Best Selling Electronics

“While consumer spending is down across the board, we are still seeing positive growth in several product categories such as digital displays, accessories and video games."

Ignoring what you want. Recycling the old. Fixing what can be saved. Is this the new American way when it comes to tech toys and electronics -- an industry in which new gadgets can become outdated within months? Many consumers are hoping to make products last longer, which is keeping businesses that repair and refurbish computers and other gadgets and electronics as busy as ever.

"to either repair that gear or add to its functionality and what it [the product] does for them."

People may need their cell phones and computers to work so they can simply get by, but they don't necessarily need the highest resolution screens, the sleekest designs and all the technological bells and whistles. "Shiny is great, but shiny doesn't necessarily let you send that e-mail or send that text message," Steinberg said. "At the end of the day, as long as the gadget functions properly, does it have to be wrapped in white gold?"

PC sales are in for a steep tumble this year. Shipments will decline 11.9 percent to 257 million units, researcher Gartner says in a projection out today. Gartner says it will be the sharpest unit decline in history. The last "worst" year was 2001, when shipments fell 3.2 percent. The only bright spot: Netbooks, which despite brisk sales are just a fraction of overall shipments. A couple of highlights from the release: -- Worldwide shipments of "mobile" PCs -- that's everything from full-featured laptops to pint-sized netbooks -- are expected to rise 9 percent from 2008, to 155.6 million units. Most of that boost will come from netbooks -- unit sales will nearly double to 21 million units from 11.7 million in 2008, Gartner says. But they will likely represent just represent just 8 percent of PC shipments in 2009. -- Desktops are in for nearly 32 percent decline, to 101.4 million units.

Amazon Kindle 2 Leather Cover

Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

Garmin nüvi 760 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Automobile Navigator

Make the explicit link between saving money and not going out — and the good value that your in-home activities represent.

PCs are the most likely victim of spending delays. Of those consumers who plan to purchase a new PC in the next year, almost half have delayed their purchase and nearly one in five say that they will spend less on their next PC in light of current economic conditions.

TV purchase plans remain relatively steady. At 44%, more people expect to stick with their plans to purchase a TV than they do a PC or a digital camera. Additionally, relative to the other two categories, fewer consumers say they will now spend less than expected — not that manufacturers will be able to gain much solace from this, given — at best — already razor-thin margins.

One trend that will continue is that that the consumer electronic market place will expand as more consumers are willing to consider alternatives to buying electronics from traditional retailers and other outlets.

One trend that will continue is that that the consumer electronic market place will expand as more consumers are willing to consider alternatives to buying electronics from traditional retailers and other outlets.

In addition, while overall consumer electronic shopping satisfaction rates are very high, "the experience could be improved," Herbert said. Areas that could be improved upon include services such as in-home tech support and in-store demos, which users indicated were often lacking in their consumer sales experiences.