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    Save with Instant Rebate and Coupon from HP

    Posted September 29, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Deal of the Day

    HP Digital Photo Frame 8-inchFrom $149.99

    Still a great way to display a variety of favorite images or set the mood in a given room with a special selection.  This HP 8-inch DF820 series digital picture frame is a stylish way to show your guests your favs or showcase your own photographic endeavors.

    Choose to add your favorite music to complement the photos. Comes with interchangeable double matting and predesigned mats to complete the look. Easy-to-use through the intuitive user interface, and the 512MB memory can store up to 1,000 photos. Controlled via remote or touch-buttons on frame.

    Get it from HP.com and get an instant rebate of 25%, taking the price down to a manageable $112.49. Use coupon code SVN0846 to save another $15 off your $75 order.

    Find this and more affordable digital picture frames.

    Tech Tats

    Posted September 28, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Humor

    From PCWorld

    I love tattoos just as much as the next person and I understand that my taste is not necessarily someone else’s. When it comes to tats, my general philosophy is “to each his own” even if it looks horrible or raises my eyebrow like an R.I.P. memorial to a beloved Pomeranian pup that looks like every other Pomeranian pup, but is essentially a portrait of a deceased animal on your calf.

    Like this one, I love me some WoW gametime but I guess I’m just not hardcore enough to go this far.

    Anyhoo, strangeness aside–super cute, super geeky, somewhere in between, they’re tech tattoos. You gotta love ‘em.

    Tag:

    Back to School: Apple MacBook

    Posted September 23, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Laptops, Deal of the Day

     apple macbook
    From: $539

    Apple MacBook(MB062LL/A) Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile 1 GB 13.3″ Widescreen Active Matrix TFT Color LCD 120GB

    Just in time for fall semester, this MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz processor and 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM has a 13.3″ Widescreen, Active Matrix TFT Color LCD 120GB Serial ATA and is especially suited for your mobile computing needs. Mac OS X 10.4 comes pre-installed.

    Don’t forget the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wireless ard, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and Gigabit Ethernet to connect you to the web world and the built-in iSight webcam. Also includes slot-loading DVD±RW DL drive, two high-speed USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, one mini-DVI and audio ports.

    Apple notebook computers are known for their inspiring blend of intelligent mobile design, cutting-edge performance and contemporary style. The case is white, which leaves plenty of room for personalization with notebook covers, bags, and even stickers showing your school pride if you should so desire.

    Get this at ComputerGeeks.com and enter coupon code DEALHUNTING to save 10% on your order.

    Find this and other Apple MacBooks, laptops and accessories at Smarter.com.

    Able Planet PS500MM Headset Review

    Posted September 21, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Reviews

    We used the PS500MM headset from Able Planet on a variety of apps and with a few different systems. The short summary is the headset works adequately in the mids and provides a clear sound but probably won’t compare if you’re seeking a set of dedicated high fidelity phones.

    We used them for gaming with Call of Duty and Ghost Recon and to watch a few movies. They worked well, but one design option we would have liked to see is a fully covered ear piece, which we find to be more comfortable if we’re gaming for any length of time. As for movie viewing, again, the clear sound Able Planet is known for, but about halfway through our ears were getting a little sore.

    The mic was another concern. Communication was easy and clear, but it didn’t swivel nicely, rather we had to bend it around to adjust or move it out of the way. Our thought is that the harsh bending might hurt the innards at some point and the mic could possibly cease to function, however, it must be said this did not happen over the weeks we had it under daily use, about a couple hours each time, and it’s still working fine.

    Summary: Adequate for short-term usage and mid-range sound.

    Moran Tweets Obama’s Off the Record Comment: Now THAT’S Professional

    Posted September 17, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Breaking News

    ABC Terry Moran

    Journalism 101, off the record is off the record. You jeopardize your ethics and integrity when you stray from that basic principle and ABC’s “Nightline” co-anchor did just that when he published an off-the-record comment via the most mature medium possible, Twitter… now THAT’S professional.

    The snide comment, “Pres. Obama just called Kanye West a ‘jackass’ for his outburst at VMAs when Taylor Swift won. Now THAT’S presidential,” was tweeted (wow, I can’t even type that without shaking my head in comedic dismay) to over a million or so followers. What, as a personal aside? Lame.

    ABC has issued an apology but the damage is done, as if they didn’t know this already. Nothing like presidential dirt to juice up a slowing Twitter following. Who knew mobile devices could be used as weapons of mass destruction? Bottom line: as a journalist, excuse me, as a journalist with ethics, Moran should not have published the comment via Twitter or otherwise and should be reprimanded if not sent back to the intern desk.

    Speaking of inappropriate behavior, I think we can all agree Kanye’s behavior was inappropriate as well, but measure the public reaction all over the Net via Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and the news in response to the Kanye/Swift fiasco compared to the Wilson/Obama outburst. Where are all the “Sen. Joe Wilson is a douche!” tweets and comments?

    Sources: FOXNews, ABC (photo)

    Visual Bing Brings New Element to Search Engine Competition

    Posted September 17, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Breaking News

    Am I late to the game on this… everyone else has tried Bing, right? Well, as a convenient Google search user (it is my home page and there’s a toolbar at the top of the screen after all), I just hadn’t bothered to switch over and give it a try. However, finally having done so, I dare say I like it.

