The Olympus VR-340 features 10x zoom.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

For years now consumers have been turning to smartphones instead of cameras to shoot and share good-enough-for-Facebook photos. For those who lack a fancy phone with a decent camera or still prefer a dedicated device, respected names such as Canon and Olympus make well-reviewed digital cameras for less than $100. The best budget models promise reliable image quality and include features such as 10x optical zoom. That’s something you won’t see in a smartphone camera.

Here are the top picks from Cheapism.com.

• The Canon PowerShot A3400 IS (starting at $89) is yet another excellent entrant from a brand that seems to consistently excel in the budget arena. This camera has a touchscreen LCD -- an unusual feature for this price range -- and reviewers say the controls are simple to navigate. (Where to buy)
• The Olympus VR-340 (starting at $89) boasts a 10x zoom lens in a category where 5x is the norm. The 3-inch LCD also has a higher resolution: 460K dots, compared with the standard 230K. Expert reviewers note the camera’s solid metal body and laud its overall quality. (Where to buy)
• The Canon PowerShot A2400 IS (starting at $88) earns plenty of praise for its performance. Experts point to the sharpness of the photos and outstanding color accuracy. On the features front, this model looks much like the A3400, but for a 2.7-inch LCD in place of a 3-inch touchscreen. (Where to buy)
• The Fujifilm FinePix T400 (starting at $89) stands out for its ease of use, according to expert reviews. Automatic settings on this and other point-and-shoot cameras take the guesswork out of shooting a portrait, sunset, sporting event, or any number of other scenes. This camera’s slim body houses a 10x zoom. (Where to buy)

In general budget cameras tend to struggle in low light, producing images marred by “noise” or graininess and other distortions. In more favorable conditions, however, the best models continually turn out frame-worthy photos. The four cameras listed above can also record 720p HD video.

It would be remiss not to mention that these are all 16-megapixel cameras. High resolution does not necessarily make for high-quality images, however. In some cases the megapixel count may even be too high, as NBC News explains. Regardless, digital photos taken at 16MP will be plenty large enough to blow up to poster size and beyond. More megapixels may not translate to better pictures, but it certainly translates to larger image files. Luckily consumers can find high-capacity SD cards for less than $10.

One thing to check for as you compare the specs on digital cameras is an optical image stabilizer, which helps keep pictures taken in low light from turning out blurry. Low-cost models used to rely largely on digital machinations to produce sharp photos without a tripod, but now any camera you buy should have optical image stabilization built in.

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By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Many consumers flirt with cloud storage services — a few files here, a few files there. They take advantage of limited free storage space to back up important documents, access files from multiple devices, share files with others, and collaborate on projects. The number of subscriptions was expected to reach half a billion by the end of last year, according to market researcher IHS iSuppli.

Whether you’re playing the field to avoid paying for an upgrade or seeking a provider worthy of a long-term commitment, here are Cheapism’s top free services for cloud storage.

• Microsoft SkyDrive (starting at 7GB for free) offers the most complimentary storage and charges just 50 cents per gigabyte annually if you need more space: 20GB for $10 a year, 50GB for $25, 100GB for $50. This may be a Microsoft service, but it’s compatible with Apple products and Android phones in addition to Windows devices. Reviews highlight some unique capabilities: Users can not only share Microsoft Office files but edit them online through Office Web Apps and see the changes others make in real time. Users can also retrieve files remotely from an internet-connected PC with SkyDrive installed, even if the files haven’t been uploaded to the cloud.
• Dropbox (starting at 2GB for free) awards users an extra 500MB for each referral and offers other ways to earn more space, up to 18MB of free storage. The cheapest upgrade is 100GB for $99 a year and storage can exceed 1TB with a plan designed for multiple business users. Reviewers laud the system’s elegance and ease of use. Dropbox is also accessible on a wide array of devices, including Macs and PCs, iPhones and iPads, Android and BlackBerry phones, and Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet.

In addition to providing online cloud storage, both of these services let users access stored files offline, through desktop and mobile apps, and sync files across devices. This is where Dropbox really excels, according to reviews. It boasts broad compatibility and any change you make to a document in one place automatically shows up everywhere else.

