Value Progression

Vizio M401I-A3: 40", LED, 120 Hz, Wi-Fi

The value progression in consumer electronics never ceases to amaze. Our various Costco rebate certificates totaled $500 and were more than enough to buy a 40-inch Vizio flatscreen for the bedroom.

The Vizio is far from the best or biggest TV on the market, but it's in a different solar system compared to the 10-year-old low-res, smaller, heavier tube that it replaced.

Food, energy, education, housing, transportation, and medical care are all squeezing the family pocketbook, but electronics is thankfully going in the other direction. Unfortunately, man cannot live off televised entertainment alone. © 2014 Stephen Yuen