New cameras and camcorders address competition from smartphones.

 Manufacturers have banished AM/FM bands from most of their low-priced models, but you can find Internet connectivity in table radios at all price ranges.

Tweaks to the latest models include Internet protocol.

Today’s smartphones are bigger, more versatile and, well, smarter than ever before. 

Top models aren’t worth the money for most consumers.

Nearly all Blu-ray Disc players now have 3-D capability, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and Internet streaming services.

Notable innovations are in headphones at all prices.

It’s bad enough that Americans pay $18 billion annually in cellphone fees and taxes. Now state and local governments are diverting that revenue to plug budget holes.

Consumers can look forward to the emergence of better operating systems, processing chips and storage drives.

Portable videodisc players are falling in price, and more models now have Blu-ray Disc playback.

More pretenders than contenders are in the market.

Hidden data collectors track your online activity.

Your best bet is to buy a separate sleeve for tablet computers, netbook computers and e-book readers.

The latest personal media players are similar to smartphones—but without data contracts.

A large amp doesn't mean best car-audio performance.

Security suites and backup software are more intuitive.

Internet access is becoming essential, but consumers are locking into service that’s not as fast as it’s advertised to be.

The growth of smartphone apps causes much confusion.

Can you trust the “cloud” to keep your personal data safe?

Bonus tracks and personalized playlists, for a fee.

Don’t look for any significant changes in tax-prep software programs—now, or anytime in the immediate future.

Flat-panel mounts can hold bigger sets closer to the wall.

Buying cellphone service today can be fuzzy. Third-generation access (3G) is growing. Data-service options abound. And the courts are grappling with early termination fees.

Think twice before you take your computer to the nearest repair specialist. Many people are scammed by technicians who are moved more by profit than principle.