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Mio S401 and S501 nav units leak out, due in May
It's been a while since we've seen a new Mio navi hit Stateside -- Mitac seems to be concentrating on the Magellan brand here -- but it looks like there's still some kick left in those boots: say hello to the Moov S401 and S501. Baby brother 401 will sell for $129 and has a 4.3-inch screen and four million preloaded POIs, while the $169 501 bumps it up to 4.7 inches and 12 million. Both have Mio's newish "Spirit" interface, but we're most intrigued by the repeated mentions of gas price searching and Google Send to GPS in the docs we were leaked, which suggest integration with a service like MSN Direct. We'll find out soon -- these are set to land in Radio Shack in mid-May.Update: Mio just pinged us to say that these prices are wrong, but they didn't tell us anything else, so stay tuned.[Thanks, Anonymous]
Acer's AT&T 3G-infused Aspire One now at $79 -- price war imminent?
Yeah, we definitely dig where this is headed. With Verizon's subsidized HP Mini 1000 about to hit store shelves at any moment, the AT&T 3G-equipped Aspire One has taken a tumble from $99.99 to $79.99. Just so we're clear: you can actually buy a name brand netbook now for under 80 bones. 'Course, you'll be stuck in a two year data contract with AT&T, and you'll actually have to insert yourself into a pair of pants in order to get the machine from a Radio Shack store, but surely that's a compromise you're willing to make. Here's hoping this leads to free-on-contract netbooks (or close to it) in the very near future. Right, American carriers?[Thanks, Sharukh]
RadioShack expands trade-in program to stores
RadioShack has announced that it plans to expand its online electronics trade-in program to 4,400 of its company-owned stores. The program allows consumers to trade in electronics, including consoles and games, for cash credit toward more purchases at stores we didn't even know existed anymore.RadioShack joins an ever growing list of companies getting into the used games market. And, if the analysts are right, don't expect that trend to slow down -- especially with potential revenue being in the billions. [Via GayGamer]
DXG's latest camcorders sport the Burberry and Chanel look, KIRF-style
Unimpressed by DXG's lineup of value-priced but generally underwhelming video recording options? Maybe a few trendy pattern appliques will change your mind. The company's apparently gone down to Canal Street, grabbed a few "discount" handbags, and turned them into gaudy camcorders that promise 720p capture at 30fps. They're set to retail for a mere $129, and while the company's pledging they'll be available at stores like Radio Shack and Walmart later this summer, we're thinking there are probably a few trademark attorneys out there with a thing or two to say about that.
SanDisk slotRadio player launching to much fanfare on March 31st
Oh, wait -- we were just kidding about the whole "to much fanfare" bit. SanDisk's slotRadio player, which we're still struggling to understand, is all set to ship on March 31st after debuting alongside a gazillion other gadgets at CES. For those who've forced themselves to forget, this microSD music player can handle your own jams on your own microSD card, or alternatively, can accept pre-loaded Billboard hits cards which house over 1,000 songs that are nicely categorized by genre. It'll be available from SanDisk's own website on March 31st for $99 (which includes a card with over a thousand songs), and it should be ready to ruin Father's Day when it slips into Radio Shack locations shortly thereafter.
Netbook buyer blows by 5GB limit on AT&T data plan, sues
Nothing quite like a four- or five-figure phone bill to break your spirit, and in many circumstances, we can understand why your first reaction after opening such a bill might be "I'll sue the pants off of these people." Of course, contracts are pretty well ironclad thanks to the generations of overpaid lawyers that have perfected them over the years, and generally speaking, you've got to lie in the bed you've made -- but occasionally, a situation develops that's genuinely bogus. This one has been brewing for a while, actually, ever since AT&T and others decided to drop their unlimited data plans down to a 5GB cap: unexpected overage. A buyer of one of those $99 Aspire Ones bundled with an AT&T contract at Radio Shack got a shock of a bill after blowing past her 5GB cap, and while the individual should've certainly done a better job of understanding that the cap existed, shouldn't the carriers be shutting off data by default when you hit 5GB, or after just a very small amount of overage has developed? At any rate, she's suing AT&T and Radio Shack for her troubles -- and it looks like she's seeking class-action status -- so we'd love to see this spur companies into more proactively preventing nasty bills from developing in the first place.