Google Drive is another good free option, especially for consumers already steeped in Google’s online offerings. The web giant provides 5GB of free storage. Upgrades are a bit pricier than Microsoft SkyDrive but cheaper than Dropbox: 25GB for $2.49 a month and 100GB for $4.99 a month. Users can view more than 30 types of files through the online interface. The service is also set up for collaboration, letting users synchronously edit the same file online. However, more than one reviewer points out that Microsoft Office files must be converted to a Google format for editing.

The term “cloud storage” may make it sound like your files could disappear into thin air, but providers store them on secure servers in multiple locations. Even if one goes down, your stuff should be sitting safely elsewhere. Cloud services encrypt file transfers and require at least a password for access. They sometimes also offer two-step verification.

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This Whirlpool model stands out with its external ice and water dispenser.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Refrigerators these days can connect to the Internet, display recipes on a touchscreen, and “blast chill” a can of beer in minutes. They can also cost upward of $3,000 for a freestanding model. Built-in refrigerators disguised as kitchen cabinets command an added premium. For consumers on a budget, respected brands such as GE, Kenmore, LG, Whirlpool, and Maytag make roomy, energy-efficient refrigerators that can keep food cold or frozen for far less.  

Below are Cheapism’s top picks under $900.

• The Maytag M1TXEGMYW (starting at $710) exemplifies the design you see most often among inexpensive models: a refrigerator with a freezer on top. It totals 20.6 cubic feet inside and features an ice maker, two crisper drawers with humidity control, adjustable glass shelves, and adjustable bins on the door big enough to hold a gallon of milk. Consumers posting reviews online consider this refrigerator sturdy and reliable. It comes in white, black, and the creamy off-white known as bisque. It’s also available in stainless steel, but that in-demand finish carries a much higher list price. (Where to buy)
• The Whirlpool ED5KVEXVQ (starting at $899) is a side-by-side model that squeaks in under the $900 cap. It offers the most interior space, at 25.1 cubic feet, and devotes more room to the refrigerator than the freezer. It includes one crisper drawer, pullout glass shelves, and adjustable gallon-size door bins. Many reviewers note the water and ice dispenser on the front of the freezer, an uncommon perk in this price range. The color options are white and black. (Where to buy)
• The Kenmore 69002 (starting at $848) takes the increasingly popular approach of putting the freezer on the bottom. Reviewers appreciate the refrigerator’s spacious 19.7-cubic-foot interior with adjustable glass shelves, fixed gallon-size door bins, humidity-controlled crispers, and digital temperature controls. This model is available only in white. (Where to buy)
• The GE GTH18GBD (starting at $537) is a conventional top-freezer refrigerator that comes in white, black, and bisque. Many reviewers seem willing to forgive a bit of noise in exchange for what they declare excellent value. This basic model with 18.1 cubic feet of space houses two crispers with humidity control, fixed gallon-size bins and storage for canned beverages on the door, and adjustable glass shelves. (Where to buy)

Each refrigerator design has its pros and cons. Top-freezer refrigerators are generally cheapest and have wider shelves than side-by-side models, so they can accommodate large platters. Still, a side-by-side refrigerator may be the best choice if you have a galley kitchen or a center island that doesn’t allow much clearance for the doors. A bottom-freezer refrigerator puts fresh food within easy reach.

All the models listed above have earned federal Energy Star certification, which means they’re about 15 percent more efficient than non-certified refrigerators and should save buyers at least $80 on energy costs over the life of the appliance. If you’re replacing a refrigerator more than 10 years old, the government estimates you can save anywhere from $200 to $1,100.

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Think your only option on a budget is Android? The HTC Windows Phone 8X is a well-reviewed alternative.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Recently smartphone watchers have trained their eyes on BlackBerry, née Research In Motion, which has changed its name and unveiled two new phones with an overhauled mobile operating system. The BlackBerry Z10 made its U.S. debut last week with a price tag of $999. While that’s for an unlocked phone with no contract, Verizon has said it will charge $199.99 with a two-year plan. At those prices, frugal consumers will continue to look to the likes of Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, and LG for the most affordable smartphones.

