Hi there, we're coming over to Xmas and NY from Ireland and was wondering if there are any good places to pick up electronics at reasonable prices (Ireland is VERY expensive). Also just reading the One-Day-Itinery posted earlier and saw a mention of the Sony Tech Lab - what is this? Sounds like something of interest for the guys in our group. (I think I'm gonna have to get me a Lonely Planet!)

Your best bet for shopping for el;ectronics would be at these 3 stores:

1) Circut City (A US electronics Chain store) Best location for tourists; 14th st & Union Square.
2) Best Buy (Another US chain store)located @ 23rd St & 6th Ave
3) J&R Electronics (A Manhattan specialty store;actually, it's several separate stores located on Park Row, Diagonally from City Hall)
My preference, especially for tourists, would be J&R. Ther eis a store for computers & accessories; one store for CD's & DVD's, a store for film & ditigal cameras, and a store for audio & video stuff. They have good prices, good selection, and you can also then tour the financial district of Manhattan; J&R is one block from the WTC site.
The Sony lab is more of a corporate display store; if you have several days here it is worth a visit, but NOT to buy; the prices are NOT discounted!

www.ny.com/museums/technologylab.html
Closed Mondays, free admission, reservation required. On 56th St. between Madison and 5th. Sort of info-mertial geared to the younger set, I think, with exhibits in Audio, Imaging, Robotics, Design, and Networks.

I agree with Anthony 100%.

I don't think there is any item worth buying at the Sony store, but it is fun to look.

Also, note anything at J&R is non-refundable. However, because you are in Ireland, I am sure this will not factor into your decision.

I like RCS Computer Experience on Madison at 56th. The staff here is really knowledgable and excellent at assisting you in making a selection. The Sony Store is also on Madison nearby. But, I would agree that this is not a good place to buy Sony products. It's a very stuffy store with glass cases and guards and it's impossible to get any assistance from the staff. I would also recommend avoiding the numerous electronics shops in the Times Square area. Here, the sales staff will follow you all over and seem very helpful but tell you anything (often inaccurate) to get you to buy something. I was looking for a camera case one day and the guy kept trying to get me to buy another digital camera.

You should also check out B&H photo-video, they're located on 33rd street and 9th avenue. It's primarily a camera store (and one of the best in the nation) but they also have lots of audio-visual equipment.

Thanks very much! Advice most appreciated!!

It is not exactly accurate that J&R has a total non-refundable policy. The store doesn't refund on open computers or large TV sets that have been opened and taken out of the box. However, for regular type electronics, they do have a 14-day return policy. They will either issue a credit to your credit card or give you a store credit if you pay with cash. Generally, it's better to charge any purchases so if anything goes wrong you can call your credit card company.

A word of advice: DON'T shop at those glossy 'discount' electronics/camera stores you'll see all over Times Square and parts of Fifth Avenue. They are way overpriced and deal in gray market products. Stay with a reputable electronics store as mentioned in the earlier posts.

The previous suggestions are all excellent. If you're looking for photo gear I might also include Adorama - they're one of the discounters who has been around for years. If you know exactly what you want and are unlikely to be persuaded to buy expensive "accessories", they will have the best camera prices of all stores mentioned (in all fairness to them, however, even the biggest photo retailers will try to sell you cases, straps or other things that are pricey and have a high markup). A crucial point not yet mentioned - do NOT buy from any of the little stores you see all over Manhattan that have flashy window displays and appear to carry everything from cameras to bioculars to radios etc. Some may be reputable but many are questionable. Buy from one of the established retailers mentioned by other posters and you'll get fair treatment and the product you really think you're buying.

J&R should be your first choice for selection and pricing. I would skip Circuit City (generally a rip off). Best Buy is good if you are bargain hunting & are aware of US pricing because once again, not all of their pricing is competitive, but their sale items generally are.

If you know your electronics & are comfortable with venturing out of mainstream retail, I would also suggest the shops along Canal Street in Chinatown. This is only if you really know your electronics. We have bought several pieces of our high-end Sony sound system down there & paid significantly less than buying at the retail chains. Of course - buyer beware - only buy items that come sealed in original manufacture packaging.

The Sony tech lab is not good for competitive pricing, but it is fun to play Playstation games on the plasma monitors. Or to scope out the latest Sony products.