Extra Costs When Buying A Flat Panel Television

I work with a girl who wants a plasma television because they look good, and can hang on the wall. She only wants to spend about $2000, which isn't unreasonable because there are some good plasmas near her price range. But, I worry that she isn't considering the extra costs associated with buying a flat panel television.

If she wants to wall mount her TV, she'll have to spend at least $150 to get a good mounting bracket. Depending on where the plasma will go, she might have to buy cables. Then you have installation to consider. What about the extended warranty? They're probably useless for a plasma because most extended warranties won't cover the picture. And, if the picture on a plasma goes - the whole unit goes. Still, it's worth considering.

Of course, the biggest added charge to a large purchase is sales tax. At a paultry eight cents-a-dollar, it would cost an additional $160 for a $2000 purchase.