From phones and tablets to operating systems, a lot of makers are releasing new models, new machines and new operating systems this month, says Jim Barry, spokesman for the Consumer Electronics Association.
So while this is the time to get brand-new technology, it's not the month to get a discount on the latest in personal electronics, he says.
"That's the penalty for being an early adopter," says Barry. "You are going to pay top dollar for something new."
When to expect better deals: In the weeks before Christmas. Look for discounts and deals starting with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, says Andrea Woroch, savings expert with CouponSherpa.com. And retailers will discount new electronics throughout the holiday season, she says.
What is on sale this month: Older models of personal electronics. Manufacturers and retailers tend to drop prices on earlier models when the new stuff hits the stores. So if you don't have to have the latest version, you could save up to 15 percent to 20 percent on the gadget of your dreams, Barry says.