models includes the subcompact Kodak EasyShare C160, which costs just $90.
The Canon PowerShot SD980 IS ELPH ($330) subcompact has a nifty “active display” feature that scrolls through images when the user shakes the camera. Plus it has a 5x zoom, a touch-screen LCD and scroll wheel.
Casio’s Exilim EX-H10 ($300) is a superzoom that looks like a slightly oversized subcompact. It weighs just one-third the weight of the heaviest superzooms yet its battery life is two to three times as long as that of most. Plus video capabilities turn on with just a press of a button.
Trendy pocket-sized camcorders
Pocket camcorders are small, simple, and lightweight and cheaper than full-sized camcorders. Although their video quality is not as good as that on a middling full-sized standard-definition camcorder, pocket camcorders are most useful for recording casual videos to upload to sites like YouTube and Facebook. Consumer Reports recommends three pocket camcorders starting at $150:
Consumer Reports also recommends five full-sized standard-definition models, including the Canon DC410 ($275) and the Sony DCR-SX41. For high-definition video full-sized camcorders, Consumer Reports recommends four models including the Canon Vixia HV40 ($800) and the Sony HDR-XR500V ($1,200).
Blu-ray players for all-in-one use
Blu-ray players are a great gift option, since they can also handle regular DVDs and CDs in addition to high-definition disks. Many models offer BD-Live, which enables them to access online content such as video games and outtakes when playing BD-Live-enabled discs and some players can also stream movies from online providers. The LG BD390 ($300) costs more than many other models, but features excellent performance and BD-Live. It also has built-in Wi-Fi.
Digital frames
Digital picture frames are easy to use, and offer a constantly changing slideshow at an affordable price. Consumer Reports recommends the Kodak EasyShare P825 ($120), a basic 8-inch frame that’s easy to use with just a few control buttons on top. It has 512MB of internal memory but does not support the playback of video or audio. Mustek PF-A6L ($170) has a cool scan and display feature that allows the user to hand-feed hard-copy prints individually.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.