AN ALTERED LANDSCAPE FOR CONSUMER TECH

Economic downturns often accelerate change in the high-tech landscape, burying old technologies while fertilizing new ones that can save money—and bloom in a recovery. What’s in and what’s out this time? Well, cheaper versions of PCs, such as netbooks, look more attractive to buyers than desktops or pricier laptops. Consumers are also using their Apple iPods and iPhones in ways that reduce spending on other devices and services— broadband connections at home for instance.