2012 Trends: 5 Items to Get Cheaper in 2012

The times and trends are always changing, and some benefit consumers while others do not. But the shopping Web site dealnews did a good job in recent days noting things that will be less expensive and more expensive in 2012.

Among the items that will get cheaper in 2012, according to dealnews:

The Apple iPad -- Apple is facing its first serious competition from the Kindle Fire tablet, which sells for $199. Pricing for the Apple iPad, the world's most popular tablet, starts currently at $499. But as Apple prepares to launch a new iPad 3 tablet in early 2012 its likely that the company will behave like it has when launching new iPhone models -- dropping the price on existing models. Talk has suggested that Apple will have an iPad priced at either $299 or $399 in 2012, a substantial drop from $499.

Wine -- One expert, according to dealnews, predicts that we are entering in 2012 the age of the buyer, an era when prices are stable or decline. Wineries and wine retailers can't move higher-priced bottles like they used to, so more are following the trends of clothing retailers and opting for the value proposition. International wineries competition is also heating up, driving prices lower. Wrties dealnews: Price is also affected by industry competition, as consumers note the quality-to-price ratio from wines originating in countries like Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Chile. Aficionados should check out sites like Lot 18 for their boozy offerings.

Car Rentals -- Because rental car company inventory is flush, the supply needs to find demand. One way rental car companies get more drivers is through lower prices. That's a good thing, too, since the price of travel in terms of gas and airline tickets is likely to increase. Renting a car, however, will have a buyer's advantage in many instances due to deals and discounts.

Android Tablets -- We're back mentioning the Kindle Fire again, but you can thank Amazon for breaking the pricing model in the tablet space -- particularly for Android-based tablets like the Kindle Fire. Amazon set the bar, and it set it low at $199. Now, competitors have little choice but following closely in line.

Homes -- The unemployment problem is getting better, dropping to 8.5 percent in December, but the home market continues to struggle with excess inventory and lackluster demand despite record-low mortgage rates. One problem: many can't secure a loan despite the low mortgage rates after the Great Recession. Therefore, those who have substantial cash or can can't credit are in luck -- it's a big buyers market in 2012. It may be the last year home shoppers can find deals across the country as the proverbial pricing bottom.