03.23.2009

Unlocked iPhone! Only $599. Or $699.

They say that Apple will start selling a no-contract iPhone on Thursday (March 26). Of course there's a tradeoff for that lack of commitment - a pretty big tradeoff. $599 (for 8GB) or $699 (for 16GB).

Sigh. Here's Engadget's take on this event. And here's Geek.com's puzzlement over what AT&T is up to here. The confusion stems from the fact that you must already be an AT&T customer to get this deal.

03.18.2009

Green Tech: Eco-fashions priced to move

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In a bow to the new frugality, the eco-friendly clothes hub White Apricot is offering dramatic cut prices on 10 fashions from last spring. All White Apricot items are said to be made of synthetics (non-toxic) or organic or recycled materials.

Shown, a sexy pink dress (of bamboo, tencel, and spandex) reduced 50%, from $230 to $115. White Apricot suggests you wear it to work. I guess it's a question of what kind of work you do. In some offices, that cleavage might cost you your job. In others, of course, letting it all hang out might help you stay fully employed.

03.12.2009

31 ways to save money on technology from PCWorld

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I'm a little confused about shopping in this deeply unsettling economy. Do I shop a lot to help out the suffering merchants? Or do I cut back on shopping to help out the suffering me?

Given the state of my checkbook, that's an entirely theoretical question. But I'm still a sucker for any article that promises to show me how to save money--like Rick Broida's "How to Save $7500 on Your Technology Purchases," appearing in the March issue of PCWorld.

Logic tells me that I could save a lot more than $7500 if I made no technology purchases at all, but I read on anyway. "5 Great Technology Bargains" includes a 42-inch LCD TV for just under $1K. Quite a bargain if you need a TV. I don't, too bad. "Get Your Cell Phone Charges Under Control" is an informative roundup of tips and tricks including cheap international calling rates and free text messaging. Maybe it really is time for me to get serious about VOIP.

The roundup also includes "8 Web Sites That Will Save You Cash," "4 Ways to Save Money on Software" (including Quicken alternatives), "4 Green Technology Tips That Will Save You Money," and some other approaches to technology frugality. Not everything here will be news to you--or helpful. But, among the 31 tips, probably some you'll find pounce-worthy.

12.16.2008

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Looking for stocking stuffers that won't end up in the back of the closet by New Year's? Here are a few of our suggestions for quality gifts that won't break the bank.

For the fitness fanatic, Sony has the MDR-AS20J headphones, which conveniently fit around the outer ear with an earbud that sets inside the ear canal and because they feature a convertible ear hanger, you can transform them from over-the-ear headphones to a traditional earbud style. But take it from me, if you're running full-out on the treadmill, you're going to appreciate the over the ear function.In addition, all active style headphones have moisture-resistant features. Reasonably priced at approx $20.00. (Evan)

Tokidoki goes high tech? Well, not exactly but you can buy one of these dangerous looking mouse pads for only $16. I am a big fan of "Bastardino" but the others are pretty cool too. (Evan)

LOLcats have been the internet (sorry, "teh internets") hit of the decade, and what better way to celebrate than with these cute magnets, which will have you LOLzing every time you look at the fridge. (Diane)

If you're in the UK, you still have a few days to add some disembodied lego head earrings to someone's stocking (or your own ears) thanks to Plastic Bat. They're much cuter than they sound, look:

(Diane)

And speaking of retro objets, if you know someone who had to stop drumming after they downsized - I do), these Finger Drums could tide them over 'til they find a place to stash their bass. And if not, they're still just good fun. (Diane)

The KingMax 8GB Super Stick USB Drive is compatible with all Windows and Mac operating systems, is super small, and - get this - is washer/dryer safe! Buy it here
for $24.99. (Shelley)

Here's a great, affordable Christmas gift for anyone on Santa's list! Griffin's "Tune Buds" which come in 5 snappy colors (Silver, Light Blue, Purple, Light Green and Red). At $19.99, you're not going to expect the quality of your Shure earbuds, but they're surprisingly good, especially with the bass, which is always tricky. The secret is not only the neodymium dynamic drivers, it's the specially-engineered ear cushions, shaped to perfectly conform to the shape of the inside of your ears, which means enhanced audio isolation from outside distractions. Size matters, folks. With 3 sizes of interchangeable soft washable silicone ear cushions included in every package, there's a size for everyone, so no more "ear-fatigue." (Evan)

Continue reading "Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers"

Posted by Popgadget Category: gift guides 2008 | shopping
Tags: christmas
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12.10.2008

Amazon discovers the plain brown box, offers "frustration-free" packaging

Amazon.com is launching a multi-year program this holiday season as part of their effort to go Green, offering a select few popular products in recyclable cardboard packaging. They call it "Frustration-Free Packaging." That's right - no hermetically sealed plastic clamshells, cut-inducing sharp plastic edges, or annoying metal twist-ties.

