Computers, high-def widescreen televisions, mp3 players, and game consoles top just about everyone’s wishlist , but this year, finding a bargain is critical if you want to make your gadgetphiles happy. Electronics, more than just about anything you can buy, have varying prices depending on the store, so don’t assume that a big brand-name item can’t be had for less if you do a bit of hunting. Here are five sites that will help you find the best price, or the best sales, or just feature some of the lowest prices all year round.

Shop.com- Shop.com features thousands of stores so you can comparison shop from one space. The best part of Shop.com is that their stores span everywhere from the biggest chains, like Best Buy, to unique smaller retailers you’ve never heard of. Need a Nintendo Wii a few days before Christmas? Shop.com is a good place to check without spending all night scouring the web.

Ecost.com- For anyone old enough to remember Crazy Eddie, the old, heavily advertised electronics shop of the 80s, you might notice some similarities- aggressive price cuts combined with even more aggressive marketing language (ON FIRE PRICES – BURNING UP!!) with ecost.com, but if you’re hoping to get any big ticket items this holiday season, like a television or a Blu-Ray Player, ecost is the first place to look.

Techbargains.com- Are you always hearing about a great deal someone got on an item you’ve been wanting just a day after the offer expires? Techbargains keeps you apprised of the best coupons and special offers in technology products, always putting the best and soonest-to-expire deals right on the top of the page.

Newegg.com- If someone on your gift list wants a new phone, how do you begin to shuffle through the convoluted multi-year contracts to find out what the best-priced phone actually is? Newegg sorts through all the “terms and conditions” and lets you know the bottom line. And there are some unbeatable deals on computers and appliances too.

Apple Outlet- I bet you’ve heard that you’ll never find a deal on any Apple product, no matter how long you search. They are, indeed, hard to come by, unless you go directly to Apple, to their little-known Special Deals shop. The products are refurbished but in perfect condition and come with the Apple warranty. It’s also the best place to look if you’re hoping to find a product that’s been recently discontinued.

--By Mia Kim, founder of Popgadget.net, a site that covers personal technology and innovative lifestyle, written for and by women. Popgadget’s comprehensive holiday gift guide has you covered- with gifts for everyone from technophiles to technophobes, and even the family pet.