Products such as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3 have grabbed undeniable attention in the consumer electronics market. During holidays, birthdays and other occasions, parents rush out to get the latest games or consoles to give as gifts to their children. But unlike more general products and gifts such as handbags, items for pets, household products, knives or leather goods, the electronics products such as these often come with an ongoing price tag, with new games being released indefinitely. That’s why consumers should compare these products carefully before buying.

A Power Comparison

Electronics can be compared in several areas, with one being power. The Xbox 360 overwhelmingly surpasses the Playstation 3 when it comes to power. Its CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) have more processing power than the PS 3. The memory bandwidth of the Xbox 360 exceeds that of the Playstation 3 by five times!

However, don’t let the power capabilities be the only determining factor. Playstation 3 still has lots of power when compared with older consoles, and the graphics are terrific as well. Also, it has a unique “cell chip,” which is expected to help developers get even more power for games, but it’s yet to be seen what will come of this. In comparison, there are still a couple of other things to consider.

Software Availability

The software (or video game) war is on now more than ever. Games are being defined by play-time, number of levels, quality of graphics, reality factors, and how they can be used online. Kids and adults alike are anxiously awaiting new games to be released to put them to the test in all these areas. Those wanting the online capabilities will find that Xbox 360 is geared that way.

With so many independent software developers, games are being released today that are either/or when it comes to the console Those who own a Playstation 3 console will be able to buy the PS 3 version of the game. The same goes for Xbox 360! So, this makes it more difficult to differentiate between the consoles in terms of the types of games offered. It’s the actual features and capabilities of the console that will determine the consumer’s final decision.

Pricing for Consoles and Games

Pricing is another determining factor. It’s usually based on the “newness” of the console or game. However, with new games and consoles being released, consumers won’t find cheap prices on these electronics just yet. It’s like buying automotive parts for a brand new car - there are no used or discounted parts because it’s all new!

Unlike buying jewelry, leather goods or a gift set of kitchen knives, choosing the right game console has to be a personal decision based on the features and capabilities desired. Many electronics are designed that way thanks to the ever-changing world of technology!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Shopping Comparison Xbox and PS 3 or Majon’s Electronics directory.

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With the holidays just around the corner, many people are wracking their brains, trying to think of the perfect gifts for every person on their list. It can be hard to find gifts that convey the right emotional tone and that the recipient will enjoy. Here, then, are tips to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Friend, Family or Colleague?

First, write down the name of every person for whom you’d like to (or are obligated to) buy a gift. Next, give each person a rating on a scale of one to five, depending on how close they are to your intimate inner circle. If it helps, draw a series of five concentric circles, with the center circle representing those who know your dreams and aspirations and experience your joys and tribulations as they happen. The outer circle represents those people who may not know the “real” you, such as your boss or a business associate. There may be people on your list, such as your child’s teacher, who isn’t close to you, but who has made a tremendous difference in your child’s life. Even though she may not know you well, you might decide to put her name in the second circle.

The reason for this exercise is to keep things in perspective when choosing gifts. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping, and select an inappropriately intimate gift for someone to whom you’re not that close. Rating each person can seem calculating, but it will prevent you from buying lingerie for your pastor’s wife!

Practical vs. Whimsical

The next step is deciding which people on your list would enjoy practical gifts, which would appreciate whimsical gifts, and which could go either way. So, put a “P” (for “practical”), a “W” (for “whimsical”), or a “PW” (for “practical or whimsical”) next to each name. Women who are practical might enjoy a handbag or a blender, while those who are whimsical would appreciate jewelry and painted glass. Those who straddle the fence might find leather goods appealing, since they’re both practical and luxurious.

The man who’s whimsical might enjoy any number of personal electronics, such as a gaming system or DVD player. A practical man who’s into cars, on the other hand, would appreciate a car alarm or even automotive parts. A man with a foot planted in both camps might enjoy something like a radar detector, a headset, or a telephone.

