Donald and Jasmine discuss the new additions to the iPhone and how these will affect iPod Touch owners as well. Also on deck: budget shopping tips for MP3 players and headphones are outlined, and Donald gives an overview of two step-by-step tutorials involving fixing a broken Touch screen and getting the most out of Pandora. Finally, we give our listeners some much-deserved attention.

Listen now:

Download today’s podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio |  Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio |  Subscribe in RSS video

…

Originally posted at MP3 Insider

HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One Printer

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Shopping for a budget printer doesn’t have to be an exercise in anger-management and self-abasement. Contrary to the stigma, many printers can produce great quality photos and documents without breaking the bank or eating up expensive consumables. Now release your …

Available for just $400, the Energy Take Classic surround speaker system is one of the best home audio deals out there.

(Credit: Energy Speakers)

Home audio is one of those gadget categories where prices can range anywhere from $250 to $25,000. It also has a range of subcategories and mind-boggling terminology. So we thought we’d provide a quick and easy overview for shoppers who are just interested in getting the most for their money–especially at the lower end of the price scale.

First off, identify your audio and video needs. If you’ve already got a video source you’re happy with–a Blu-ray player, game console, or DVD player–then you’ll want to go with a component-based home theater package (a receiver/amp plus speakers) or you’ll want to put together your own home theater system (an AV receiver plus speaker system). However, if you’re starting from scratch–you’re ready to start fresh with Blu-ray or a new DVD player–you’ll want to consider a Blu-ray home theater system. For 2009, such all-in-one systems start at $500.

Secondly, stick to 5.1 or less. For true surround, you’ll need at least a 5.1-channel system (five speakers plus a subwoofer). There are also 6.1 and 7.1 configurations, but they’re overkill for anybody but purists. Of course, all those speakers means a lot of cables and placement questions (speaker stands, commandeering bookshelf space, going for wallmounts, and so forth). For a lot of people, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. There’s nothing wrong with opting for a stereo or “virtual surround” speaker configuration. There are several options–everything from a single speakerbar that mounts under the TV to 2.1 or 3.1 configurations. You’ll lose the true surround effect, but you’ll also ditch the front-to-back wiring as well. Bottom line: spending your money for two good stereo speakers instead of a so-so surround package is a worthwhile trade-off.

Remember, don’t overpay for sound quality you can’t hear. The prices for speakers, receivers, and home theater systems can easily spiral into four figures or more. What’s the difference between a $500 audio system and one that costs $3,500? For the so-called “golden eared” set, the sonic improvement they’d get from the latter configuration is well worth the premium. For many others, that difference may well be negligible. …

JVC's Everio MS120 is a decent standard-def camcorder with expandable memory up to 64GB.

There are plenty of devices for capturing video these days, including cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras. But, for the time being at least, you’ll get the best results from a dedicated camcorder. Of course those aren’t all created equal either.

The biggest decision you’ll have to make before starting your search is whether to go standard definition or high definition. Standard-def camcorders are a cost-effective way to get good video for Web sharing sites and for viewing on standard-definition TVs, and it’s less demanding for playback and editing on computers.

However, you can get a good HD camcorder at a price only $100-$200 more than some SD camcorders. Obviously you may not have that extra cash, but if you’re looking toward integrating your movies into a future high-def home theater experience, you’ll want to think long and hard before buying a standard-definition camcorder.

Not sure where you fall? Visit our camcorder buying guide so you know what features you’ll need to avoid making a disappointing purchase. If you already know what you want from a camcorder, here are some tips for further refining your choices to get the best possible deal.

…

Budget Blu-ray players are generally older, Profile 1.1 players.

Blu-ray started out as a pricey, enthusiasts-only, niche format, but prices have fallen enough that even mainstream home theater fans can enjoy high-def movies at home. If you’re on a tight budget, but still want to go Blu, here …

A Dell Mini 10v: $299

(Credit: Dell)

Owning a portable powerhouse of a lap-dwelling machine may be a bit economically out-of-reach for some, but there’s never been a better time to get a decently-performing laptop for a great value. Just follow these tips:

Try a Netbook. If your computing needs are low, or even basic (web browsing, office doc work, and not too much need for heavy-duty graphics or HD video), Netbooks offer a great package for very little money. Mainly equipped with Intel Atom processors and running Windows XP, they’re not so great a multitasking, but they’ll do the work that most computers handled five years ago with ease. Low-end Netbooks are where the best value’s at, with some coming in at under $300, like Dell’s Mini 10v. Some are on sale online for even less, or are subsidized by cell carriers (the HP Mini 1151nr costs $199). You will, however, need to sign up for a wireless 3G data plan for a subsidized Netbook, which will cost more in the long run than simply looking for free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Thin-and-light laptops are getting cheaper. It was just a year and a half ago when the MacBook Air cost an arm and a leg for super-light computing power. While the Air is more affordable now, there are a variety of similarly-powered machines running lower-cost CULV processors just hitting the market that cost even less. MSI’s X340 is practically a Windows version of the MacBook Air, with an equally good form factor (but made of plastic instead of aluminum), but costs $800.

Leave off the extras. Go for the bare-bones configuration unless you really need more RAM or a larger hard drive — those can sometimes be added later, usually for less money. …