Price is not the same as value.The most expensive product isn’t always the best value for your money. This section highlights the least expensive model in a product category. If price is of no consequence, check out the most expensive model.
OUR PICK
LG - LPC 12
LG - LPC 12
Price – Rs 2,990
Features – 100W PMPO output portable music system, LCD display, plays MP3 and CD-R/RW,AM/FM tuner, single cassette deck, two speakers
For: Those who want a basic model, probably in addition to a more advanced system they already have. A decent gift item too.
SECOND TIER
Philips – FWD17/21M
Philips FWD17/21M
Price – Rs 5,999
Features – Mini hi-fi system, 1200W PMPO, 60W total RMS, dynamic bass boost, plays CD,MP3,VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/-RW and picture CD, single cassette deck, FM stereo, CD recording, two-way twin speakers, remote control, karaoke with volume and echo control, S-video and component video output
For: Those who want somewhat advanced features at a wallet-friendly price
TOP OF LEAGUE
Sony MHC-GN1000D
Price – Rs 39,990
Sony MHC-GN1000D
Features – 8400W PMPO, 760W total RMS, three disc tray, plays CD,MP3,VCD,DVD,DVD+R DL and DivX, full logic double deck cassette player with auto reverse mode, high-speed dubbing and continuous play, 20 FM station presets and 10 AM station presets, Dolby digital and DTS decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, surround sound, extra bass, karaoke with two microphone inputs and volume control, microphone mix recording and vocal fader, CD recording, component video output, progressive scan, precision drive, three-way six speakers
For: Audiophiles and budding deejays
Purchasing Power
Life in the North-east is becoming more expensive; especially Shillong where inflation is almost thrice the national average.Ajmer in Rajasthan is the least expensive city to live in. Among the metros, Delhi is the cheapest city and Chennai the most expensive.
ALL-INDIA PRICE INFLATION 5.1%
| HIGHEST INFLATION RATES | LOWEST INFLATION RATES |
| Shillong 14.6% | Ajmer 1.5% |
| Imphal 10.1% | Lucknow 1.9% |
| Kohima 9.8% | Mangalore 2.3% |
| Kharagpur 8.3% | Nagpur 2.5% |
| Kolkata 8.1% | Rohtak 2.7% |
| Figures are percentage annual rise in consumer price index for urban non-manual employees from Nov 2006 to Nov 2007 | |
| TERM ASSURANCE PLANS | ||
| Company | Plan | Annual Premium |
| Bharti AXA | Secure Confident | 2,940 |
| SBI Life | Shield | 2,963 |
| HDFC Std Life | Term Assurance-Reg | 3,050 |
| Max New York Life | Level Term | 3,050 |
| Metlife | Met Suraksha | 3,300 |
| For an individual aged 30 years, risk cover of Rs 10 lakh for 25 years. Premium does not include service tax. Source: Company websites | ||
| • Term insurance does not pay out any benefits if one survives the tenure of the policy and hence the low cost | ||
| • Insurance rates increase as the age increases.The same cover for a 35-year-old may easily cost 10% more than what it does for a 30 year old | ||
