So your electronics buying is over and everybody has what they need, right? Wrong. There's always an option, accessory or software package that can make your life much easier. Let's look at some of this year's best options.

Memory. It's on the list this year again. But most PCs are starting to come with sufficient laptop or desktop memory -- remember at least 2 gigabytes, preferably 4 GBytes. So let's turn our attention to other types.

Flash memory cards are those little cards that you plug into your camera or cell phone. Not all cell phones use flash cards; but if yours does, you'll want to make sure your flash cards are big enough. There's always another song to add to your library, photo to shoot, or video to take. So added memory always is handy.

Start by looking at the type of card your device needs. Most cameras use compact flash (CF), memory stick, xD or secure digital (SD or SDHC). You can tell by the size of the slot.

As with most memory, you get to choose how much storage each card holds -- with the bigger cards being more expensive in raw dollars, but often less expensive per gigabyte. Before buying, look up the specs for your specific camera or cell phone, because the card size might be limited by the way the device uses it.

My camera, for instance, only uses up to 2 GBytes on each flash card plugged in. I can insert a higher capacity card. My camera just can't fill it up completely.

While size matters, so does speed. Faster cards cost more and in most cases add value. In some cases, a faster flash memory card will mean less time between each photo as you take them.

But, even if not, a faster card combined with a fast reader at your PC will mean you can transfer your data from your camera to your PC in less time. That could mean 10 to 15 minutes more quickly when you transfer a large card full of photos and video.

You might not even know your cell phone accepts flash cards. Look for a slot in the side or the inside near or under the battery.

The form factors for cell phones are much smaller and go by the names miniSD and microSD, but they often hold as much as the larger cards. They're also more expensive and require an adapter to plug them into your personal computer to transfer your data, whether it's music, photos or documents.

A bigger memory card in your cell phone could mean more contacts can be stored or more games, ringtones and video newscasts can be downloaded to your phone.

USB drives. They make great accessories, as they can act as transfer devices (between computers) or storage devices. I occasionally back up my data to a USB drive when I'm on the road to make sure I don't lose important data if I drop or lose my notebook.

Power cords. You'd also be surprised how an extra AC power cord for your cell phone or mp3 player can come in handy -- one for the phone; one for the office; perhaps even one for the briefcase. They even come in various designs such as single transformers on the wall side, with multiple tips to plug into multiple electronic devices.

Then there are ear buds, cordless headsets, holsters, car chargers, travel mice, Webcams, tripods and more.

First Published: December 28, 2008, 5:00 a.m.