consumer electronics

In 2011, the increasingly mobile and socially networked world of technology became more intertwined than ever with politics and the law. Patent wars shaped competition in tablets and smartphones, hacktivists attacked a widening array of political and corporate targets, repressive regimes unplugged citizens from the Internet, and the U.S. government moved to block the giant merger of AT&T and T-Mobile USA. With the passing of Steve Jobs, the world lost a technology icon who redefined the computer, entertainment and consumer electronics industries. These are the IDG News Service's picks for the top 10 technology stories of the year:

We're already in the second generation of in-home 3D, but you're forgiven if you feel nervous about making the plunge just yet. Spending $2000 or so on a 3D TV set, a few pairs of glasses, and a 3D-capable camera or camcorder still seems like a risky proposition at this point, as some key questions remain.

When my iPhone died an unexpected death after about 15 months of use, I held my breath and called Apple. No worries, they said, your extended warranty is still in force. An hour later I was at an Apple store where my new phone was waiting for me and I felt pretty good. After all, my AppleCare policy cost $69; a new phone was about $200, so I came out $140 ahead. Not a bad return on my investment.

Regulatory fees. Handling fees. Convenience fees. Whatever vendors call them, more of these small charges continue to pile up on mobile phone and broadband bills, as well as on everyday online purchases. It's adding up to aggravation for many customers.

Favorite online sources for consumer information and advocacy.

Aya Karpinska had a story to tell. She could hear the words and envision how the tale would unfold. All she needed, she says, was the right iPhone app.

Traveling a lot, and feeling lost? You don't have to remain directionless--and you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a dedicated GPS navigation device, either. AT&T Wireless, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless all have their own navigation applications for their GPS-enabled phones.

A gadget grab bag of some cool, useful, and goofy gadgets. All are 100 percent geek-approved.

You probably don't have time to scour all the deal sites every day, so get on one or more good mailing lists for deals. And sign up now, not the day before Thanksgiving. Let the holiday bargain hunting begin!

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games has ended, the flame extinguished, and while the medal count is now final, a few awards have yet to be given out: those for the winners and losers when it came to technology at the games.

The Olympics is, after all, about technology, right? IT and all that stuff? Hardware, software? At least I think that's what it's all about. The Beijing Organizing Committee for the XXIX Olympics (BOCOG) said that this was a "High-tech Olympics," so I guess it must be. They also said it was going to be a "Green Olympics," although frankly Beijing always looks kind of gray.

Students these days take their computers everywhere and use them for everything, so with that in mind, here are 15 devices and services for work and play that will surely help students do extraordinarily well.