Cheapism has zeroed in on four top picks consistently offered for less than $50 with a new contract. Right now you can find them all for no more than a penny.

• The HTC Windows Phone 8X (starting at 1 cent with Verizon) is also available from AT&T and T-Mobile. Reviewers identify this as one of the best options out there for consumers who want to try the Windows Phone 8 operating system. Most other low-cost smartphones are based on the Android platform. While the Windows Phone app selection is comparatively limited, this handset delivers speedy performance, a 4.3-inch HD display, and 16GB of memory for photos, videos, etc., but no microSD card slot for extra storage. (Where to buy)
• The Motorola Droid Razr M (starting at 1 cent with Verizon) runs Android 4.1 (a.k.a. Jelly Bean), one of the latest incarnations of the Google OS. The resolution of the 4.3-inch screen doesn’t qualify as HD but looks marvelous nonetheless, experts say. They also admire the phone’s svelte design and declare it an excellent value even at a higher price. Users can supplement the 8GB of internal memory with microSD cards up to 32GB. (Where to buy)
• The Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G (free with T-Mobile) has impressed reviewers with its speed and battery life, which totaled more than 11 hours in one test where comparable devices have struggled to exceed seven or eight. While the free version comes with an older Android 2.3 OS, users can upgrade to Android 4.0, a.k.a. Ice Cream Sandwich. As handsets generally grow larger and more unwieldy, the 4-inch display may appeal to consumers who prefer a more compact phone. (Where to buy)
• The HTC Evo 4G LTE (starting at 1 cent with Sprint) unfortunately delivers 4G LTE data speeds only in the smattering of markets where Sprint has rolled out that super-fast service. Still, reviewers laud this phone’s gorgeous 4.7-inch HD screen and excellent 8-megapixel camera. This model offers 16GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 32GB. (Where to buy)

For many consumers, the choice will depend more on the carrier than on the handset. Would you rather stay with your current provider or shop around for a cheaper plan, a faster data network, or better service in your area?

All the phones listed above can connect to their carriers’ respective 4G networks or to a Wi-Fi network, which can prove especially useful if you’re on a plan that caps your data usage. They have 1.5GHz dual-core processors capable of swift, smooth performance while juggling all manner of demanding tasks. The cameras range from 5MP on the Samsung to 8MP on the Motorola and HTC models and can record HD video. These phones also have front cameras for video calling and taking self-portraits.

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By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Less than two months remain before the April 15 deadline to file your 2012 taxes. Before you spend $200 on professional tax preparation or even $75 for a software program, take a minute to peruse the Internal Revenue Service website. There you’ll find more than a dozen companies, including big names such as H&R Block, that provide free online software and free federal e-filing to taxpayers who made up to $57,000 last year. Some also offer free returns for participating states. About 70 percent of taxpayers qualify for this Free File program, according to the IRS. The companies peddle free software on their websites as well, without restrictions, but beware the upsell. While taxpayers with complicated returns may need pricier software and a bit more hand holding, the best free programs dispense helpful advice and support a wide array of forms and schedules.

Below are Cheapism’s top providers of free tax preparation software with state filing fees under $20.

