Bargains
Latest
Shopping in the iOS device bargain bin
Although we're not expecting refurbished iPad Airs to hit Apple's online store for a month or two yet, it's still a terrific time to shop for all things iOS. At US$500, the bottom-line iPad Air may not be discounted, but it still provides excellent value for the dollar. Light, thin and super fast, this latest Retina-based iOS tech offers a lot to the buyer. The intro model Retina mini starts at $400. But what about those of us with a more limited budget? You won't go wrong picking up an original (non-Retina) iPad mini from Apple's online refurbished and clearance store. All items sell with a one-year warranty and refurbished iPads include both a brand-new battery as well as a new outer shell. It's that battery guarantee in particular that makes buying refurbished devices from Apple such a great choice. Right now, you can pick up a refurbished first-generation 16GB WiFi iPad mini for just $250. Stock varies, but on any day you're likely to find units with varying memory configurations and onboard cellular support listed for sale as well. Yesterday morning, a 64GB non-Retina WiFi mini was just $419. Although the iPod touch tends to get short shrift in glamour, it provides surprisingly sophisticated kit. A fifth-generation refurb with an A5 chip, a 4-inch screen, excellent cameras and more starts at just $189. That's particularly attractive to developers looking for an extra work unit with modern screens and geometry without having to pay that costly phone premium. Like iPads, refurbished iPods sold direct from Apple contain that all-important new battery. If you're focused on Retina and shopping for a full-size iPad, your best bet is probably a refurbished fourth-generation unit, which starts at $379 for the 16GB WiFi model. While Apple is still selling third-generation devices, with an admittedly spotty collection of stock, we'd suggest choosing the latest-but-one version instead. It was an excellent model and while it weighs more than the Air and has a larger frame, it's still a great iPad all around. Compared to a new iPad 2, which sells for $20 more, the refurbished iPad 4 gives you that Retina screen, better battery life and all-round stronger computing.
Dollar Store Accessories: the iPhone Stylus
Today's Dollar Store accessory find is a stylus /pen that, according to the rather prominent advertising on the box is "compatible with cell phones, tablets." It is neither a great pen nor a great stylus, but (and this is important, given the one dollar price point) it is a good example of both. I was surprised that this particular model has a rather nice grip area for the pen and how well the stylus, which is located in the "eraser" area, worked. You twist the bottom to open the pen, which in the case of this unit had a nice satisfying click. It's not an unusual layout for pen / stylii, and you can find comparable setups on Amazon for under 10 dollars. What is unusual is the stylus tip itself, which is soft -- rather like a little deflatable balloon -- instead of being a solid hard surface. I found that approach to feel odd in my hands, but it worked well on all the devices I tested with. It provided a good contact point for both phones and tablets, which you wouldn't expect with such a flexible touch point. In the end, for a buck, it is a fine stylus if you don't mind holding the pen upside down to use it. I suspect you can find some reasonable facsimile in your nearby US-based dollar store, although stock and models vary widely from store to store. Comparable models on eBay and Amazon seem to run from about two and a half dollars up, although I didn't find any exact matches to this unit. Next up on the Dollar Store review list: tablet sleeves. Do you shop at Dollar Stores for bargain high tech items? Drop a note in the comments and let us know what items are winners and which ones you should avoid.
Apple starts selling refurbished 3rd generation iPads
If you've been waiting for a deal on a third-generation iPad, your wait is over. Apple now has refurbished "new iPads" in the online Apple Store awaiting your credit card info. The pricing isn't too much better than what you'd pay for a brand new iPad, but discounts from 6 to 7 percent across the board aren't anything to sneeze at, either. A WiFi + Cellular 32 GB iPad that normally sells for US$729 is available for $50 off or $679. The best deal of the bunch is the 16 GB WiFi-only model, which sells for $449. Quantities of Apple refurbs are usually limited, so if you're in the market for a new iPad and want a bit of a deal, act soon. Note that all Apple refurbished gear comes with a complete warranty, a new outer shell, a new battery, and you can add AppleCare Protection Plan to your purchase. [Thanks to MacNN for the news]
Apple to offer Lunar New Year sale on January 6
TUAW readers in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines can look forward to a special Apple promotion this Friday. On January 6, Apple is holding a "special one-day Apple shopping event" for "amazing iPad, iPod and Mac gifts for everyone." As with Apple's annual Black Friday sale, the company isn't giving anyone an idea of what the sale prices will be. You'll just need to visit the Apple online store for your particular country on Friday to see what's available and how the bargains stack up. Apple has designed a clever "Year of the Dragon" graphic made up of iPad Smart Covers for the various online stores. We'd love to hear from TUAW readers this Friday on what deals they were able to get.
