Decide what to buy | the Reevoo.com blog, featuring news on TVs, cameras, laptops, mp3 players & other gadgets, shopping tips and deals, reviews and more

Grim news today for home cinema fans, as the credit crunch really begins to show its teeth in the AV world. Pioneer, who make the highly-regarded Kuro range of premium TVs, will cease production this time next year in order to focus on in-car entertainment and less competitive home entertainment areas - like DJ kit.

Pioneer will also cut 30% of its workforce - a cool 10,000 jobs - and reduce its manufacturing capacity by 30%. Today’s news comes after Pioneer posted a £1bn expected loss for the year’s operations.

Until last year Pioneer focused exclusively on high quality plasma TVs, which were renouned for their deep black levels. The warning signs came in 2008, when Pioneer stopped making the plasma panels it was so well known for, instead using Panasonic panels, and releasing a new range of LCD TVs.

Pioneer remained a premium brand however. In 2008, Reevoo found that Pioneer was the most expensive TV manufacturer, with an average cost per TV of £1,258. That put the Kuro experience out of range of most TV shoppers, and may have put paid to Pioneer’s TV business.

As I said on Pioneer’s blog, this looks like an instance where the credit cruch has cut both ways. In the notoriously competive television market, the credit crunch has made it harder for Pioneer to manufacture their TVs at relatively small volumes, and it’s made it harder for shoppers to justify the Pioneer premium.

I’m sure there will be more details emerging over the next few days, but for now the message for shoppers is that 2009 could be your last chance to get your hands on a Pioneer TV, such as the Pioneer 5090 or a classic Pioneer Kuro PDP4280XD.

See Reevoo to buy, or just gaze at, the other Pioneer Kuros.

Did you realise that you can get money for you old mobile? Not just a little bit either- you would be surprised how much cash you can get back for your old phone, even if it’s not working! Reevoo have partnered with a number of recycling companies to offer you a choice of reasons for recycling or trading in your phone for cash and for a good cause.

The process is simple- you register your phone online, and get an instant quote for its value. Next you just send off your old handset, either in a pre-paid envelope, or to a freepost address, and then simply sit back and wait for a cheque or money transfer. You can even exchange your phone for nectar points or Tesco Clubcard points. It really is that easy!

So what happens to your old phone? Your phone is either refurbished and sold in developing economies, or it is ecologically disposed of. Gone are the days of endless phones in landfill sites, now the parts are re-used, or the handsets are smelted for energy production. The companies involved are all concerned with the environment, sustainable development and elevating poverty, so help others whilst getting some cash in your own pocket. Greener Solutions Group for example, a leading owner of various mobile recycling companies, are concerned with sustainable development.  Since its launch in 2001, more than £10 million has been raised by its charity partners.

It seems to us here at Reevoo, that it’s a no-brainer- just free post your old phone in, and get some more cash to go and spend on some Christmas presents! For example:

How much is my old phone worth?

Original iPhone - £125!

Nokia 5310 - £35

Samsung D900 - £20

Obviously you can’t expect to get cash back for a phone that is in pieces. The various companies have different guidelines on prices depending on the state of the phone, but here are a few outlines. Best prices will be paid for phones that are in one piece, have little cosmetic damage and switch on when charged up. Scratches and cracks are not big problems, but even phones that don’t work might be eligible for cash. Have a look at the individual website for more details, but even sending it off to them for a few quid in return is better for you and then environment!

So- don’t leave your old phones lying around gathering dust- they could be worth a lot, and could contribute to a great Christmas in this tough financial climate! Visit our Mobile Recycling Page and see how easy it is to get cash yourself!

In our newsletter last month, we asked you all to let us know how the credit crunch was affecting your shopping. The results are in and amazingly, all of you had the same attitudes towards shopping and money saving:

If you’d like to subscribe to our newsletter, just go to the Reevoo homepage and put your email address in the box in the bottom right, then click “submit”:

I know it’s all a bit doom and gloom at the moment in the money department but what happens when you actually need to buy something?

