I am looking for companies in Northern California that can provide the
following services.  This is for the purpose of developing a prototype
of a consumer electronic product.

1. Electronics design and development of a functioning prototype.  The
company should have both hardware and software (firmware) development
capabilities.  Specific experience in wireless technologies (WiFi) is
a plus.  Audio over IP or Video over IP experience is ideal.  A good
example is http://www.indesign-llc.com/ except they are in IN.

2. Consumer product design firm.  A company that understands the
mixture of engineering and marketing to design cool looking consumer
electronics.  A good example is http://www.bresslergroup.com/ in PA.

Although I would prefer to work with a company other approaches such
as independent contractors, university labs, etc., are welcome.  They
have to be willing to work with a cash strapped startup.

Have you contacted IDEO? They are based in Palo Alto and have a great
history of CE products. www.ideo.com

I have not contacted IDEO but do know about them.  I will probably get
in touch with them soon.  Thanks.

Check out Speck Design in Palo Alto.  Very high creativity per dollar ratio.
www.speckdesign.com