Amazon Wireless reduces Inspire 4G to $30, makes AT&T look downright miserly
If your desire for unibody enclosures is limited by a reluctance to pony up for premium designs, then you might grin knowing that Amazon Wireless is selling the HTC Inspire 4G for $30. Yes, this massive 4.3-inch slab can be the pride of your pocket without simultaneously emptying your wallet -- that's before you start piling on the accessories, anyway. While the Inspire 4G's reputation was initially sullied by an indictment in HSUPA-gate, it was later cleared of all charges thanks to AT&T's promised update. Now that users can upload with abandon, this might be a fine opportunity to recommit with Ma Bell while pocketing an easy $70. We know, it's a good find -- but don't start laughing too maniacally or your co-workers will get suspicious.
Mac App Store bargains: Plants vs. Zombies and more
The Mac App Store has been a great place to find bargains, and today brings another one that I'm pretty excited about: Plants vs. Zombies is available for US$10, instead of the $20 that PopCap has charged on its website. I've seen several apps that have offered significant discounts in the Mac App Store, such as Little Snapper, Pixelmator, Aperture (which sells for $80 despite the fact that Apple still offers to preinstall it on Macs for $200!) and more. Have you found any great discounts in the Mac App Store versus previous prices? If so, let us know in the comments.
Compaq CQ62Z speeds past Atom for $380, jury's out on battery life
We won't lie, the last time we bought a standard Compaq was in high school -- approximately eight months before the LCD hinge broke -- but it's not everyday you find a notebook for a netbook price. (Okay, it might not last as long on a charge.) This week, HP's silently launched the Compaq CQ62Z, which comes with AMD's new 2.2GHz V120 CPU, ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics and a 15.6-inch LED-backlit display at a legitimately fantastic $380. 2GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi, a 250GB hard drive, DVD burner and a 6-cell battery round out the package, and you can grab a dual-core processor for a few ten-spots more. Personally, we're still hesitant, but it's been years now... forgive and forget, right?
12 months of Xbox Live for $35 from Newegg
Who likes cheap Xbox Live Gold subscriptions? That's right, you do -- and Newegg has got you covered. Right now the tech seller has a full year of Xbox Live Gold up for only $34.99, a full $15 off the usual $50 price. That's almost three months of online gaming for free. You can't argue with that. Well, you could but you'd be a jerk, and there's no room for jerks on Xbox Live. Nope, none. [Thanks, Brian]
Direct2Drive discounts Civilization IV, Supreme Commander this weekend
Perhaps in celebration of Civilization V's recent reveal, Direct2Drive is offering Civilization IV -- as well as the standalone Civilization IV: Colonization -- for 33% off. Other deals on the direct download service this weekend include Supreme Commander: Gold Edition, Majesty The Fantasy Kingdom Sim: Gold Edition, and more. If you're one of the few who doesn't "get" the Civilization addiction epidemic, which has swept the world over the last two decades leaving workplace productivity in shambles, consider yourself luckier than the folks in the video after the break. Yes, Civilization Revolution was solid, but CivIV has the uncanny ability to turn the sweetest old lady into a crazed destroyer of all mankind. Basically, It's fun for the whole family. Shortcut: See all weekend deals on Direct2Drive
Trine slashed to $5 on Steam
So, was a 25 percent reduction not enough incentive to pick up Trine? Did you scoff when Impulse only halved the price? If your cold, frugal heart was unmoved by these gestures of kindness, perhaps its icy confines will be breached by Steam's latest deal. You see, from now through Thursday, Trine can be purchased from the service for 75 percent off its retail price. Yes, that means you can pick up Frozenbyte's magical puzzle-platformer for only five bucks. Should that fail to penetrate the stony tomb of loneliness inside your rib cage, well, then there's nothing more to be said. [Thanks, AJ]
This is what it has come to: Halo 3 Legendary for $30
Ever since the supposedly limited run of the Halo 3 Legendary Edition was first released, we've watched its price slowly tumble. Originally sporting a hefty $129.99 price tag, we've seen the price slide ever lower as retailers, desperate for shelf space, slashed the price again and again. Now, 1saleaday.com is selling copies of the Legendary Edition for the absolute rock-bottom price of $30. That's thirty bones for Halo 3, your very own cat helmet and more behind-the-scenes bonus features than you can shake a plasma sword at. The item is listed as "new," although it's hard to imagine the packaging has survived nearly three years without acquiring a few bumps and bruises. Keep in mind that we have no idea how reliable 1 Sale A Day is, but you're not likely to find a better price than this. There are only a few hours left on the sale, so both of you remaining Legendary fence-sitters had better hop to it.