• TaxAct ($14.95 for state returns) limits its IRS Free File edition to taxpayers 18 to 57 with adjusted gross income of $51,000 or less. Consumers can also find a free edition on the company’s website that lacks such eligibility criteria. Unlike most other providers of free online software, TaxAct supplies a free download/CD version as well. Reviewers point to this as a selling point for taxpayers wary of submitting personal and financial information over the web.
• H&R Block Free File (free for many states, $14.95 for others) is not to be confused with H&R Block At Home Free, which appears on the company’s website and charges $27.95 for each state return. Consumers must go through the IRS website to find the Free File version. H&R Block consistently earns high ratings in expert reviews and includes features such as audit support and live tax advice from a professional even with its free software.
• ESmart Tax customers who access the software through the IRS can prepare and file some state tax returns for free and most for $12.95, compared with $19.95 through the free Basic Edition on the eSmart Tax website. Reviews note approvingly that this online-only software is backed by a retail tax preparation provider, Liberty Tax Services, and includes free audit support and live chat. It also speeds up the process and minimizes errors by importing data from W-2 and 1099 forms, as well as last year’s return if you switch from a big-name competitor.
• FreeTaxUSA ($9.95 for state returns) is a bare-bones program with limited customer support but may be all many taxpayers need. It actually exceeds the capabilities of some fancier free software by accommodating homeowners, investors, self-employed professionals, and taxpayers claiming dependents. Reviewers say the simplicity can work in your favor by making it less likely you’ll overlook something or make a mistake.

Taxpayers with adjusted gross income up to $31,000, active military who made up to $57,000, and anyone eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit can also get their hands on free software from market leader TurboTax through the IRS. The TurboTax Freedom Edition includes free filing for qualifying states and charges $14.99 for other states, vs. $27.99 per state with the Free Edition on the TurboTax website. The Freedom Edition also supports additional forms such as Schedule C for taxpayers who are self-employed.

Whichever you choose, don’t wait: Software providers hike their fees as April approaches, so you can’t count on the current prices to last for long.

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BeverlyLR / SXC

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

America’s sweethearts and suitors will spend more than $1.9 billion on flowers this Valentine’s Day, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation. Online flower retailers compete for the holiday windfall with daily deals and sales on no-brainer bundles that include candy and teddy bears. However, in a recent comparison of the major players promising cheap flower delivery, Cheapism.com encountered a mountain of negative reviews. Enlisting a local florist may require a bit more effort but prove a better value for the money.

Online or off, sending flowers is a somewhat risky business: A Valentine’s Day bouquet doesn’t do much good if it arrives on Feb. 15. Nor do a dozen roses if the petals are drooping and browning at the edges. Such scenarios turn up far more often than you might think in online reviews of flower delivery sites. In a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, a full 15 percent of consumers reported problems with shipping when buying flowers online, compared with just 7 percent for apparel and 5 percent for shoes. Reviewers also rail against extra fees that appear just before purchase and arrangements that scarcely resemble online photos. Cheapism’s Teleflora review tells of one case where an order for a dozen long-stemmed roses yielded a mixed bouquet of carnations, lilies, and only three roses.

To be sure, local florists aren’t above reproach, especially on one of their busiest days of the year. Still, they can design bouquets around available inventory, suggest the best blooms for the price, and be held accountable if an arrangement doesn’t meet expectations. They may even charge less than online flower retailers. Cheapism compared prices for standard, non-Valentine’s Day delivery of a dozen red roses and came up with an estimate of about $50 for local flower delivery vs. $59 to $86 online. That’s based on quotes from florists in New York City and California -- hardly inexpensive markets -- and input from the Society of American Florists, the industry’s national trade association. The savings over four major flower sites ranged from 15 to 40 percent.

Of course, prices vary depending on the location and the blooms you choose and may be lower online. But even then, as Cheapism’s FTD review explains, flower delivery sites often rely on local florists to fulfill orders. By contacting a local shop directly, you can cut out any fees that might accrue to a middleman and wind up with a better bouquet for the same price. Searching on Yelp or Google Maps should lead you to well-reviewed florists near the intended recipient. You can also try the Society of American Florists’ National Florist Directory.

If the convenience of online ordering remains too attractive to resist, ProFlowers tops the list of online flower retailers in J.D. Power and Associates’ report on customer satisfaction. Cheapism’s ProFlowers review also found that the site earns slightly better feedback than the competition. Be sure to note, however, that the bouquet will likely arrive in a box via FedEx -- perhaps not the grand entrance you’re hoping to orchestrate.