Laptops may seem like an unaffordable luxury but if you’re a student or you run your own business or you just need soemthing that you can carry around with you, laptops are your best bet and you can get one for cheaper than you think.

We’ve set the bar at £300 and found some great deals. Here are the top ten most highly rated laptops under £300, rated by people who have actually bought them:

1. Asus EEE PC 4GB INT - £170

2. Advent 4211 - £230

3. Packard Bell MX37 T003 - £300

4. Toshiba Equium L350-10L - £300

5. Compaq CQ50100EM SI40 - £300

6. Toshiba Equium L300-146 - £300

7. Asus EEE PC 701 4G - £205

8. Asus EEE PC 701 8G - £205

9. EI Systems 1201 T23701G - £250

10. Acer As5633 - £300

So there we go. With prices as low as £170, you’re sure to find something. Asus EEE PCs are great to take anywhere because they’re so tiny, and I especially like all of the new colours they come in but they may take a bit of getting used to. A couple of the reviews from guys mention that the keys are a little difficult for them to type with. If they don’t sound like they’re for you, an extra 50 or so will get you the Advent 4211. It’s got some great reviews. Nuala from County Louth says:

“It’s just fantastic. The best money I ever spent. You can use it anywhere. I would’nt be without it”

And if online gaming’s your thing, Fiona from Wales says:

“Very small and lightweight. Speedy processor means not matter how many screens you’ve got open it doesnt slow. Would higly recommend for anyone looking for an internet laptop. I find it good for online gaming as the applications do not slow the computer even if palying several sites at once.”

If you’re after something stylish, go for the Compaq CQ50100EM SI40. Everyone raves about its design. But if you ask me, the Toshiba Equium L350-10L packs a whole lot into £300 and looks to be well worth the money.

So lots of bargains there and lots of different laptops to choose from. If you’ve come across any others, let us know.

With households around the land worrying that it’s time to tighten belts, we thought we’d help show you how you can get the most from your purchases and do your bit to save the planet at the same time – after all, who wants another summer like we’ve just had?

In addition to Reevoo’s normal job, of using real customer reviews to help you decide what to buy, Reevoo now allows you to search by which household products are the most energy efficient. With energy prices up by 20% this year, we thought this was pretty smart, as well as green.

So, what difference will this really make?

We took one of the market’s top energy rated fridge freezers, the Indesit BAAN134, which has an A* energy efficiency rating and carries the Energy Savings Trust Feature, and compared it to your average light bulb.

At roughly HALF the power usage of a 60 watt lightbulb, not only will the Indecit keep your beers chilled but it might tempt you to live by fridge-light during fast approaching autumnal months.

We wouldn’t expect you to compromise on quality either, the Indesit scored 9.2 out of 10 by those that bought it and 93% of buyers would recommend it.

So, if you’re interested in making your home as cost and energy efficient as possible, or just want to find out which washing machine uses less power than your iPhone, check out the home product reviews on Reevoo.

[Guest post by Matt]

Has anyone else noticed that money’s getting a little tight? If you have a car and/or an appetite, chances are you’ve been affected by price hikes lately. If you’ve got kids, it can be even harder to keep tabs on the purse strings, especially as it’s half term. If you’re in need of some entertainment for the little ones, that won’t cost a fortune, Reevoo have come up with the top toys around at the moment for under £25.

Here’s the list:

1.    VTECH Sort and Soar Rocket - £15
2.    Dora Skittles - £13
3.    Speed Stacks - £14
4.    Duplo Large Brick Box - £20
5.    Peek-A-Blocks Press & Go Train - £20

What’s great is that most of these toys have an educational edge, as well as being fun.

The VTECH Sort and Soar Rocket has been the top toy on Reevoo for ages so they must be doing something right.  It’s aimed at children from 18-36 months. Claire from Stonehaven says "my One year old loves it …no dangerous parts which is excellent" and Julie from Derby writes, it’s "Great for teaching hand eye co-ordination, teaching colours, numbers and sounds".

