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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Buying Guide: 30 Great Gadgets for Under $100
Contents
- Computer Accessories, Digital Cameras & Digital Photo Frames
- Storage & GPS Devices
- MP3 Players & Printers
- Headphones & Speaker Systems
The fastest way to find a deal these days doesn't involve checking the circulars or browsing the newspaper for coupons: Just go online.
In a March 2009 Consumer Behavior Report by PriceGrabber.com, the shopping-comparison site discovered that 91 percent of consumers said that researching products online made them feel more confident about their purchases, while 94 percent use the Web to compare prices. Although the Web can point you to the best prices, you need to make sure you're getting quality products too, right?
That's where we come in. The following 30 tech products were rated 3 stars or better by our PC Labs analysts and editors, and each of them rings in at under $100. To give you a taste of what you can snag for less, there's an $18 4GB USB key, a $30 pair of headphones, and a 3.5-inch GPS device for just $90.
Editor's Note: All listed prices are current as of the date of publication and are apt to change quickly and often.
Computer Accessories
Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000
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Why it's a good buy: This easy-to-install webcam offers digital pan, tilt, and zoom, and its 640-by-480 resolution yields video quality that's just under that of a standard-def DVD. Some of its features work only with Live Messenger, but for video chats with friends or geographically remote relatives, you can't beat the price.
Iogear Digital Scribe (GPEN100C)
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Why it's a good buy: Perfect for students and business professionals, this digital pen can be used to capture notes and display them on your PC in real time. It includes software to convert your scribblings to text, works on all types of paper, and doubles as a mouse.
Microsoft ARC Mouse
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Why it's a good buy: Microsoft's Arc Mouse has the comfort of a full-size mouse without the extra weight, and it works whether you're a lefty or righty. When used with Windows Vista's Aero 3D interface, the Arc automatically configures itself for Flip 3D, letting you quickly navigate between multiple windows and applications.
Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse
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Why it's a good buy: Tailored for general-purpose computing with enough versatility for gaming, the MX1100 has a strong and reliable 2.4-GHz wireless connection. Users can toggle dpi settings on the fly, switch between two vertical scrolling modes, and remap eight out of ten buttons. The mouse may be bulky in design, but it's worth the extra weight.
Enermax Aurora Premium
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Why it's a good buy: If your computing needs are basic, the Aurora Premium is your keyboard. It sports a brushed aluminum façade with diamond-cut edges, and the keys provide plenty of tactile and aural feedback. The front right of this solid keyboard features two USB 2.0 ports that you can dock any USB device onto.
Digital Cameras & Digital Photo Frames
Kodak EasyShare M1033
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Why it's a good buy: Amateur photographers who want an affordable point-and-shoot camera without sacrificing features can look to the Kodak EasyShare M1033. With a 10-megapixel sensor, 720p-resolution HD video capabilities, and outstanding daylight shots, it offers great value.
Fuji FinePix J10
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Why it's a good buy: The 8.2-megapixel PowerShot A590 IS is another great choice for beginners. It has an intuitive, elegant menu system, built-in image stabilization, and an ultracompact body. Buy it from Amazon and you'll receive the camera and a free 1GB SD card for under $95.
Pandigital 8-inch PanTouch Digital Photo Frame
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Why it's a good buy: If you're shopping for a frame with excellent image quality, a user-friendly interface, and wireless capabilities, the PanTouch is a good choice with an equally good price. This frame's 8-inch LCD has hidden touch-sensitive controls, too.
Smartparts SP8PRT Digital Picture Frame and Printer
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Why it's a good buy: A digital photo frame and printer all in one, the Smartparts SP8PRT lets you view pictures on the frame's 8-inch LCD, and print them out as well. The thermal-dye printer mounted on its back prints 4-by-6-inch photos, with a print speed of around 60 seconds per photo.