The Zen of Shopping

When you have many people on your gift list, it’s important to keep yourself from getting caught up in shopping mania - going to the mall and grabbing whatever’s available. Now that you have a list that has helped you define your relationships and determined the kinds of gifts each person might enjoy, why not take your time and shop online? Online mega malls have tens of thousands of items that would make perfect gifts. Best of all, they’re often available at wholesale prices and the online stores can dropship them in a matter of a few days. No hassles, no worries, and your holiday shopping is complete!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Three Steps to Perfect Gifts or Majon’s Gifts and Collectibles directory.

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Are you one of those women overwhelmed by the sheer, staggering number of handbag choices? Do you long for the simpler decisions of your grandma’s day? For the days when her choice was the black leather frame handbag—think Golden Girls’ Sophia’s ever-present purse dangling from her forearm. Or would grandma pick her white patent leather summer purse? Or maybe a woven wicker number for the hazy, crazy summer days of the 1950s and 60s? Aaah the simple life.

Life in the twenty-first century is not short of choices, rigid rules, fashionista do’s and don’ts, instant experts and armchair critics. Many women are unable to act because of decisional paralysis. We’ve grown to rely on the fashion industry stamp of approval to tell us what we like, what we want, and where to get it. Unless it’s included in fashion magazine full page ads or top ten lists we’re just not sure if it’s right for us. If it bears a designer insignia or is favored by the hottest celebrities we want it. At the very least we crave the approval of family and friends. We’ve given up control.

In yet one more take on how to pick the perfect purse consider the following five tongue-in-cheek handbag design personality types. By pigeon-holing er defining your personality preferences you too will be able to take back control of your design destiny and buy just the right purse for you and live happily ever after. Honest.

One. Are you a woman who appreciates fine lines, defined edges, art for the sake of art? Do you gravitate to sleek furniture and streamlined accessories? Aim for a “Sculptural Silhouette.” Look for handbag designs that are structured, yet beautiful enough to display on a bookcase or table in your home. Designs that make you gasp in awe.

Two. If the words minimalist, uncontrived, and smart define your design sensibility in clothing and home decor think “Savvy Simplicity.” You want to combine practicality and common sense with clean, simple designs. You don’t want or need umpteen pockets in your purse. You frown at embellishments like tassels and grommets and pleating and buckles. Understated elegance is your watchword.

Three. Confident, refined, possessing worldly experience in matters of fashion and culture are words that define you. You know how to carry yourself and handle any situation that presents itself. You personify “Sleek Sophistication.” You gravitate to those handbags constructed of luxury leathers, fine finishes and attention to detail. You understand that often less truly is more.

Four. You are the woman who’s most likely to turn heads. You’re well put together and not afraid to bend the rules. Your motto is: “it’s better to ask forgiveness than request permission.” Your style is “Stunningly Seductive.” In the language of purse design that means sexy fabrics and finishes like lace, sequins and beads. Your handbag selection could reflect the rock chick vibe or the fun, funky exuberance of youth.

Five. You are the woman who expects good value for your dollar. You’ve earned everything you have and you will not settle for less than the best. You expect, no, demand reliability, functionality, enduring, affordable quality. And you’re not willing to forgo fashion forward style to get it. This handbag design personality type is “Stylishly Substantial.” Organizer purses with multiple pockets, attached key chains and coin purses are features you appreciate. With your hectic, multi-role life you need a handbag that works for you. Whether you need to pack some files or some baby wipes this purse will accommodate your wishes. You opt for classic designs.

Unless you’re willing to go through life with one basic black bag it’s time to have some fun with making your own fashion accessory decisions. Take note of what you love on others but trust your own good sense. Expect value for money and don’t settle for less. Assess your needs—do you need a bag to take you from home to work and back again? Or do you want a glitzy little number for a hot night out? Or perhaps a fun and funky tote for the Saturday mall crawl? Take back your control and experience the power of purses.

Hazel Anaka is hooked on handbags and leather purses as evidenced by her online business http://www.powerofpurses.com Her weekly column “From Where I Sit” appears online and in print. Using 16 years of retail experience she’s just opened Heart Works Studio Gallery & Gift Shop near Andrew, AB Canada. Featuring her original art and eclectic giftware, Heart Works also offers workshops in art, writing and personal development.

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