Dora Skittles are only £13. There are two great things about these: they can be enjoyed by both younger and older children, so you can save a few bob by getting one thing for all of your children and you can use them inside or outside, so if the weather stays as it has been, you don’t have to start pulling your hair out…I have to say that these are quite fun for adults too - combine with a nice glass of wine and that’s your evening’s entertainment sorted too. Bargain.

In at three are the Speed Stacks. People go crazy for these and there are loads of leagues and championships set up all over the country. The good thing is that they’re addictive - without added chemicals - so they can keep older children amused for hours. Parents love the fact that these get kids away from computer screens and one reviewer also comments that they’re "excellent for eye- hand coordination and gross motor skills".

We were talking about the victory of classic board games last week so I’m glad to see that another classic is in the top five here - Duplo. Although the Duplo Large Brick Box is aimed at younger children, Lauren from Northumberland says "this is a toy that appeals to all children of all ages with an endless range of possibilities for play". Another happy shopper is Sarah from Chester who writes "plenty of different bricks, easy for little hands to connect them, bright colours and great storage". An all-round good’un then.

The Peek-A-Blocks Press & Go Train from Fisher Price was also a big hit with shoppers. The only half-negative comment was that it’s a little noisy. Probably something to think about if you were hoping for a bit of peace and quiet this half term. Although, this product is aimed at children aged 12 to 18 months so if you’ve got a little one around that age, I think peace and quiet may be out of the question anyway…

So there we go, some top toys to pick from. If none of those take your fancy, there are plenty more toy reviews to look though.

Has anyone else noticed that money’s getting a little tight? If you have a car and/or an appetite, chances are you’ve been affected by price hikes lately. If you’ve got kids, it can be even harder to keep tabs on the purse strings, especially as it’s half term. If you’re in need of some entertainment for the little ones, that won’t cost a fortune, Reevoo have come up with the top toys around at the moment for under £25.

Here’s the list:

1.    VTECH Sort and Soar Rocket - £15
2.    Dora Skittles - £13
3.    Speed Stacks - £14
4.    Duplo Large Brick Box - £20
5.    Peek-A-Blocks Press & Go Train - £20

What’s great is that most of these toys have an educational edge, as well as being fun.

The VTECH Sort and Soar Rocket has been the top toy on Reevoo for ages so they must be doing something right.  It’s aimed at children from 18-36 months. Claire from Stonehaven says "my One year old loves it …no dangerous parts which is excellent" and Julie from Derby writes, it’s "Great for teaching hand eye co-ordination, teaching colours, numbers and sounds".

Dora Skittles are only £13. There are two great things about these: they can be enjoyed by both younger and older children, so you can save a few bob by getting one thing for all of your children and you can use them inside or outside, so if the weather stays as it has been, you don’t have to start pulling your hair out…I have to say that these are quite fun for adults too - combine with a nice glass of wine and that’s your evening’s entertainment sorted too. Bargain.

In at three are the Speed Stacks. People go crazy for these and there are loads of leagues and championships set up all over the country. The good thing is that they’re addictive - without added chemicals - so they can keep older children amused for hours. Parents love the fact that these get kids away from computer screens and one reviewer also comments that they’re "excellent for eye- hand coordination and gross motor skills".

We were talking about the victory of classic board games last week so I’m glad to see that another classic is in the top five here - Duplo. Although the Duplo Large Brick Box is aimed at younger children, Lauren from Northumberland says "this is a toy that appeals to all children of all ages with an endless range of possibilities for play". Another happy shopper is Sarah from Chester who writes "plenty of different bricks, easy for little hands to connect them, bright colours and great storage". An all-round good’un then.

The Peek-A-Blocks Press & Go Train from Fisher Price was also a big hit with shoppers. The only half-negative comment was that it’s a little noisy. Probably something to think about if you were hoping for a bit of peace and quiet this half term. Although, this product is aimed at children aged 12 to 18 months so if you’ve got a little one around that age, I think peace and quiet may be out of the question anyway…

So there we go, some top toys to pick from. If none of those take your fancy, there are plenty more toy reviews to look though.