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Electronics: Cameras, Computers, Stereos
 

Alkit Camera
222 Park Ave. So., at 18th St.
212-674-1515
820 Third Ave., at 50th St.
212-832-2101
830 Seventh Ave., at 53rd St.
212-262-2424
alkit.com
If you’re looking for a pro-level, state- of-the-art 35-mm. or digital camera to document your kids’ wonder years, you’ll find it here. This year’s hot digital models are the Canon EOS-10D SLR ($1,379.95) and the Canon PowerShot S410 ($349.95). Don’t worry if your artistic ambitions are directed more toward photo albums than gallery walls: The knowledgeable sales staff welcomes amateurs.

Kids get a jump on the digital age at Apple's sleek Soho store. (Photo Credit: Kristine Larsen)
Apple Store SoHo
103 Prince St., at Greene St.
212-226-3126
apple.com/retail/soho/
The glass staircase and translucent walkway are the showstoppers in this gorgeously designed space that offers visitors the complete line of Macintosh computers (desktops from $799, portables from $1,099), iPod minis (from $249), accessories, digital cameras (from $149), and camcorders (from $399). Repairs and free interactive workshops are also available, and there’s a kids’ section. While you’re there, inquire about Apple Camp, a free summer program that teaches kids how to make movies, photo albums, and music.

Bang & Olufsen
952 Madison Ave., at 75th St.
212-879-6161
927 Broadway, near 21st St.
212-388-9792
330 Columbus Ave., near 75th St.
212-501-0926
bang-olufsen.com
Most of B&O’s minimalist, upmarket Danish stereo systems are designed to hang on your wall like art. There’s a serene, very adult atmosphere at all three locations, but the sleek gadgets will fascinate budding technophiles. The BeoCenter 2 is a double-winged brushed aluminum integrated audio and video music system with CD, DVD, radio, and MP3 playback functions (around $4,100).

B&H Photo-Video
420 Ninth Ave., at 34th St.
800-606-6969
bhphotovideo.com
You might not want to bring the kids along to tramp through the high-end equipment displays, but if you’re looking for a wide selection of camera and video equipment, unbeatable prices, and a deeply knowledgeable sales crew, you can do no better than B&H. Amateurs will find a staggering array of point-and-shoots, many for less than $100.

Best Buy
Call 888-237-8289 for store locations
bestbuy.com
We like this popular national electronics chain for its competitive pricing on a wide range of home-entertainment products. Digital cameras start at around $100, flat-panel plasma and LCD televisions at around $500, and notebook computers at around $1,000. Also check out the massive selection of CDs and DVDs at some of the lowest prices around.

Circuit City
Call 800-843-2489 for store locations
circuitcity.com
On weekends, this brightly lit chain store is packed with moms and dads with kids in tow. Besides an impressive selection of very affordable CDs and DVDs, Circuit City offers computers ($399.99 and up) and digital cameras ($129.99 and up), alongside just about any other electronics you’re looking for.

Compact-Impact
21 Ave. B., at 2nd St.
212-677-0500
compact-impact.com
Kiho Shin’s eccentric selection of loopy, amusing tech gear immediately disarms, and ranges from bizarre-chic (a solar-powered potted “plant” that charges on your window sill during the day and emits an LED glow all night, $128) to Jetsonian-practical (vacuum cleaners and massage balls that plug into the USB port of your computer, starting at $20). Shin personally imports products from Japan that are suitable for New York’s crammed living spaces.

Cosmophonic Sound
1622 First Ave., near 84th St.
212-734-0459
cosmophonic.com
An authorized repair shop for more than 35 companies (including Marantz and Yamaha), Cosmophonic can find parts for and fix almost anything, from turntables from the forties, fifties, and sixties to the latest DVD player. They’ve got three sound rooms to tickle your eardrums with maximum quality. Fujitsu plasma- screen TVs start at $4,900; Marantz CD players run $249 to $2,000.

 
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From the Fall 2004 edition of the New York Family Guide
   
   
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