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MJimages / SXC

Stocking a fridge for a game-day party is all about quantity -- but it should still taste good.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Some days call for a full-bodied, full-flavored beer enjoyed in long, slow sips. Super Bowl Sunday is not one of those days. Stocking a fridge for a game-day party is more about quantity than quality. Yet, you want to serve something worthy of a celebration and sufficient to dull the sting of a loss. That’s why Cheapism took on a task some might find enviable: sampling 19 brews, from low-calorie light beer to good, old American lager to so-called craft beer. The contenders were presented in that order, so more assertive flavors wouldn’t drown out subtle ones. Most of the beers were cheap (exact prices vary by location) and all were domestically produced and nationally distributed.

A panel of 13 beer fans surprised even themselves with their conclusions in the blind taste test. Here are their favorites:

• Miller Lite ($7.99 for a six-pack of 16-ounce cans) emerged victorious in the lackluster light-beer division, where the entrants were judged flat, watery and flavorless overall. This brand stood out for tasting at least vaguely of hops. It’s a decent choice for anyone trying to limit their calorie intake.
• Pabst Blue Ribbon ($4.79 for a six-pack of 16-ounce cans) beat out eight competitors -- many of them bigger names and bigger sellers -- to take the top spot among American lagers. Panelists considered this beer highly drinkable and enjoyed the mild, balanced flavor.
• Natural Ice ($16.49 for a 30-pack of 12-ounce cans) was one of the cheapest beers in the bunch, at less than a nickel an ounce. Not one panelist had ever considered buying this brand and many were stunned to find they had declared it a favorite. Aficionados who have reviewed the beer online suggest that the light body and 5.9 percent alcohol by volume might hold more appeal than the taste, providing a quick, cost-effective route to a nice buzz.
• Kirkland Signature IPA ($18.99 for a case of 24 12-ounce bottles) comes in a sampler from Costco, along with three other “handcrafted” beers. It triumphed over its compatriots, as well as a couple of brews with higher prices and more craft-beer cred, to take the top spot in that category. Like any India pale ale, this store-brand IPA put off some drinkers with its hoppy bitterness. Advocates appreciated the relatively complex, balanced flavor, which included notes of citrus.
• Kirkland Signature German-Style Lager (see above) comes from the same Costco variety pack, which lets party guests choose their preferred style of beer. This one caters to drinkers who enjoy a bready and slightly sweet malt flavor. The tasting panel described it as smooth and rich.

A couple that missed the cut:

• Miller High Life ($13.99 for 24 12-ounce bottles) was judged boring at best and resembling a certain other golden liquid at worst.
• Rolling Rock ($4.99 for a six-pack of 12-ounce bottles) displays a light, crisp sweetness ruined by an aftertaste one panelist compared to eraser shavings.

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Santitas Tortilla Triangles come in white corn or yellow; both are good bets.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

This Sunday, the Super Bowl will bring together the Ravens and the 49ers, the Harbaugh brothers as head coaches, and (if reports are to be believed) Beyoncé and the rest of Destiny’s Child in a halftime-show reunion. Fans from Baltimore to San Francisco will watch the spectacle with another notable combination: tortilla chips and salsa. It’s a cheap crowd-pleaser, provided you don’t wind up with bland, flimsy chips that snap off into something resembling tomato soup.

To find the best pairing for fans on a budget, Cheapism conducted a blind tasting of cheap name-brand and national store-brand chips and salsa. An 11-person panel sampled 14 varieties of tortilla chips and 19 salsas from stores including Costco, Kroger, Safeway, Target, Trader Joe’s and Wal-Mart (prices vary by location).

Here are the favorites, based on appearance, texture/consistency, and, of course, taste:

• Santitas Tortilla Triangles from Frito-Lay ($2 for an 11-ounce bag) beat out so-called restaurant-style, natural, and organic chips, as well as other traditional options, to take the top spot. Tasters described these chips as sturdy and crispy, with just the right amount of salt and a pleasing corn flavor that holds its own even without any dip, yet won’t overpower mild salsa. Both white- and yellow-corn versions earned near-universal praise.
• Kirkland Signature Tortilla Strips ($3.59 for a 48-ounce bag) boast the lowest price per ounce and come in a package big enough to feed a large gathering. These Costco store-brand chips buck the triangle trend with their rectangular shape, which may help partygoers dip and eat them more neatly. They drew the most kudos from panelists who like their chips on the salty side.
• Calidad White Corn Tortilla Chips ($1.99 for a 12-ounce bag) are light in both color and texture, with a delicate crunch and mild flavor. These chips didn’t exactly stand out but elicited no negative reviews from the panel on any front, making them a safe choice for a finicky group.

