Gadget and gizmo experts

I have to buy a lot of gadgets and gizmos in the coming days, weeks, months, and while I used to be the person who knew a lot about technology and gave greeat advice, I feel a little behind the curve and I don't really know what half of the specs I'm reading mean. These are also all big investments for me so I want to make sure I'm not wasting my money. I know some of you are absolute shopping experts and I'm sure you can help me out.

I need a new phone, a new cell phone and a new DVD player. Any thoughts?

For the phone I need one with an answering machine, caller ID/call waiting ID, I prefer one with a regular handset and a cordless, and I need one that is "Wi-fi friendly"

Cellphone: I don't really care. I guess it just has to be good. I like the camera feature, but I don't need it to play music or wax my car or anything.

DVD player: Here is my conundrum. Do I buy the cheapo DVD player that only lasts a few months, or the expensive one that may only last a few months, and what features do I need? When DVD players first came out I had one that was about $300 ( back in the day ) but it lasted for about 3-4 years. Then I got a cheap $30 one that lasted 4 months. Then I went to the store and bought a more expensive one ($90) and it only lasted about 6 months. I'm not sure what to look for. I think one explanation for burning them out is that I often watch movies to fall asleep and leave it running overnight, sometimes for days at a time. Do they have players with an auto-shutoff feature? There are so many different features and I don't know what they mean. Does anyone have a DVD player they love? (I don't have an HD TV so this isn't really an issue). I guess it just need one that will stand up to abuse. That's my standard for buying everything from laptops to handbags. Must stand up to abuse. I'm very careless and a complete klutz. I don't mean to be, it's my ADD or I'm a scaterbrain or something.

ETA: One more gizmo I am looking to buy in the coming months...an LCD flat panel computer monitor, around 19". I spent an entire day looking at reviews and specs and I still have NO clue. I'm using it to replace what was a $400 Sony Diamondtron montior, it was top of the line in its day. Although I do most of my photo work on my Mac (Or will when i get my Mac fixed), I don't want to replace this monitor with something of lower quality or that won't be good for moderate photo work and desktop publishing. I also don't want to spend a lot. I was thinking under $250, if possible.

Message edited 5/18/2007 12:10:04 AM.

Re: Gadget and gizmo experts

Bueller, Frye?

yes I have searched online, but I always prefer [ersonal recommednations especially because I don't often know what the specs mean and because the reviews often advocate for more expensive products than I need.

Thoughts?

TIA!