var json_comments = new Array("<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-496347\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Mike_    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2006/10/top-10-ways-to-save-on-gadgets.html#comment-496347\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2006-10-09T14:17:06-05:00\">October  9, 2006  2:17 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(496347);\">Moderate</a> |</span>	<script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"http://consumerist.com/mt-static/plugins/Moderate/moderate.js\"></script>	<script type=\"text/javascript\">		successMsg = \"\";	</script><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=496347');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>I had a bad experience buying electronics from a lowest-price source.  Specifically, I ordered a few IBM Thinkpad laptops from a company in New York when I worked for a dot-com startup in 2000-01.  We bought the newest model, and they were supposed to be \"new in box\", but when we unpacked them, they were missing some packaging, and had clearly been handled (by someone with greasy hands).  Closer inspection revealed an RMA number covered with box paint on one of the boxes.  None of the computers functioned properly.  We were able to return them for a refund, but the experience left me skeptical of any price that is suspiciously out of line with the competition.</p><p>There are good deals out there, but it's not always wise to jump on the lowest price.  Just about anyone can get their inventory listed on Froogle.  It doesn't mean they're scrupulous.  Before you buy, Google the company name to see if they've drawn much negative attention from bloggers, forum posters or retailer feedback sites.  Read their terms of sale, and make sure there's a reasonable return policy.  And most of all, if something doesn't feel right, move on.  If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.</p><p>...</p><p>I bought a Canon Rebel XT a few months back.  NewEgg had it on sale for $750 ($650 after mail-in rebate).  I printed the page and tried to find someone local who could match their price.  Best Buy wouldn't budge -- $900 firm.  Circuit City offered $825 plus 10% off accessories (still a rip-off compared to online prices).  I've dealt with NewEgg before, so I went with them.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(496347, 'Mike_')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-496430\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=1161\"><img        src=\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1161-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=1161\">Ben Popken</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2006/10/top-10-ways-to-save-on-gadgets.html#comment-496430\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2006-10-09T14:39:21-05:00\">October  9, 2006  2:39 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(496430);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=496430');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Very good point, Mike_, when using lowest-price options, it becomes even more important to first check out the company's reputation.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(496430, 'Ben Popken')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-497109\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">homerjay    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2006/10/top-10-ways-to-save-on-gadgets.html#comment-497109\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2006-10-09T17:23:34-05:00\">October  9, 2006  5:23 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(497109);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=497109');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>So to paraphrase - the best way to save money on gadgets is not to buy them... Now, here's today's Woot! :)</p><p>Oh sweet temptation. </p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(497109, 'homerjay')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>");