• Great Value Mild Chunky Salsa ($1.98 for a 24-ounce jar) proves true to its name, with large veggie chunks and a mellow taste. The price of this Wal-Mart house brand was among the lowest, yet unlike with some inexpensive salsas, there was no comparing the consistency to spaghetti sauce. This was the only variety that satisfied every palate on the panel.
• Simple Truth Organic Mild Salsa ($2.59 for a 16-ounce jar) delighted about half the panel with a combination of sweetness and a smoky flavor tinged with spice. This Kroger-brand salsa is somewhat thin but does contain vegetable pieces. Overall, tasters voted this the best salsa marketed as organic or natural.
• Simple Truth Organic Tomatillo Medium Salsa ($2.59 for a 16-ounce jar) was declared the best salsa verde in the bunch. Panelists appreciated the nice, thick consistency, compared with others that were too runny. While this should appease guests hankering for something spicier than mild salsa, it also displays a slight, almost fruity sweetness.

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Even 3-D capability can be had for less than $600 -- if you're willing to sacrifice screen size.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Much of the buzz coming out of the recent Consumer Electronics Show surrounded 4K, or ultra-high-definition television. It seems fitting that the term echoes the Y2K shorthand for the new millennium: Manufacturers are betting that it represents a new era in HDTV. Granted, the Super Bowl would probably look pretty sweet on an 84-inch screen with four times the resolution of an ordinary HDTV. Too bad it would cost about $20,000.

For sports fans with more modest budgets, here are Cheapism’s top LCD TVs under $600.

• The 32-inch LG 32LM6200 (starting at $550) amazes reviewers with its myriad features, which include 3-D capability and a motion-sensing remote. This is a so-called Smart TV that can wirelessly connect to an array of apps and other online content from Netflix and the like. It also outdoes the other models on this list with four HDMI inputs for plugging in game consoles and other devices. (Where to buy)
• The 32-inch Vizio E320i-A0 (starting at $258) is an excellent value, experts say, with Smart TV features and admirable picture quality. It's not often you find a TV this cheap with LED backlighting, as opposed to fluorescent backlights. LED TVs generally deliver deeper black levels and greater energy efficiency, and this one is no exception. (Where to buy)
• The 40-inch Toshiba 40L5200U (starting at $490) makes up for a lack of fancy features with a larger screen. In online reviews, experts and users report that this TV displays vibrant, accurate colors and crisp images. They appreciate that it includes enough HDMI inputs to connect three devices at a time. (Where to buy)
• The 40-inch Samsung UN40EH6000 (starting at $563) likewise appeals to consumers who are happy to trade frills such as Internet connectivity for a bigger screen. Experts commend the sharp detail and color accuracy. (Where to buy)

While a 32- or 40-inch TV may not be man-cave-worthy, it’s just the ticket for a small living room, den, or bedroom. There’s no point in springing for a giant HD screen if you don’t have room to sit far enough away; the picture will appear grainy. The Consumer Electronics Association provides one method for calculating the ideal screen size for your space.

The resolution on most of the TVs on this list is 1080p, or 1920x1080 pixels (compared with 3840x2160 on a 4K TV). The super-cheap Vizio comes in at 720p, or 1366x768. That still qualifies as high-definition, and on a 32-inch TV, most viewers likely won’t notice a difference.

One knock against LCD technology is that fast-moving images -- say, a running back sprinting into the end zone -- have a tendency to blur. Manufacturers combat this “motion blur” with higher refresh rates. The LG, Toshiba, and Samsung models listed above boast refresh rates of 120Hz, compared with 60Hz on the Vizio.

