It seems like everyone in the community is pressed for money these days and it has become clear that the economy won’t be flaring out of this recession in the near future. The influx of technology in the past decade have made many people accustomed to a certain luxury: the smartphones, iPods, laptops etc. These are not items that need to be sacrificed in the wake of the recession, but become increasingly difficult to find at a more affordable price. This week I can offer several pieces of advice to follow when looking to replace or upgrade your gadgetry, as well as favorite places to begin your search.

First of all, don’t be afraid to shop used or refurbished, just don’t be stupid about it. You should search reputable websites for clearance or quality-assured refurbished products. For example, Apple computers and other products are favored by students for their simple and elegant designs which capably handle most tasks a user can ask of them, however, the price points set for these computers are set high. When looking to replace a worn down iPod, don’t hesitate to first search the Apple Store’s refurbished section here to save up to 33% off a new player.

Secondly, scour websites that offer online discounts or coupons. Previously mentioned favorites include dealhack (http://dealhack.com/), which compiles these offers into one place and Woot! (www.woot.com), which has ridiculous specials on different products each day.

Though these practices have the potential to knock hundreds of dollars off of your purchase, I cannot overemphasize the importance of doing your homework on a product before purchasing it. Engage yourself in a discussion about the realistic limits of what you need your computer or iPod or whatever gadget to do, and cater your decisions to these criteria. In this way you can continue to lighten the impact on your wallet, and walk away feeling satisfied.