More on how to choose a digital tv ... as the end of analog approaches, and as the market seems to change so quickly, an update to last year's piece would be most welcome!

- I would also like to have guidance on the digital TV switchover for someone who would rather NOT buy a new TV, but needs to know what his options are (including buying a new TV if it happens to be a good deal).

- I bet there are plenty of adults who have gotten only a vague request from a child or grandchild for a particular piece of technology, such as "an iPod" or "a digital camera." I think you could do a very useful guide on point-and-shoot digital cameras.

I need help with mpg players for an 11 year old that just wants to listen to music and be able to select the song. And an easy to use one for a very senior citizen who wants to listen to downloaded audio programs and podcasts (I would do the downloading for her). But the real catch is that they need to be as far under $100 as possible as money is tight. How do I even start looking for such players?

I would like some guidance on what to buy; how to setup a home theater.

@Rosie - check out the Sandisk Sansa M series. The only downside for them is that they require Windows XP or Vista.

I need a new phone. I really want the Iphone. But I'm afraid I'm just being sucked in by all the hoopla. And that what I really need is a plain vanilla phone without all the bells and whistles. Is it really worth it? And can you use it on the subway? The phone I have now can't be used on the subway. But Verizon phones work on the subway.

I second Rosie's request for some discussion of MP3 players. As the marketplace for content shifts, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPod vs some other MP3 player? Flash memory vs hard disk? How much memory do I really need, and at what point do the extra GBs start costing more than they're worth?

@Larry

Thanks! I will check them out. I use Win XP so that would not be an issue.

I join the requests for a refresh of the TV discussion. Thanks for taking our opinions into account.

I'd like to see some information on how to handle mixing digital TVs with Analog TVs since its unlikely that families will replace all of their Analog TVs at the same time. How do we handle cable or satellite boxes, do we need one digital box and one analog box? Do digital boxes have analog outputs as well? Any info would be appreciated.

How and where does one shop for the small business/home office computer that does not need an IT department to support it? I need to devote all my resources to my business and need a reliable PC that is a tool and not a second vocation. Thank you.

How about some guidance about getting rid of all the obsolete electronics that we have accumulated before recommending more stuff to accumulate. I have a pile of old computers, printers, monitors, answering machines, walkmans, ... and soon to be analog tv's. Recycling only occurs a few times a year; they only take 4 items; and to drive to the site, wait in line, and drive back wastes several hours of my Saturday. Paying to get rid of them gets expensive. Tossing them out in a black plastic bag isn't the environmentally friendly option. Nobody seems to want them as they are not the newest technology (some are actually old!) Suggestions?

PS The saddest thing is that most of the products still work.

I second (or maybe 3rd or 4th) the digital TV requests. What's out there that's affordable?

Also, I love the approach of asking readers what THEY want. A great concept that others should follow.

Sincerely, one of the PR reps clogging your inbox :). I don't pitch digital TVs, but I do need one.

We now have a 37" Vizio HD TV, DirecTV HD DVR and subscribe to HD service. Now we are told the 5 year old Pioneer "home theater" won't work well with the set-up. How about a recommendation for a digital(?) home theater system? Ed D.

I am thinking about getting a digital photo frame -- is anything under $100 worth it? There aren't a whole lot of reviews avaialble for most products.

How about a blatant plug for two fresh gift ideas that nobody has heard of:

1) www.GiveAurl.com - We make it very easy to give a domain name (yourname.com) as a gift. In essence, you are opening up the World Wide Web to someone by giving them their own personal domain name before someone else snatches it. We currently offer four gift packages with more on the way. Imagine a baby or child having their own domain name. Did you know that the top 10,000 family names are already taken?

2)www.MyFaceIcons - A fresh digital-age gift idea. We sell personal icons/avatars drawn from a photo. The icon/avatar can be used for instant messaging, internet forums, mobile phones, email signatures, or even printed. Kids and adults love this one.

Gotta spread the word somehow.

Thanks

Rick