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TMCNet: Advances in technology add features, lower prices [The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City]

[November 25, 2009]

Advances in technology add features, lower prices [The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City]

(Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 25--Remember all those hot electronics that topped gift lists last year? They're still extremely popular, and some have more appealing price tags than in 2008.

Feature-packed phones, huge plasma televisions and GPS systems are all big items this holiday season, despite the shaky economy and shopping surveys predicting a drop in consumer spending, local retailers said.

"Electronics is a very competitive market," said Lorie Roberts, store manager at Sears at Quail Springs Mall.

For many items, the technology has improved and prices are lower, boosting demand for everything from big-screen plasma TVs to smaller personal electronics.

"Digital frame prices have come down considerably," she said, adding that buyers get an improved product with larger screens and better clarity.

Navigation system prices have dropped, too, Roberts said, making them a sought-after gift. The latest offerings in digital cameras "are very much in demand," she said. While prices on some models aren't that low, the improved technology and expanded memory make them a good buy.

Sears started offering Black Friday specials on Saturdays during the past several weeks, Roberts said, and shoppers already have been calling about merchandise advertised for the three shopping days after Thanksgiving.

"Electronics will be a large driver for that weekend," she said.

According to a survey by consumer research and marketing firm America's Research Group, electronics will be the second most popular gift this year after toys, said ARG founder and chief executive Britt Beemer.

Bundling up At the Ultimate Electronics in northwest Oklahoma City, general manager Craig Yarnell said shoppers remain enthusiastic about big-screen TVs, which this season can come "bundled' with sound systems and Blu-Ray players.

"That's the trend this year," Yarnell said, especially for 42-inch to 46-inch plasma models.

That may sound expensive, but prices on big screens, and particularly plasma TVs, have dropped drastically. The TVs are better now, too, he said. For example, a 52-inch Sony model that was $2,800 last year now retails for $2,000.

And while it seems everyone already has a flat-screen model, "TVs are always what people want at Christmas," Yarnell added.

Yarnell said the store is also expecting good sales on GPS devices and digital cameras. GPS devices are popular, and this year, frugal consumers can find some models for $100 versus $300 last year.

An influx of new phone models with better-performing keyboards are expected to continue to appeal to consumers, said AT&T spokesman Andy Morgan. As for the iPhone, "it's continuing to fly off the shelves every day," he said.

The iPhone has popularized all phones with touch screens and keyboard, he said, and has spurred a new line of quick messaging devices such as Samsung's Magnet and Flight phones and the Pantech Impact, each of which cost less than $100.

One novel device -- the Garmin nuvifone G60, a navigator and cell phone mix, costs more at $299, he said.

Given the tough economy, AT&T stores are offering several moderately priced items such as Bluetooth headsets starting at $40, Skullcandy earphones starting at $20, iPhone cases for $25, and cell phone skins that start at $15.

"We expect to sell a lot of those in that range," he said.

To see more of The Oklahoman, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newsok.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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