    It seems to be more intuitive, giving me results more closely related to what I want given the same search words. At least so far.

    And add to that the visual search Microsoft just employed. It might still be in beta test phase and limited to a few categories… er, galleries… but there’s undeniable potential here.

    I can’t wait until someone comes up with a search engine that just reads my thoughts through a thumb scan on my keyboard and provides highly specified results accordingly, saving me the trouble of sifting through the rest of the links and images. Hmm… wait a tick, maybe a direct mind link isn’t a great idea. If unfiltered, it could produce some less-than-appropriate-for-the-workplace images, or countless icanhascheesburger images of fuzzy kittens with captions like “I iz hungry, u feed me now. Kthxbai.”

    Sources: Computerworld, MediaPost, Telegraph.co.uk

    1TB of Secure Backup with Western Digital

    Posted September 14, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Desktops, Deal of the Day

     Western Digital WDE1UBK10000NFrom: $99.99

    Because sometimes you just want to keep your information secure.

    Western Digital’s Elements 1TB USB 2.0 external hard drive will do just that and make it easy for you, too, by arriving pre-formatted and ready to plug-and-play via USB. Compatible with PC or Mac, desktop or notebook, that’s a terabyte of backup capability. That’s equal to over 800 hours of DVDs or 370,000 photo images. Songs? Um… a lot.

    Disk Speed: 7200
    Transfer Speed: 480 Mbps

    Get it at Newegg and receive free shipping and a free gift with select purchases. No code required.

    Find more external hard drives at Smarter.com.

    Beatles on iTunes: About Time

    Posted September 11, 2009 by marti
    Found in: This Week in Gadgets, Breaking News

    Yoko, you finally did one right.

    Whether it’s tomorrow or next week, avid iTunes listeners seem to finally have a real chance at getting their Beatles fixes and hopefully completing their collections at least in digital format.

    I mean, really, what’s with the stonewalling anyway? So many fans are yearning for downloads and ringtones and legally acquired MySpace profile music, I’m surprised this wasn’t available sooner. Rumors, teases, all really very unkind to the music-appreciating populous. It just seemed ridiculous that I couldn’t find songs, pay for them, and complete my catalog. Yes, I was willing to PAY instead of rip.

    Maybe you’re not a Beatles fan; technically, I really wasn’t until just a few years ago either. Do I need Beatles Rock Band? Probably not. But trust me, this is a good thing. Er, if it happens.

    Sources: Engadget, News.com.au, scrapetv.com

    Save on Replacement Cell Phone Batteries

    Posted September 10, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Cell Phones, Deal of the Day

    You know how happy you are when you get a new mobile phone. No scratches or chips from bouncing off pavement or dropping on floors, the numbers aren’t worn yet and the battery seems to last forever, or at least longer than expected.

    Fast forward about 12-18 months, after charging and recharging, sometimes admittedly at half-life because you can’t run the risk of it going dead while you’re running about. Eventually, that battery gets tired and your usage time doesn’t seem to last quite as long as it used to.

    Do you need a whole new phone? Well, maybe, but not necessarily. If you’re on a budget, replacing your cell phone’s battery might be a better option than throwing down another $100-$300, depending. Check out the replacement batteries Smarter features.
    Nextel battery
    For Nextel users, the Nextel I85 (1000 mAh) replacement battery for $26.99 could help you out. It’s quality tested, OEM compatible, and works with Nextel I60, I85, I90, I95 models. Get from Accessory Geeks and use code ORDER032008 to get 5% off plus free shipping on any order.

    Motorola battery

    For Motorola 120c, 120e, 120t, 120x cellular phone users, the Motorola SNN5571 replacement battery (from $25.90) could be the one. Use code EB8 to save 10% off, plus score free shipping on your purchase when using coupon code EB8 during checkout at eBatts.com.

    Got an LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Nokia, or Sony Ericsson?  We’ve got those, too.

    Get these replacement cell phone batteries and more cell phone accessory deals at Smarter.com.

    Discount ACER LCD Monitor

    Posted September 9, 2009 by marti
    Found in: Monitors, Deal of the Day

    ACER V223WBMD Widescreen Monitor

    From: $139.99

    Acer presents a decent value for the dollar.  Upgrade to this 22-inch widescreen LCD for an affordable price. Acer’s V223WBMD widescreen monitor has a 1680 x 1050 maximum resolution, 5ms response time, 2500:1 contrast ratio and built-in speakers. It also includes standard analog VGA and DVI (with HDCP) connector ports, cables included.

    It’s EPA Energy Star compliant and has a versatile mount design so it can be placed on your desk or mounted on your wall for easier viewing. The 1680 x 1050 / 60 Hz - 300 cd/m2 high level resolution displays your games and movies, while the widescreen lends plenty of workspace for toggling between documents and other open windows onscreen.

    Easy to set up and use, this monitor is plug and play with simple instructions. Well-suited for the casual user, office worker, or bargain hunter.

    Get free shipping with a $100 purchase, plus no sales tax on your order at CameraWorld.com.  No code required.

    Shop for more  discount LCD monitors at Smarter.com.