SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 13, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- CNET (www.cnet.com), the trusted source of information for millions of personal technology buyers around the world and a property of CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET), today launched its annual Holiday Gift Guide (http://holiday.cnet.com), featuring more than 200 product recommendations from CNET's team of expert editors. Organized by both product category and the type of person receiving the gift, the feature highlights the best consumer electronic products on the market, and helps shoppers find this year's hottest gift options.

With online holiday retail sales expected to reach $17 billion, a 21-percent increase over online consumer spending in 2002 (Jupiter Research), consumers are relying on the Internet more than ever this shopping season for its convenience and its depth and breadth of information. With reviews and recommendations on more than 12,000 products in 30 categories, CNET is the leading provider of unbiased, labs-tested product insight and real-time pricing on the latest personal technology products.

This year's Holiday Gift Guide features CNET editors' top picks of digital cameras, camcorders, portable music, cell phones, handhelds, home entertainment, desktops, notebooks, printers and storage/networking. It also includes 10 specialty guides based on the types of people that show up on the typical gift list, from the straight-forward mom, dad, son, daughter, wife, husband, and friend, to gift guides for people who are shopping for families, couples, even that "zany uncle" or other eccentric loved one.

Each category includes a "Top 10 mistakes to avoid" list to help consumers steer clear of common pitfalls when buying personal tech products. For example, avoiding the following common mistakes when buying a digital camera can help shoppers avoid common headaches:

    --  Don't skimp on accessories. Leave room in the budget for
        memory cards, batteries and power cords.

    --  Don't assume you know your recipients' photo habits. Find out
        what kind of photographer he or she is so you can buy the
        right camera.

    --  Don't ignore the warranty. While it may look like the real
        deal, a camera that doesn't have a warranty card could be an
        unauthorized import or resale camera that won't be covered by
        the manufacturer.

    --  Don't neglect research. Check out the CNET Digital Camera
        Buying Guide for buying advice and recommendations.

For people planning to hit the road or hop on a long plane flight this year, the "Holiday Getaway Gear" feature on CNET (http://travel.cnet.com) highlights helpful products -- from navigational aids to digital gaming diversion and music -- that are sure to ease the pain of that cross-country journey.

"CNET's editors offer this year's holiday shoppers an un-biased and reliable opinion on products they should consider based on a person's needs, lifestyle, and skill level," said Janice Chen, editor-in-chief of CNET Reviews. "If this year's holiday shoppers are considering personal technology products as gifts, they don't need to look any further than the CNET Holiday Gift Guide for great recommendations and advice."

About CNET Networks

CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a leading global media company informing and connecting buyers, users and sellers of personal technology, business technology, and games and entertainment. Known for its editorial expertise, CNET Networks combines its award winning content with the power of interactive technology to provide it's users an intuitive, dynamic and relevant environment. The company's content portfolio features top brands including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, GameSpot, and mySimon, as well as Computer Shopper magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the U.S., Asia and Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 12 countries.

SOURCE: CNET Networks

CNET Networks
Sarah Winterhalder, 415-344-2218 (Media)
Sarah.winterhalder@cnet.com
Cammeron Finnegan, 415-344-2844 (Investors)
Cammeron.finnegan@cnet.com

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