High-tech bargains could be as close as your local dollar store

Every Canadian loves a bargain. But of us most associate dollar stores with cheap junk. I've wandered through many a dollar store in Canada and the United States picking up odd items here and there. Hey, where else could I find plastic lids for dog food cans?

But few of us would expect to find good inexpensive electronics for $1. Fortunately, MSN Sympatico correspondent Marc Saltzman decided to hunt for the best bargains in seven dollar stores in greater Toronto, Ontario.

Here's Marc's top 10 list, although he warns that prices might vary slightly across Canada. But then what's a few pennies between Canadians.

1. iPhones (Electra)

Marc says, "These iPod-compatible stereo earbuds with XBS (extra bass system) sounded better than expected. Since they're only $1, why not pick up five pairs and keep extras in the glove compartment, at work, at home or at the cottage? Perfect for MP3 and CD players, portable DVD players, laptop computers and any other audio device that takes a standard 3.5-mm stereo plug."

I did a little research on eBay: Sellers are looking for $4.99 USD or more (plus shipping). Hmmmm, I wonder if someone else has been shopping at the dollar stores before you?

2. Kidz Remote (Kessel)

Rather than spend $24.95 for a similar Weemote, the Kidz Remote gives children their own device to watch pre-programmed, parent-approved TV stations and no others. Check out the manufacturer's website (Waveback and Electronic Toys) for a detailed description.

3. LED Book Light (Dollarama)

Marc bought his wife a similar model from Indigo for $40 last year, so this no-name LED book light was a steal for a buck. Talk about some mark-up since the generic brand does exactly the same thing: Use a bright LED (light-emitting diode) bulb to illuminate a book while reading in low-light or no-light conditions. It even comes with three watch batteries. That's right, batteries included for just a dollar. This is probably the bargain of the bunch.

4. Intruder Alert (no-name brand)

Home safety doesn't have to cost a fortune. For a buck apiece, you can purchase these simple-to-install house alarm systems. As seen on TV, you mount one sensor on a door or window, while the second larger piece is screwed into the door jam or windowsill. When the two are separated, a 90-decibel alarm sounds. You can also change the sound settings to a subtler chime that alerts you to a door opening in the house. Best of all, it took Marc just two minutes to set up properly. Again three AG13 watch batteries are included. What a steal!

5. Clip-on Computer Microphone (Wellson)

Want to talk free to anyone in the world? Hop aboard the VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) bandwagon with free software like Windows Live Messenger, Skype or Yahoo! Messenger. All you need is an Internet-connected computer and a microphone. But don't spend up to $50 for a mic an electronics retailer!  For a $1 pick up one that works perfectly well at a fraction of the cost. (For an amazing list of inexpensive products available in Canada, check out the Wisdom-Wellson Electronics website).

6. FM Radio (Dollarama)

Not everyone can afford an Apple iPod or Satellite Radio, but if you want to listen FM music on a walk or at the gym, check out this small silver FM player (with earbuds) for half a twoonie. The small device lets you autoscan for FM stereo radio stations by 88 and 108 MHz.  A knob for power and volume lets you control the sound, while a handy button fires up a little bulb, which turns the gadget into a musical flashlight. This time the necessary two AA batteries are not included.

7. Super Brick Game (no-name brand)

It might not be a Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox 360, but a no-name hand-held "99-Games-in-One" gaming system actually gives you bang for your buck, says Marc. Monochrome versions of Tetris and Space Invaders, as well as car-racing and tank-combat games, offers hours of fun - especially for younger children. Games include MIDI music and sound effects, a scoring system, varying speeds, multiple volume levels and ability to pause the action. Button information is in both English and French. Two AA batteries are required, but not included.

8. Hands-free earphone (Chateau)

Like Jim Morrison of the Doors once sang: "Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel" with a hands-free earpiece and microphone for your cellphone. Manufacturer Chateau offers a number of options, depending on the cellphone manufacturer. Mark picked up one for a handful of supported Nokia handsets. He was pleasantly surprised with the quality and noted that the device comes with a lengthy cable, clip for shirt or seat belt, and a fairly comfortable earbud with rubber coating. So if you're not using a Bluetooth wireless headset for your cellphone or BlackBerry just yet, this is an inexpensive option worth considering for just a dollar.

9. DVD-R (Verbatim)

Need a recordable DVD fast but don't want to spend $30 or more on a 100-disc spindle? Get 8x-speed DVD-Rs from Verbatim for just $1 a pop. They offer up to 4.7 gigabytes of data or two hours of recording for video, be it camcorder footage or footage from TV-based DVD recorders. Recent PC magazine tests found Verbatim media offered better quality and reliability than other brand-name (and no-name) discs. Also included is a DVD jewel case - which alone costs more than $1 at many electronics stores! Yet another nice bargain.

10. Tilt-top calculator (Studio)

Shave some costs off your student expenses, with a $1 calculator. Marc liked the solar-powered Tilt Top Calculator from Studio, with an easy-to-read and adjustable eight-digit display (which can be propped up for a better view), large buttons, auto power-off feature and handy palm rest for those late-night cram sessions. Scientific calculators were also offered at the dollar stores he visited.

So bargains are still possible in Canada! Next time you have a free day, go 'loonie' yourself by visiting the dollar stores and even second-hand outlets in your neighbourhood. You might be as surprised as technologist Marc Saltzman to uncover a few treasures buried in the aisles of these small local retailers.