CNBC: Post Holiday Value

You don't have to bust the bank to buy the latest high tech gear. Here are some of the best deals of the season.



Sony Flat Panel Displays
From $3,000 three years ago to under $500 today, these super slim space saving displays are fast becoming the monitor of choice. Believe it or not, even Sony has dumped prices on its flat panels introducing a sexy new $499 (after rebate) 15-inch LCD flat panel that is head and tails above similar priced models. Dubbed the M-series, this sleek, black on black monitor is paper thin with a unique dual pivot stand and wall mounting capabilities. It features super bright images, graphics and text and saves up to 5 times the energy of a CRT monitor to boot. www.sel.sony.com




Pioneer DV-444 DVD Player
This is the slimmest, most low-profile DVD player at less than 2 inches high, so it looks very stylish and more importantly, fits where full-sized DVD players don't. The Pioneer DV-444 is a true high-end DVD player with built-in line doubling, progressive video output for flicker-free, film-like image quality, and 24-bit/96kHz digital to analog converters for audiophile quality analog sound. My first choice in this very competitive price category. $449. www.pioneerelectronics.com




Canon N670U Scanner
At just over one inch high, the N670U scanner is not only one of the smallest but one of the easiest to set up and use. Connect with just a single USB cable to any compatible Mac or PC-no power cord or bulky transformers are necessary. Then scan, copy or e-mail your images in just one step using the three convenient external buttons. You can even burn all of your photos onto CDs with ease. Its 600 x 1200 dpi resolution and 48-bit that gives you over 281-trillion possible colors for richer, more robust scans. The accompanying stand allows you to stand up the scanner to make room on your desk, and still use it to scan at anytime. Its Z-lid expansion top cover features a special expansion hinge that lifts vertically and lays flat to create the space needed for bulky items, and to help ensure clear scans. $99. www.usa.canon.com




Grado SR80 Headphones
Grado SR80 headphones are built on the same features as the SR60, but utilize a 4 conductor connecting cable and larger ear cushions, the result of which gives a more open stage. The SR80 provides an improved bass resonance, which enhances the overall detail. These are the best sounding phones for the money. $95. www.gradolabs.com




Paradigm Cinema 90 Speakers
For big sound in a small package look no further than Paradigm's Cinema 90 speakers. www.paradigm.com




Compaq WiFi Cards
For more information on this home networking product, please go to www.compaq.com