Acer Aspire One goes official on AT&T's 3G network
Hey, remember that Acer Aspire One equipped with on-board 3G we spied in a Radio Shack ad the other day? Well guess what? It's real -- and we've got the PR to prove it. Just as expected, the netbook is being offered for the teensy price of $99.99 (coupled with a lengthy and expensive contract with AT&T). The diminutive laptop comes equipped with a single mind-blowing gigabyte of memory and a decently sizeable 160GB hard drive. Besides doing its mobile broadband thing, it also sports 802.11b/g, weighs in at 2.44 lbs., and will never, ever seem worth it in the long run.
Contract-laden 3G Acer Aspire One hitting US at just $99?
These days most people wouldn't think of buying a new phone without getting a couple hundies off in exchange for their wireless free will. But netbooks? Internationally such deals aren't altogether uncommon, but we haven't seen one here yet. That changes next week if the above image turns out to be legit (and we kinda think it is), with Radio Shack set to offer an Acer Aspire One for just $99 so long as you sign up for a $60/month (or more) data plan through AT&T. (If you squint you can see it's a rather less enticing $499 without.) That comes to something north of $1,500 over the life of the contract, which is hardly a steal -- but then again your average sub-$200 smartphone doesn't seem like such a bargain after two years of $35/month, either.[Thanks, A RadioShack Guy]
TomTom's GO 630 shows up at RadioShack
Love GPS'ing? Love TomTom? Well you're in luck, because the company has just sneaked out another iteration of its popular GO series -- the 630. The device boasts a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 touchscreen, SD card support, Bluetooth functionality, and comes loaded with maps of US and Canada. We're not going to pretend that the 630 sports any features which are too outstanding, but with things like "points of interest," a "windshield mount," and included "USB cable," you can rest easy knowing this does... something. The satnav unit is available from RadioShack right now for an affordable $349.99 (a $50 savings off its list price).[Via GPS Tracklog]
Navigon launches 5100 max / 2090S GPS units at RadioShack
We had a respectable hunch that Navigon's 5100 max would be hitting US shelves in short order, but we weren't aware that it'd be launching alongside a friend. As for the 5100 max, you'll find a 4.3-inch touchscreen, Reality View Pro / Lane Assistant Pro technology, handsfree Bluetooth support, text-to-speech, an Exit Guide and free real-time traffic updates for life. The little sibling (dubbed 2090S) checks in with a 3.5-inch touch panel and most of the same internal niceties already mentioned save for Bluetooth. Look for the cute couple right now exclusively at RadioShack (or RadioShack.com) for $299.99 / $199.99, respectively. Full release after the break.
Motorola introduces MOTONAV TN20 / TN30 GPS devices
While not packing nearly the pizazz offered in the AURA, Motorola's two freshest navigators don't look half bad. Up first is the dead-simple MOTONAV TN20, which provides spoken street names and turn-by-turn directions, NAVTEQ 2D / 3D maps of the continental US and a 3.5-inch touch panel. The slightly more sophisticated MOTONAV TN30 picks up where the TN20 left off and adds in maps of Puerto Rico and Canada, four million searchable points of interest, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth handsfree support. Both systems include a SD slot for updating maps, a mini USB port for charging, speed limit display with warnings and the obligatory on-screen speed, distance, arrival time, elevation, and distance traveled tidbits. If you're into either, you'll have to scoot over to the RadioShack most convenient to you and plop down $199.99 / $299.99, respectively.
BGR: Walmart to carry iPhone 3G for Black Friday
The Boy Genius Report claims that they received a report saying Walmart may become the second independent retailer in the U.S. to carry the iPhone. The big box retailer is expected to begin selling the iPhone about two weeks before Black Friday, on November 15. Walmart already carries a range of cases and accessories for iPhones, and sells a variety of iPods. Radio Shack was also rumored to carry the handset, but its unclear if negotiations stalled, or the news about Walmart is just stealing its thunder, as BGR speculates. Best Buy already carries the iPhone 3G, which you must activate before leaving the store. It stands to reason that Walmart will employ a similar process. [Via AppleInsider.]
Samsung's BD-P1500 Blu-ray player dips under $200
We want to say that it has begun, but we're still thinking it's a touch early to suggest the $200 barrier is collapsing before our very eyes. Not even 24 hours after Sony's BDP-S300 fell to under $200 at Amazon, Samsung's respectable BD-P1500 has now done the same over at RadioShack. The $299.99 player becomes $199.99 instantly when added to one's cart, and according to the promotional fine print, the additional $100 off will be valid until September 27th. The real question is: will the "sale" be extended?[Thanks, Shawn]Update: The player has vanished from the website. Sold out, possibly?
