It's easy to succumb to the lure of a shiny new gadget replete with cutting-edge bells and whistles. But odds are that gadget you paid top price for probably has more power and features than you'll actually use.

"People over-buy on just about everything," says Alex L. Goldfayn, an independent technology analyst who hosts the nationally syndicated radio show “The Technology Tailor Minute” on WGN Radio, where he helps consumers find the right gadgets to fit their needs. After all, he says, it's in manufacturers' and retailers' best interests to up-sell you.

To avoid paying for more gadget than you can actually handle, do your homework first. Consider which applications or features you really need, then read expert and consumer reviews at web sites like CNET and Retrevo to find a model that does those things well. Next, shop around. Web sites like PriceGrabber or NexTag will scour the web for you, hunting for the best deals. (For web sites that offer great gadget deals, read our story.)