Electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives, and whether you’re shopping for a new TV set, personal computer or video gaming system, the last thing you want is to make a purchase that you end up regretting. Here are four things to remember when picking out your next gadget:

Check out reviews

A product review from a reputable source is a terrific way to learn the ins and outs of a device before purchasing. ConsumerReports.org is a great place to start for unbiased, in-depth reviews and buying advice.

Plan ahead 

Try to plan out the space in your home or office where you will put your electronic item before buying. You might want to consider things like how much natural light or heat the device will be exposed to, as well as how difficult it will be to reach and clean the gadget — dust is one of the major causes of problems with consumer electronics. 

Do a stress test

A lot of problems with consumer electronics happen within the first 48 hours of use, so shortly after you make a purchase, try and turn your item on and test it to make sure that it performs properly. 

Buy at the right time

If you’re looking for the biggest deal, two of the best times generally to buy electronics on sale are the back-to-school season during late July and early August and Black Friday in November. However, if you don’t need the latest and greatest features, you can also usually buy the previous version of a device at a discount right after the newest model comes out.