Cheap gadgets
New Reviews: Digital SLRs and Universal Chargers
Frugal tech buffs, take note: We've recently published a couple of brand-new buying guides on cheap gadgets. These products may seem like splurges to some, but if you're in the market for a shiny new toy, here are some that won't break the bank.
Professional photographers spend thousands on digital single-lens-reflex cameras, but our picks for best cheap DSLRs start at just over $400. The digital SLRs we researched carry the same brand names as top-of-the-line cameras and take the same interchangeable lenses, making them more versatile than a simple point-and-shoot you carry in your pocket. If you're looking to upgrade, we'll help you sort through the laundry lists of specifications and zero in on the features that are important to you. One thing you won't have to worry about is photo quality. All the budget cameras on our list take sharp, crisp photos with accurate colors. Our favorites are the Canon EOS Rebel XS (starting at $449) and the Sony A290 (starting at $419). We also looked at models from Nikon, Pentax, and Olympus.
We recently put cheap universal chargers under our microscope as well. These cheap gadgets can provide priceless backup battery power for your mobile devices when you're on the road away from an outlet. Our top offerings range in price from $15 to $40. The cheap gadgets we like best for charging mobile devices on the go are the MiLi Power Crystal (starting at $26) and the I-Up 5400 (starting at $40). The MiLi charger supports an impressive array of mobile devices for the price, while the I-Up 5400 boasts more than twice the battery power of any other cheap gadget in this category. The I-Up 5400 and the iGo Charge Anywhere PS00273-0001 (starting at $35) can also plug into an outlet, so they act not only as portable backup power but as conventional wall chargers for all your mobile devices. Just toss one of these cheap gadgets in your bag and leave the rest of your chargers at home.
