HYDERABAD: Baubles, trinkets and collectibles are a thing of the past as the new age shoppers root for contemporary festive-buys. Though gadgets and gizmos have been a part of the festival gift strategy practised by corporates and business houses, a large number of consumers are now opting for the latest devices ahead of Dasara.Tablets and smartphones top the must-haves list this year. “The most popular gift is currently the Samsung Galaxy Tab. We have sold seven pieces since the festive season started and sales are likely to pick up till Diwali,” says B Raja Dinesh, assistant store manager of Ramakrishna Teletronics at Madhapur.Apart from delivering to corporate houses and government departments, he says the largest number of individual buyers comprise young professionals in the 20 to 30 year age group.Youngsters, it seems, are willing to spend anywhere between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 34,000. “I recently bought an android phone for myself as it is the latest trend. Clothes and other accessories seem to have lost their appeal,” admits S Aditya, who works for a corporate firm.There are others who would love to tote the sleek iPad. “Though it’s expensive, I have managed to save enough to buy an iPad this season.I might ask my brother to buy it for me from the US for a better deal on the price, though I will have to wait for my Diwali gift till December,” shares V Deepthi, a management professional with an MNC.Teenagers too have been persistent in their demand to keep abreast of tech-trends. A student of Class IX, K Hiranmayi has been keen on purchasing an iPod Nano for a year now. “As my birthday falls around the same time as Dasara, I have convinced my parents to buy me one in a colour of my choice,” she says.An iPod Nano is likely to set you back by Rs. 8,500 for the 8GB model.In order to land better deals, many customers prefer to buy gifts online.On the lookout for a laptop for his daughter, J Mohan said he was browsing the stores only to arrive at a better decision as ordering the product online would cost him less and can be directly sent to her hostel in Chennai.A treat for oneself or a gift for family, people in the city seem to be in thrall of the sleek and stylish gizmos which make a personality statement and have come to be seen as a status symbol.
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