SAN JOSE, Calif. - In today's world of mass retailers, it's easy to assume that a big-box store like Best Buy or Wal-Mart would be the best place to buy consumer electronics.

As a group, online outlets did a better job overall than brick-and-mortar retailers of satisfying customers when it came to their purchases of televisions, digital cameras, DVD/DVR players, camcorders, handheld computers, or audio equipment, according to more than 18,700 readers surveyed in the spring.

Retailers that sell both on the Web and in-store, such as Costco, Circuit City and Best Buy, scored higher marks on the Internet than at their walk-in locations.

The survey, to be published in the magazine's December issue, found that while online outlets may have wider selections and lower prices, physical stores — namely local independent stores and smaller chain retailers, such as Tweeter Home Entertainment and Ritz Camera — offer good service.

Do research beforehand. Internet retailers and manufacturer Web sites offer a plethora of product details and specifications — not to mention information that the item you were eyeing may already have its next model out.

Shop for the best price once you know which models meet your needs. Many shopping comparison sites scour the Internet for deals, including MySimon.com, BizRate.com, and Shopping.com.

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