Braid, other PC titles on sale this weekend on Impulse
This weekend the Impulse digital delivery store has a handful of games on sale including the critical and commercial darling Braid. Knocking 50% off each title, the sale also includes Sins of a Solar Empire from publisher Stardock -- also known as the guys and gals behind the Impulse service. Have a few extra dollars left over from the holiday season? Here's what you can get with that extra coin: Alganon -- $21.69 King's Bounty: Armored Princes -- $27.73 Sins of a Solar Empire -- $18.47 World War 2: Time of Wrath -- $22.82 Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim -- $16.30 King's Bounty: The Legend -- $16.30 Braid -- $5.42 Supreme Commander: Gold Edition -- $16.30
Dozen Daily Deals for December 27, 2009
'Tis the season to shop until your brains melt (or skip it all entirely, depending on your interpretation of the term holiday). In that spirit, for the next few weeks we'll be rounding up a dozen daily deals courtesy our friends at DealNews.com. Each afternoon tune in to TUAW for this handy summary. Keep in mind that while our posts will live on, the deals won't. Each is lovingly generated by the deal-bot every day, so get 'em while they're hot. Enjoy! PopCap Games: [PC Games] PopCap Games Holiday Sale: 50% off all games, deals for $10 Musician's Friend: Musician's Friend coupon: 15% off select items Geeks.com: [Notebook Carrying Cases] AWP 14" Molded Laptop Backpack for $15 + $9 s&h Kohls: [Books & Magazines] Kohl's sale: 50% off 2010 team calendars + extra 20% off, free shipping Tanga: [Magazines] 1-Year Subscription to Entrepreneur Magazine for $3 SupermediaStore: [CD/DVD Cases] 4 SuperMediaStore 104-Disc CD / DVD Wallets for $20 + free shipping, more Sears: [Plasma TVs] Samsung 50" 600Hz 720p Plasma Widescreen HDTV for $700 + pickup Kohls: [Digital Camcorders] Shift3 Slide Mini Digital Camcorder for $32 + free shipping Best Buy: [46" - 47" LCD TVs] Samsung 46" 120Hz 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV for $1,000 + pickup Beach Camera: [50" - 52" LCD TVs] Sharp AQUOS 52" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV for $999 + free shipping Apple Store: [iPods] Refurbished Apple iPod nano 16GB MP3 Player for $129 + free shipping Staples: [Color Inkjet Printers] Brother MFC-790CW Wireless All-In-One Printer w/ Touchscreen LCD for $100 + free shipping
Poll: Will you be buying a sub-$100 Blu-ray player for Black Friday?
Blu-ray players aren't the only deal going this weekend (check out our Black Friday roundups for more) but the fabled Blu-ray player for less than a hundred bucks is making an appearance at multiple stores this weekend so we've just got to know, will you be buying one? While Amazon and Newegg dole out LG BD270 players for around $99, Meijer has a Sylvania model for $89 and Wal-mart brings an $80 Magnavox NB500MG1F, matched by hhgregg's $80 Toshiba offer. Not cheap enough yet? onSale.com has refurbed Magnavox's for a mere $70, although with all of these you'll be missing out on some features from the higher priced players. but even the thriftiest among us can grab a Netflix streaming, BD-Live ready Insignia NS-BRDVD3 from Best Buy for a penny under a Benjamin, so what's your excuse going to be? %Poll-37455%
eBay Deals iPhone app pushes bargains in your face
Do you use eBay regularly for shopping for goodies? If you do, and if you're an iPhone or iPod touch owner, you probably ought to turn on your device right now and download the new eBay Deals app [Free, iTunes Link]. In eBay parlance, a deal can be one of two things: An eBay Daily Deal, which is a limited quantity item from a trusted seller, provided with free shipping An item that is in big demand (an iPhone, for example) with zero bids and with less than four hours to go in the auction But wait, there's more! The app also uses push notifications to give you the bad news that you're being outbid on an item or to tell you that an auction is just about over. There's a "Shake for Deals" option that provides random deals when you shake your phone. The app has a nice little tutorial that shows how the features work and what various icons mean. That's a nice touch for getting users up and running quickly. If you're looking for that perfect gift at a bargain price, you may need to look no further than the screen of your iPhone.
