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If you're looking for a cheap dSLR, about $500 or less including the usual 18-55mm kit lens, you don't have a lot of choice. If you're really vigilant and are willing to leave your comfort zone you can find a few more options.

What does leaving your comfort zone entail? First, ensure that the price you're looking at is for a new, not used or refurbished model. Second, if the seller insists that you have to speak to a salesperson in order to complete the order, that's a red flag -- they usually do that to deliver a high-pressure sales pitch for accessories. While you may be able to resist the pitch, outlets like that have a habit of messing up the order or delivering gray-market merchandise. (Note that gray-market products aren't bad as long as you're aware of what to expect, such as no warranty.)

I selected the products below because they are fairly widely available for less than $500, but with some work you can also find older recommended models like the Pentax K-x, Canon EOS Rebel T2i, and Rebel T1i for under $600 or with the occasional discount for less than $500.… Read more

There are several start-up warnings that your Mac can present, which indicate something is wrong with your system. If the boot chimes are replaced by any alternative audio signals such as loud beeps, then this indicates the system's hardware or firmware is malfunctioning or not properly set up. Provided the system's hardware is working properly, then you may see a blinking question mark if a boot volume cannot be found, but beyond this you may see a prohibitory sign show up on the screen.

Generally when the prohibitory sign shows up, you will initially see the gray Apple … Read more

Welcome to the 411, my column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have similar queries, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

Question: I've never had a cell phone in my life. I know that's hard to believe! But I just never saw the need for one -- landlines have been just fine for me. I don't need to be in constant contact all the time. Recently though, I've received some pressure to get one. I just feel like I really don't need it, but maybe a temporary one is ok. Is there maybe a phone I can get that I can only use every once in awhile, that doesn't require a plan? Thanks! -- Beau, via email.

This might come as a shocker coming from a cell phone reviewer, but I don't necessarily think everyone in the world must get a cell phone. If your lifestyle is such that you don't need it, I don't see the problem of not having one. However, it does make life a lot more convenient, and it tends to be cheaper if you make a lot of mobile-to-mobile or long-distance calls.

You can get cheap and disposable phones if you want something temporary, especially if you go the prepaid route. Virgin Mobile's payLo service, for example, offers cheap $15 phones and the basic service only costs $20 for 400 minutes. If you lapse payment, however, it's likely that your phone number will expire, so you might have to keep reupping every month or so to keep the number alive. But if you really only need a phone every once in awhile -- like on vacations -- then maybe you don't care so much about changing your number. Readers, please let us know of other alternatives that Beau can consider.… Read more

When typing out words that the dictionary on your phone doesn't know, it's easy to add them by tapping on them, or selecting add. Unfortunately, there are times when even the words we add are still not the correct spelling or format that we want the words to appear in. Here are five easy steps for fixing or getting rid of words you added by mistake:

If you are using the default keyboard that came with your phone:

1. Open the global Settings area on your phone.

2. Choose Language & keyboard from the list.

3. Now open … Read more

Canon all but abandoned optical viewfinders on its PowerShot cameras; the high-end G12 was the only one. That changed at CES 2011, though, with the announcement of the Canon PowerShot A1200, an entry-level point-and-shoot with a real-image zoom viewfinder.

Along with the viewfinder, this budget-friendly 12-megapixel compact is powered by AA-size batteries, has a large selection of shooting options, uses an f2.8 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens with a 4x zoom, and captures 720p HD-resolution movie clips. About the only thing missing is optical image stabilization, but you can counteract hand shake by using the viewfinder.

Like most cameras in its … Read more

Keyless car entry and start systems make it easy to get on the road, but they could also make it easier for criminals to take off with your car. And strong encryption won't solve the problem.

Armed with antennas, researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland were able to trick 10 models from 8 manufacturers into thinking the car key fob was within proximity and drive away with these "stolen" vehicles. No scratched doors, no broken glass, and no busted ignitions--it's a hack that's anything but.

Vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems emit a low-level signal … Read more

Keyless entry just got smarter. The 2011 Buick LaCrosse CSX will feature a smarter keyless entry that anticipates when the driver, or passengers, want the cars doors locked and unlocked.

With new key fob technology, the driver is able to program which doors are to be locked and unlocked and when. The key fob can be carried in a pocket, purse or briefcase. It sends a signal that opens the driver's side door, or all of the doors, as the driver approaches. After the car is parked, and the driver and passengers leave the car, the key fob will … Read more

GM talks about a hybrid future for Corvettes, 3D TV coming to cars in January, using the iPhone 4 in your BMW, wireless key headaches, and we drive the new 2011 Audi A8.

• Corvette going hybrid?

• Hacking Mercedes COMAND system

• 3D TV coming to cars

• CNET drives the Lotus Evora

• Ford revives the Boss 302 for 2012

Many people who go to the racetrack are casual gamblers, placing bets based on the horses' names or their lucky numbers. Then there are those who take handicapping a little more seriously. QuickHorse '10 Horse Racing Software is designed for those serious handicappers, and not only because it assumes that users already have a fundamental understanding of how horseracing and wagering works. We can imagine only the most hardcore racing fans taking the time to wade through this program's abstruse interface and difficult navigation.

The program was designed with neither form nor function in mind. All of the text … Read more