Before you buy, take inventory of all the devices you want to connect to a new TV -- Blu-ray player, DVR, etc. Lower-end TVs typically have fewer inputs than pricey models, and you want to make sure you have all you need.

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The Google Nexus 7 is the gold standard among budget tablets.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

Could this be the year tablets overtake laptops? That’s the prediction of market research firm NPD DisplaySearch, which monitors worldwide PC shipments. If you assume that a seat on the tablet bandwagon isn’t within your budget, consider that a model without a piece of fruit on the back can cost hundreds less than a coveted Apple iPad, yet still make a fun and functional addition to your stable of devices. Even the iPad Mini starts at $329, compared with less than $200 for some appealing alternatives.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks among budget tablets.

• The Google Nexus 7 (starting at $199) emerged as an overwhelming favorite among experts reviewing low-cost tablets. They praise its speedy performance, luminous 1280 x 800 high-definition display, and battery life of more than 10 hours in testing. This tablet comes with Google’s latest Android 4.2 operating system and 16GB of storage. It’s the only tablet on this list that includes Bluetooth support and a front-facing camera for video calling. (Where to buy)
• The Barnes & Noble Nook HD (starting at $199) best suits consumers who want a tablet primarily for reading, reviewers say. But this Nook is no e-reader. It supports apps and video as well as books and magazines and boasts a 1440 x 900 HD screen. In case 8GB of memory turns out to be insufficient, this tablet provides a microSD card slot. (Where to buy)
• The Amazon Kindle Fire (starting at $159 with advertising on the lock screen and in the corner of the home screen; $174 without) lags a bit in areas such as storage and battery life -- experts clock it at less than five and a half hours. However, this model performs ably and costs quite a bit less than other popular options. Consumers seeking more internal storage, longer battery life, and a high-def display can upgrade to the Kindle Fire HD, although opting out of ads nudges that model over the $200 mark. (Where to buy)
• The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (starting at $199) is another solid Android tablet, although reviewers assert that it doesn’t quite live up to the Nexus 7. It lacks an HD display but includes a microSD slot, in addition to 8GB of internal storage, and the battery has proved capable of lasting eight and a half hours. (Where to buy)

All the tablets on this list have 7-inch touchscreens, making them somewhat more portable than 8- to 10-inch tablets like the iPad (and certainly more so than the 20-inch prototype Panasonic unveiled last week at the Consumer Electronics Show). These budget tablets support Wi-Fi, although not 3G or 4G data service from a cellular provider; that capability costs more.  

Before you buy, take some time to compare the content offerings. Google Play features the widest selection of apps outside Apple’s App Store, for example, while Amazon entices Prime members with Netflix-like streaming video and one free book per month from its Lending Library (membership costs $79 per year).

If 8GB or even 16GB of memory doesn’t seem like enough for all the apps and multimedia you hope to download, think twice before springing for more gigabytes. The Nook HD and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 take microSD cards, and Google, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon supplement their tablets’ memory with free online cloud storage.

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SilentFury / SXC

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

On winter days that see warm breath steaming from rosy noses, cold hands eagerly grasp steaming mugs of hot cocoa. It’s an affordable treat that can cost as little as a dime. Cheapism.com recently convened a seven-person tasting panel to judge three popular and relatively inexpensive powdered cocoa mixes: Swiss Miss, Nestle, and Ghirardelli. While the latter might seem an outlier, it still undercuts brands such as Starbucks and Land O’Lakes, not to mention gourmet mixes from Godiva and Bellagio.

Here’s how the hot cocoa mixes stacked up in Cheapism’s blind taste test.

