Finally, check out the inventory on refurbishment sites. Start with Apple--under the , you'll find links to their refurbished Macs and iPods, as well as clearance items.

Alternately, you can try your luck with Craigslist or eBay. Depending on how much demand there is for the product you want, you may be able to get your gadget for a substantial discount off the retail price.

There are some things to keep in mind when dealing with individual sellers. First, there's no guarantee that you'll be getting what's listed, and it can be a struggle to get your money back. Second, it's up to you to do due diligence. If the gadget you want comes with software (for example, a digital camera or a scanner), make sure the seller provides proof that they've got installation disks and a software license number so you've got a usable gadget. If you do go the Craigslist or eBay route, don't forget to ask about packaging and documentation.