Consumer Products

Prices on computers, and in particular laptops, have been falling drastically but that doesn't mean you should just accept and pay full retail price. With a little time, effort, and Web savvy you can save yourself hundreds of dollars on a top-notch PC.

The first thing to do is decide what you want -- and what you need -- from a laptop. Do you really need that extra large hard drive? Or will the smaller size suffice? Once you've figured out what's essential start looking at pre-configured laptops at retail outlets or on manufacturer Web sites. These mass-produced models are often priced significantly lower than the same computer if you were to customize it yourself.

The next stop in your quest to save a buck should be coupon sites. Online destinations like RetailMeNot and TechBargains aggregate coupon codes for online stores that can save you a few bucks on particular computers, nab you free upgrades, or at the very least free shipping.

If you're really flexible about what you want, or are very patient, check out the outlet section of manufacturer Web sites. You can save up to several hundred dollars if you're willing wait for exactly what you want to show up in the outlet or make certain sacrifices. Refurbished PCs are computers returned as non-functioning that the maker then repairs and sells, while scratch-and-dent models...

When it comes to collectibles, particularly from movies, NECA has long been considered the primary purveyor of figures and toy figurines. Barbie dolls, on the other hand, usually involve only one character, Barbie, and her multitude of plastic and pink accessories.

So imagine NECA's dismay when Mattel released Edward Cullen and Bella Swan Barbies dolls and then later created a shirtless Jacob Black Barbie action figure.

NECA, which also sells Harry Potter merchandise, has an entire range of Twilight and New Moon collectibles including keychains, calendars and mugs, and must not have been too happy to learn that the girls who had grown up playing with Barbie would not be able to choose prettier Mattel versions of their favorite vampire characters over the more realistic NECA action figures.

Click here to check out the Mattel Twilight toys.

It's that time of the year when the shopping frenzy gets to all of us and the lure of the big ticket purchase seizes our souls. In other words, you start thinking about getting a new computer or a car or, perhaps a flat screen TV. Well, here's some guidance if the latter is your desire.

For starters, you need to know that flatscreens come in two types, plasma and LCD. In general terms, here's some things to know about the differences between an LCD and a plasma -- minus the techno talk.

LCD TVs are less fragile than plasmas, which is something to consider if you plan on moving any time in the near future. If you think that's overstating it, I'll just mention that I once had a cracked Sony TV when the movers dropped it, even after I had carefully packed it. Oops.

LCDs are easier to install than plasmas because they generally weigh less. LCDs also use less energy and come in a wider range of sizes. LCDs can be as small as 19" and as big as 70". Plasmas range from 42"-65".

Plasmas cost a bit more than LCDs, but the gap between the two have grown smaller.

Finally, plasmas have less issue with viewing angle. There are some viewing angle limitations with LCD flatscreens because they use a fluorescent backlight that shines constantly; the...

Plasmas are sized from around 42 to 65 inches (with a few exceptions). For the purposes of this review, I have divided them into three sizes: 42-inch, 50-inch, and 58-inch or larger. Obviously, there are a variety of factors that go into the concept of "best", including price. I have tried to selected the best-rated overall in each category.

When it comes to plasma, Panasonic is pretty much the way to go. There is also Samsung and LG as an option, but that's a case of a Korean manufacturer versus a Japanese manufacturer. Panasonic still invests in the technology (while most others are producing LCDs exclusively) and manufactures virtually every component of their televisions. They usually have the most in the "best plasma television" listings by Consumer Reports.

42-inch: Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G10. You can get this one for less than $1000 at most retailers. Picture quality aside (which is supposedly excellent), the additional features are nothing to sneeze at. The model is THX certified and comes with an SD slot that can actually play home videos from a camcorder. This is the beginning of the end of the DVD or Blu ray market. If every TV comes with what is in effect a video player, the game is over. It also has built-in video streaming from...