Ifa

Germans are not known to be a nation of spendthrifts but when it comes to consumer electronics they throw caution to the wind -- much to the delight of exhibitors at Berlin's IFA trade fair starting this week.

Germany's consumer electronics trade show IFA may lack the glitz and glamour of other fairs, but this year it will attract more attention than usual as the tech world turns to Berlin for any signs of an upturn.

TVs usually dominate Europe's largest consumer electronics show but many gadgets in Berlin this week aim to make life simple and more beautiful too.

Manufacturers at Europe's biggest consumer electronics touted their green credentials in vain to customers more interested in bigger and brighter screens.

The UK's savings pot grew to its highest level this century in the second quarter of 2006, figures from industry body IFA Promotion (IFAP) show.

Sebastian from Germany is looking for a high definition (HD) television set, IT engineer Armin is after a media-centre computer, software developer Jens wants a digital photoframe, and Italian civil servant Anna a new phone.