And it's the fourth quarter, when people buy electronics for the holidays.

Consumers have cut back on plans to buy new cars, appliances, electronics and other expensive goods, according to Michigan's survey.

That is not good news for Microsoft, because people tend to buy electronics based on the amount of software they can use.

"We want to buy new electronics for those new houses," he said.

But Sony, as well as anyone, knows that most people don't buy electronics for the technology.

Many teens make quick and costly decisions to buy the latest clothes or electronics without considering whether they are getting a good value.

We did nothing to force your people to buy our cars, electronics and computers.

Best Buy, for example, provides "information and knowledge" to help buy electronics, the report says.

If you want to buy electronics or white goods, prices are down 1% - 30%.

Another great place for buying new and used electronics is Akihabara.