Electronics Get Personal: Affordable Gadgets Top Everyone's Wish List

It shouldn't come as a surprise that consumer spending on personal electronics is at an all time high. After all, gadgets are getting both cooler and more affordable. The device viewed as extravagant only a few years ago is a must-have today. Here's an overview of some of the consumer electronics that top everyone's wish list.

Digital Camera

In today's digital age, film cameras are an anachronism. Although a few years ago, experts in the technology field viewed the digital camera as a computer peripheral rather than as a consumer product, the digital camera has caught on like wildfire. And, why not? After all, a filmcard gives the amateur photographer virtually unlimited opportunities to take pictures, review them, and know instantly whether or not he or she got the shot. With options ranging from point-and-shoot to specialty lighting for, say, eBay pictures, digital cameras have something for everyone. The newer models even have the capability to record high quality digital video and easily upload it to popular sites like YouTube.

GPS Receivers

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and consists of a number of satellites in the Earth's orbit. A GPS receiver takes the information from the satellites to determine your latitude and longitude on the Earth's surface. Map overlays and other data provide the user with valuable information, such as driving directions, the locations of nearby stores, banks, and gas stations, and so forth. GPS receivers are also extremely popular for the relatively new sport of geocaching, where they are used to find containers hidden at certain longitudes and latitudes.

Video Gaming Consoles

When it comes to video games, the numbers are astounding. The video game industry brings in more money per year than the motion picture industry. It's no wonder, then, that video gaming consoles are some of the hottest commodities around. The PlayStation2 is still going strong, while the Xbox 360 made history with the stupendous success of the recently released Halo 3 game.

But perhaps the most revolutionary console of all is the Wii console. With the Wii, gaming is no longer passive. The controllers and nunchuk let players physically become part of the action, and the Wii console welcomes players into an online community where they can construct their own avatars, participate in surveys, and so much more. Plus, the Wii is a fully functional Web browser!

Cellular Phones and Accessories

It's an understatement to say that cellular phones are ubiquitous. Whether you're on the subway, in a bookstore, or driving in a car, chances are good that you are either talking on a cell phone or overhearing another person's conversation. Now that we're always in touch, accessories like a Bluetooth headset are almost a necessity. Wireless connectivity is safer and more convenient, and a Bluetooth headset is like a fashion accessory.

Buying Online

The best news about personal electronics is that, whether you're looking for a digital camera or a laser printer, you can buy it online with a few clicks of your mouse. There are wonderful one-stop online electronics stores that carry everything you could wish for - at incredibly affordable prices. The only question that remains is, what new must-have device will hit the stores next?