Sales of consoles in the U.S. dropped 21% in 2012 to just over $4 billion, and figures from the manufacturers of the three …
Sony
Happy Holidays for Gamers: Price Wars Expected for Video-Game Consoles
Gamers won’t be able to get their hands on the new Nintendo Wii U games system until November 18, but preorders from some major retailers for the $300 consoles have already sold out. Discounts for the Wii U are unlikely in the …
Now Is a Great Time to Buy a New TV
In order to make shelf space for new models that will be arriving in stores soon, retailers are discounting the units they still have in stock. What’s more, a new incentive system will be introduced this spring, making it a lot …
Zappos Breach a Teachable Moment for Shoe-Loving Kids
The Zappos breach showed us that passwords may be the weakest link to protecting your online information. It’s a teachable moment. Here’s how to talk to the kids.
Sony’s Earthquake Writeoff Brings Net Loss to $3.2 Billion
Sony seems like a family that suffered the death of loved ones and then had its house burglarized while attending the funerals. The company announced that it would incur a $3.2 billion loss for the fiscal year that ended last March tied to natural disasters and an Internet break-in. Neither event will improve Sony’s ability to compete …
Why Consumers Aren’t Buying New TVs
You probably bought a cool new flat-screen TV within the last couple of years. But aren’t you ready for a new-new one now?
The Hottest New Luxury Item? One That Saves You Time, Money, or Both
In the recession era, the bar has been raised on why and when consumers decide to buy luxury goods. Merely liking something is no longer enough. But if you can somehow justify that a product—one that’s expensive, that you clearly don’t need—saves you time or money, or somehow betters your health or quality of life, then whipping out …
Are You Experiencing “Next Great” Whatever Fatigue?
You just bought an HDTV, an iPhone, and a Kindle, but now there’s 3-D TV, Google’s Nexus One, and the Kindle 2 (or the Nook) that all want you to take them home too. Can’t the marketers and innovators at least wait until we’ve gotten used to all the gizmos and features of our current great “new” devices before they introduce the new-new ones?
What Will a Cheapskate Spend Good Money On? Part VII
Even a cheapskate has to spend money sometimes. I’ve asked various frugal folks—bloggers, writers, money-saving and consumer experts—to compile a list of the products, services, experiences, and other “things” they’re willing to shell out good money on. Because if a cheapskate is willing to drop cash on something, you know it’s worthwhile.