Sure, the packaged toy (or mouse, or memory card) may not look pretty on the shelf or under the wrapping, but opting for the cardboard will save you from what Amazon refers to as "wrap rage" and the late-night, pre-holiday panic that sets in when you realize you don't have a pair of bolt cutters sitting around.

More importantly, the cardboard boxes are fully recyclable, reducing the use of excess plastics and other non-biodegradable materials.

It's a small step; right now the program is only offered for 19 popular products. And it's pretty funny that Amazon's revolutionary new packaging is just a rediscovery of what companies used before the ubiquitous plastic came into use. But I still applaud Amazon for taking this step, and hope other companies will follow Amazon's example.

Posted by Shelley Category: eco | on the web | shopping
Tags: packaging
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12. 9.2008

A healthy gift from Planned Parenthood

A big hoo-hah has attended the news that some state Planned Parenthood groups are offering gift cards and gift certificates (in amounts up to $100). Yet this may be the perfect holiday good wish for someone you know even if you oppose contraception. PP, after all, offers Pap smears, breast exams, and other crucial women's health services too.

You can get the gift certificates in Illinois and Indiana and probably in other states too. Check with your local PP, which you can find through the national Planned Parenthood site. Plug the state and/or zip code into the search box at the top of this page.

Posted by Tam Category: current affairs | shopping
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12. 5.2008

Stuff jewelry into her stocking--or yours--for not much gold

Behold, stocking stuffers that will fit into a very small stocking at a very small price. This remarkably cheap--er, inexpensive--jewelry is from All the Rage Online.

Earrings, necklaces, rings--nothing is more than $40 and most pieces can be had for far less. There are even a few items under $5. Shown, a group of 3 stackable rings in gold or silver plate dotted with crystals. $15 for 3.

Posted by Tam Category: shopping | wearables
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12. 4.2008

What to look for in a bargain laptop--and how to find it

Now that brand-name laptops can be had for under $500 if you are a smart shopper, a notebook computer is a reasonable choice for the Big Present even in these worrisome times. Laptop mag's Avram Piltch has a brief rundown on features to look for in a bargain laptop here.

The smart shopping is up to you. One place to start is Retrevo, the comparison shopping site for electronics. Retrevo also finds reviews and those precious manuals.

Posted by Tam Category: computers | devices | shopping
Tags: laptops notebook computers
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11.30.2008

Give One Laptop per Child, get an XO for your child--or yourself

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Feeling gloomy about the state of the world ? You may think there isn't much you can do about the monumental messes we're in. But here's something that could change things, really change things. Give the XO, this cute-as-a-bug green laptop, to a kid in the developing world. And there's a terrific sweetener: the deal includes a second XO for the child of your choice, even if the child is you.

Yes, once again this year the One Laptop per Child folks have come up with a give-one get-one pitch. This means you can buy not one but two cutting-edge small computers for less than the price of conventional laptops retailers are hawking at this time of year: just $399. (Or you can forgo a personal XO and send one to a child in the developing world for just $199.)

The rugged little XO laptop may look like a netbook, but it isn't. Yes, it's energy efficient, with built-in wi-fi and a swiveling screen readable in sunlight. But the big deal about the OLPC laptop is the innovative software that makes it easy for kids to write, draw, paint, make videos, create music--and even program and write their own software. All on their own, mind you.

Imagine a planet where children everywhere, not just in rich countries, live with a computer every day and even begin to master programming. I get a chill just thinking about the possibilities for remaking the world into a much, much better place.

There are many causes worthy of charity. But I can't think of any others with the potential for changing the state of things so dramatically for so little money. To say nothing of also bestowing a generous and enjoyable gift on the giver. When I signed up for the OLPC laptops last year, it left me feeling wonderful--and also left me with an adorable little green laptop of my very own.