High-Tech Gadgets

Over the recent years, high-tech gadgets have become all the rage among all kinds of consumers. And remember when shopping for a mobile phone was a snap? Fiddle with five models, pick one and go home happy.

But nowadays, you practically need a degree in computer science and three months just to research the right one. The same thing exists in virtually every category of consumer electronics and technology such as laptops, camera, e-book readers, music players, etc.

According to Barry Schwartz, author of the "The Paradox of Choice" and a professor of social theory at Swarthmore College, people can not compare all the options competently when faced with too many choices.

For instance, one university study found that a supermarket customer offered 24 varieties of jam was less likely to buy any jam, period, than a customer offered just six varieties.

So how can time-pressed electronic shoppers make a decision without feeling regret? Self-restraints is urged by experts:

• Stick to a budget

A founder of The Tech Enthusiast's Network, a consumer technology consulting service, said that it's easy to get snowed into adding features that push up the price. He said you can can begin with an absolute price ceiling and you will automatically limit yourself to the best product you can afford.

• Know your needs

Ask a friend or relative who is up on electronics to explain the options, then figure out which ones matter most to you.

• Talk the talk

Before coming face to face with sales people who favor jargon, learn the lingo. Clark said that knowing what key terms mean in advance can infuse you against buying more than you need.

• Compare online

Many merchants let you easily run side-by-side features comparisons on products you're interested in. And websites like ebay.com or amazon.com can steer you to the best prices.

• Ease the pressure

If you feel overwhelmed, leave the shop, Clark said. Impulse purchases rarely end up satisfying in the long run.

• Train your brain

No product is perfect. And with electronics, there's always a new, more technically sophisticated version just around the corner. "We tend to focus on what's disappointing, but with training, you can learn to focus on what's satisfying about your purchase," said Barry Schwartz.