Cheap Xbox Live Gold at Sears and Kmart this week [update: Starts Nov 18]
Update: Kmart and Sears have issued a correction. The sale begins November 18, not November 17. Kmart and Sears have announced a special deal in celebration of the new Xbox Live Dashboard Update, which arrives this week. Starting November 17, the same day as the update, gamers can pick up discounted Xbox Live Gold subscription cards. Three-month cards are being knocked down from $20 to $15, while twelve-month cards are dropping from $50 to $35. Not a bad deal for gamers looking to get their online gaming on the cheap -- or those looking to give it to others for the holidays. The cards will be available only on the Sears and Kmart websites through November 21.
Rumor: Xbox 360 Arcade to be offered with $100 gift card at Walmart
According to cellphone-camera equipped tipsters at Kotaku, Walmart will apparently offer a $100 gift card with the purchase of an Xbox 360 Arcade unit this Saturday. Supposedly confirmed by Cheap Ass Gamer, the promotion also includes a $148 dollar Sony-branded Blu-ray player and will run until November 13, or while supplies last. If the rumor does prove to be true, we'd recommend waiting in line now in case something happens to your current Xbox. Apparently there's no telling how long those things will last.
Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl at $5 on Steam until Monday
The highly under-appreciated shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl is on sale for the low price of $5 on Valve's Steam platform until Monday. Developed by Ukrainian-based GSC Game World, the 2007 shooter takes place in an alternate reality where a second nuclear disaster takes place in at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Normally priced at $19.99, Shadow of Chernobyl is a steal at $5; however, as solid as the FPS is, it also includes numerous video game storyline cliches like an amnesiac protagonist and flesh-hunting mutants. Where are all the games with flesh-hunting amnesiac mutants, right? [Thanks, Dave]
Save a little on your existing AT&T iPhone plan
Update: It appears that this post describes a sponsorship discount (business/school/etc). Those users get a percentage off of their monthly plan ($29.99 voice plan and iPhone data charge excluded). Those who do not see this as an option lack the corporate discount; those who do are seeing what the monthly service cost is after the discount is applied.Go here to see if you qualify for the corporate discount.Note that this discount only applies to the voice plan and not to the iPhone data plan. Nor does it apply to the additional lines in a family plan.Looking to save a little on your monthly iPhone rates? AT&T just announced a price break but you do have to opt-in. It's not automatic. You can save from $6/month on the Nation 450 with rollover up to $12/month on the Nation 1350. The Unlimited plan remains unaffected.So what's the downside of all this? You may lose some or all of your rollover minutes by converting to the new plan price. So check the fine print before you click Submit. Any existing corporate or student discounts remain unaffected. If you're already receiving a 15% discount, for example, you'll continue to do so after the change. The iPhone data plan for $30 is not altered in any way.The rate change takes effect immediately. Your current month will be pro-rated up to the date of change, the old charges affecting everything up to your change date, the new charges thereafter. AT&T warns that you may not be able to view your yet-unbilled usage for the remainder of the billing cycle, but you can call and talk to an AT&T representative if you need that information.[Thanks, Dale Gattis]
Direct2Drive celebrates 5-year anniversary with 50 games for $5 each
Over the next five weeks, Direct2Drive is offering a special discount on a host of different titles in celebration of its five-year anniversary. Every Monday, Direct2Drive will feature a new set of titles, reducing them to $5 (or £5 UK), with the first week of the promotion focusing on "Ubisoft and Strategy titles." While the upcoming week's titles have yet to be revealed, Direct2Drive has teased us with utterly vague descriptions of what to expect: Week Two: Action Games Week Three: RPGs & MMOs Week Four: Indie Games Week Five: War Games The first week of the promotion ends on September 14. Games differ slightly based on your geographical region -- for instance, Ubisoft is strangely omitted from the European promotion. Check out a full list of this week's games for both regions after the break.