RadioShack to carry Sprint's Samsung Instinct nationwide
For those in America who just can't shake the desire to snap up one of those Samsung Instincts, but can't bring themselves into braving the yellow-clad walls of most Sprint stores, an alternative method of B&M procurement has finally arrived. Effective immediately, Sprint's "iPhone killer" will be available across the US in RadioShack stores. If you happened into one over the Labor Day weekend, you were lucky enough to grab the handset for just $99.99 on contract, but from here on out (well, until the first second price drop), it'll be $129.99 for everyone else.[Image courtesy of RiverWalkPlaza]
Radio Shack ad confirms Xbox 360 price cuts?
According to our good, dear, beautiful friends at Joystiq (and Radio Shack, incidentally) the Xbox 360 family is going to be seeing those rumored price cuts in the very near future. Falling right in line with that chatter we heard at the beginning of the month, a leaked Radio Shack circular seems to indicate that there will be reductions across the board for the console, with the 60GB version clocking in at $299, the Elite running you a cool $399, and the Arcade setup dropping to a totally affordable $199 (we're looking at you, potential Xbox LIVE opponents). Sure this could all be some Photoshop wiz's idea of a hilarious joke, but we're keeping the fingers and toes crossed over here. Target date for truth? September 7th -- so stay tuned.
Mio's Knight Rider GPS now available for pre-order
Dying to get your eyes and fingers all over Mio's GPS-incarnation of KITT? Can't hardly wait to hear the voice of the voice of the original KITT barking directions at you? Well you're in luck, friend. Radio Shack has apparently begun taking pre-orders for the Knight Rider-branded satnav, which they claim will be available to own come September 24th. Ready to go? Get your credit card out, then prepare to be $269.99 lighter and 40 percent nerdier.[Thanks, Jason]
Best Buy, Radio Shack gearing up for Touch Diamond launch on Sprint?
It seems that Sprint's letting the cat out of the bag on its upcoming Touch successor -- within its trusted circle of retailers, anyway. We've now received some juicy morsels of information suggesting that both Best Buy and Radio Shack have been told to expect shipments of the MP6950 Touch Diamond in the next few weeks, with the big blue box tentatively expecting stock on August 17 (we think they're fooling themselves there, but it'd be nice) and the Shack expecting a more realistic-sounding September 2 launch. Along with the Touch Pro, the Touch Diamond should go a long way toward revitalizing Sprint's smartphone lineup at a time when the carrier can pretty much use every little bit of help it can get. In fact, we think we'll hook this up to a SERO plan and... ah, wait, never mind.[Thanks, anonymous tipsters]
Rumor: BestBuy, RadioShack to sell iPhone 3G
Boy Genius Report is reporting that Apple may allow sales of the iPhone at BestBuy and RadioShack retail stores in the U.S. This, of course, is in addition to it being sold at Apple and AT&T stores. This would be the first time since the iPhone's introduction that a third-party reseller would be able to sell the iPhone. These rumors are definitely unconfirmed at this point so we don't know if this will happen in time for the retail giants to get in on the July 11th introduction sale.[via MacNN]
Digital Stream DTX9950 converter box touts analog pass-through
Dilly-dallying around, are you? Even if you haven't taken the time to secure a digital converter box for the impending 2009 analog shutoff just yet, RadioShack has a box incoming that may tickle your fancy. The Digital Stream DTX9950 not only enables your antiquated set to receive OTA signals long after the February 17, 2009 switchover (Wilmington, North Carolina notwithstanding), but it also features an analog pass-through. According to the company, said feature will "enable consumers who watch full and low-power TV stations to do so without the need for a splitter or A/B switch to a digital-only converter box." Better still, this one is NTIA approved, meaning that your $40 government voucher can be used on the $59.99 device if it's still valid as of this week.
Phantom Hourglass now under $20 at RadioShack
If you still haven't picked up Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, then what's taken you so long? Actually, never mind that -- we've no time for excuses, and neither have you. RadioShack is selling Link's brilliant, award-winning adventure (and officially Famitsu's game of 2007) for just $19.97, but supplies are limited, and will be gone once the sand runs out soon.Bear in mind that this is an in-store offer only, so you'll have to troop over to your local RadioShack. It's totally worth it though, because aside from some (cough) slight repetition in the use of dungeons, Phantom Hourglass is a fine, fine way to spend 20-odd hours. And hey, if someone here does get a copy, yours truly might actually have an opponent for Game Night!%Gallery-4748%[Via Go Nintendo]
