Online retailers are cheaper option for electronics

It may be wise to say "no" to brick-and-mortar stores when buying electronics.

The prices at retail stores can be pricey, even when looking to buy a simple electronic item like a basic USB cable. Based on several reports, the more complex the electronic item, the more expensive.

For example, a reporter at the Boston Globe refused to pay $30 for a piece of insulated copper with little connectors on each end. Rightfully so. When you're on the prowl for electronics, it may be smart to kick brick-and-mortar shops to the curb and head to the world wide web for great discounts and amazing steals.

For example, eBay offers simple electronics for a bargain. The same USB cable that sells for $30 in retail stores costs $10 including postage on eBay. Although still an auction house, eBay offers many products sold by small retailers for a set price. eBay comes in especially handy when looking for simple electronics. USB cables, headphones, cell phone chargers, iPod accessories probably won't malfunction. When searching for electronics such as televisions or cameras however, eBay can be a gamble.

eBay isn't the lone wolf of cut-rate digital accessories. Amazon.com has recently opened AmazonBasics, selling digital accessories priced extremely competitive. The selection is sparce, but what is there is gold. a Boston Globe article speaks of a 6-foot HDMI cable for high definition tv. At Best Buy the price is $13. Amazon Basics offers the cable for $5.54, with a total of $11.12 after shipping. Yes, shipping is a downside, although it is free when spending $25 or more.

When looking for electronics online, there are many sites offering great deals, so make sure to shop around. Many sites including Nextag.com and OnSale.com, offer discounted electronics.

OnSale.com offers savings on big electronics as well as accessories. There's even a current promotion being offered for laptops--up to 80 percent off. The New iPod Nano with digital recording is only $133.98.