2sonsandadaughter

Summer heat turns gadget makers' minds to winter's chilly days, when shoppers buy millions of iPods and sleek TVs, but consumers may be lukewarm to this year's newest crop of gizmos.

As they vie for a bigger slice of a global market estimated at $135 billion, leading consumer electronics makers are already showing off their wares—from advanced products such as Nokia's N91 multimedia mobile phone to novelties like iRobot's kitchen floor-cleaning robot.

But unlike recent years, when devices like Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod, satellite radios or digital cameras lured shoppers into stores, there appears to be few new "wow" gadgets to entice consumers to crack open their wallets.

2sonsandadaughter

What is more, rising interest rates and gasoline prices have analysts wondering if consumers may feel ho-hum about spending when the December holiday season arrives.

2sonsandadaughter

The Consumer Electronics Association, the industry's lobbying group, expects the global gadget market to grow 8 percent this year to a record $135 billion, fueled by demand for wireless devices, flat-panel displays, MP3 players and interactive gaming consoles.

But analysts say the growth will come from variations of established products, rather than ground-breaking new ones.

2sonsandadaughter

Industry watchers and snooper Web sites suggest a new iPod is coming with a bigger screen, while Apple is always adding improvements to iTunes.

What will probably draw more attention is the introduction of new gaming consoles from Nintendo Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp.

Desiree

I hear xmas in July is a great shoppers heaven... where you can go and get everything on discount or 1/2 off at big retailers

technt77

I have a parent (my mom) who does this kind of shopping. She prides herself in being done in October. Ugh. Where's the fun in that.

I understand the whole "saving money" idea, though. And it really does save on the December budget to buy now as well.

tiggapooh

I plan on buying lots ofer the internet. Even if I have to pay a little for postage, I would have to probably pay more than that on gas by the time I go to all the stores.