• Swiss Miss Classics Milk Chocolate (starting at 17 cents per serving) emerged the favorite among a majority of tasters, who found the rich, creamy texture and chocolaty aroma familiar from childhood. Some consumers have blasted Swiss Miss online for adding sucralose to its milk chocolate mix. However, this brand is far from the only one to employ artificial sweeteners and, if you read the fine print, you can still find varieties without the offending ingredient. (Where to buy)
• Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium (starting at 40 cents per serving) contains only sweet ground chocolate and cocoa — no artificial sweeteners. Panelists extolled the dense flavor, describing it as more like dark chocolate than milk chocolate. While Ghirardelli appeals to grown-up palates, it may not please kids as much as sweeter, creamier mixes. (Where to buy)
• Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate (starting at 10 cents per serving) is the cheapest of the three and claims its share of loyalists but received a lukewarm response from the tasting panel. They declared it overly sweet — like Swiss Miss, it contains sugar, corn syrup, and the embattled sucralose — with a weak chocolate flavor relative to the others. (Where to buy)

Cheapism prepared all three hot cocoas according to the package instructions, using hot water for the Swiss Miss and Nestle mixes and whole milk for the Ghirardelli hot cocoa. (The mixes that call for water already contain milk in some form.)

The brands listed above also market myriad other packaged hot cocoa mixes, such as mint, marshmallow, hazelnut, dark chocolate, caramel, diet, and sugar-free. Consumers can choose mixes in canisters that must be measured out, boxes of single-serving packets, and (for Swiss Miss and Ghirardelli) K-cups or pods for Keurig-style coffee makers. For a twist on the traditional drink, try adding hot cocoa mix to your morning coffee in place of sugar, along with milk, to create a “poor man’s mocha.”

Perhaps the cheapest and tastiest approach is to make hot cocoa with baking supplies you may already have on hand. A recipe from Alton Brown of "Good Eats" on the Food Network combines powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered milk, cornstarch, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The mix earns an average of five stars from more than 200 reviewers and will keep in the pantry all winter.

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This Champion Power Equipment model often sells for around $530 but can be found for less.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

With every winter storm, more people huddle under blankets by candlelight and contemplate buying a generator as the contents of the refrigerator rot. Just last week, snow, sleet, and tornadoes terrorized the South and Midwest, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of households. A portable generator can keep the lights, fridge and heat on for less than $500.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks among budget generators.

• The Champion Power Equipment 46539 (starting at $482) provides 3,500 watts of constant backup power and a maximum of 4,000 watts to temporarily give appliances the extra boost they need to restart after an outage. This model purports to run for 12 hours on one tank of fuel, and satisfied online reviewers have posted laundry lists of appliances it has successfully fed for days. It boasts an electric starter with a wireless remote -- a rare feature for this price range. A low-oil sensor shuts off the engine automatically to prevent damage. (Where to buy)
• The Champion Power Equipment 46533 (starting at $358) mirrors the more expensive 46539 model in many respects but lacks an electric starter and a wheel kit for moving the 102.5-pound unit out of storage (experts warn that you should never use any model indoors). Still, this no-frills generator offers impressive power for the price and reviewers report no trouble with the recoil (or pull) start. (Where to buy)
• The Gentron GG3500 (starting at $415) can run continuously at 3,000 watts and peaks at 3,500 watts. It features an electric starter and a wheel kit, prompting copious praise in reviews for ease of use. The specs list a slightly shorter run time of 11 hours. This model includes a 220-volt outlet in addition to two standard outlets. (Where to buy)

Whether they come with or without a wheel kit, these models qualify as portable generators, as opposed to stationary behemoths that require professional installation and cost more than $1,000. While portable generators can reach 10,000 watts, about 4,000 watts is as much as consumers can expect for less than $500. This Consumer Reports wattage calculator can help you estimate how much power you need to keep the basics up and running during an outage. The estimated run time listed by the manufacturer typically assumes that the generator is operating at 50 percent capacity. 

All the low-cost generators above incorporate lawnmower-like recoil starters. For models with electric start, such as the Champion 46539 and Gentron GG3500, the pull-start functions as a backup. The engines all take unleaded gasoline and the tanks hold about four gallons. East Coasters who stood in lines at gas stations after Hurricane Sandy may be inclined to stock up, but be wary of storing too much hazardous fuel. You may want to look instead at generators that run on propane, which is safer to store and has a longer shelf life. However, these models are less common and often more expensive than their gasoline counterparts.

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