Are you looking for a new gadget, computer or electronic? “toy”This holiday season? You should listen! These are some tips for shoppers who want to buy new electronics.

Know what you want. Is your traveling partner going to need a smartphone or personal digital assistant?

Maybe your college-aged daughter is looking for a laptop she can use to take photos, listen to music, and record videos. It is important to understand what your electronic device does in order to determine the memory and features required.

Here are the facts. Every season, new gadgets flood the market with computers and other devices that will catch your attention and make your wallet happy. Be smart about shopping. Before you head to the store, prioritise add-ons. “might be nice.”

If your brother “might”Don’t use GPS on your new cellphone. No matter how tempting they may seem, you should ignore them.

You can trust the pros. Review to see if the gadgets live up their claims. Consumer Reports (http://www.consumerreports.com/) has many reviews.www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/index.htm), a non-profit, independent organization that tests products and services.

Visit CNET, a computer-industry website that offers information on technology equipment (www.cnet.com), PC World (www.pcworld.com) and PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com

Keep everything in one place. Pay attention to the manuals and components that come with your new gadgets. It might be necessary to repackage the device exactly as it arrived if the device must be returned to the manufacturer within 30-60 days. It is helpful to know where everything is, as it helps you troubleshoot and sell your device.

Give the gift that will give back. It’s a great way to show your loved ones that you care about their digital assets, such as music, movies, and documents. Software like Acronis True Images Home (www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/For $49.99, you can get a ) which automatically backs up hard drives.

Backup software can be used to quickly restore digital memories if there’s a virus or another breakdown. Look for features that enable file transfer to a new computer. This will allow you to wipe your old device clean and remove any sensitive information.