Blog Archives for April 2012

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and trust us, even though she says she doesn't want anything, she will appreciate a token of your love for her on this day. What that token should be, however, really depends on the kind of lady your mother is. Here's our essential guide for selecting the perfect Mother's Day gift.

Sometimes it can be hard to reconcile your dream vacation with the reality of your bank account. Sure, we'd love a getaway to the Bahamas but will the doctor let us sell our remaining kidney so that we can afford it? Probably not. Thankfully you can keep your organs intact and enjoy the beaches of the Bahamas with these rock-bottom deals on airfare, hotels, activities, and more.

Start growing your own fruits and vegetables by turning a small patch of your backyard or neighborhood vacant lot into a farming powerhouse. To get started, and keep things green and economical, we've put together some tips on how to grow your own vegetable garden.

Still looking to pump up the volume as you cruise along the highway of life? We've updated our car stereo guide to include new deals, so you can make sure your ride is capable of all that rockin'! Auto audio enthusiast Dan Leadbetter serves up advice and six car audio upgrades that'll boost your stereo system's sound without busting your wallet.

New data suggests that tablet sales are expected to surge and replace PCs as the computing device of choice. That might explain Microsoft's push to put its Windows 8 operating system on hybrid tablets that convert into a laptop-like device. But Apple CEO Tim Cook thinks the idea is preposterous. So who's right, and what do consumers really want from their tablets?

The dealnews Podcast Episode 208 is ready for your ears! This week, the crew talks sans Jeff (but they manage just fine!) about Intel's latest CPU release, Apple's potential discontinuation of the 17" MacBook Pro, Xbox LIVE streaming, fast food delivery, and more.

While we anxious await an alleged update to the Apple MacBook Pro series of notebooks, there are rumors that the hefty 17" model will eventually be phased out due to faltering sales.

Intel's third-generation Core i-series (aka, Ivy Bridge) processors aren't significantly faster than their Sandy Bridge predecessors, but they were designed to be more energy efficient and pack stronger video capabilities. But with Sandy Bridge deals on the horizon, is it worth opting for Ivy?

Last week we showed you how to select the right camera bag to best hold your lens and DSLR kit. This week, we'll look at what it takes to keep your setup steady. The tripod is a necessary support system for many photographers, but there are a few specifications to keep in mind when shopping to ensure you get the best model for your needs.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Apple, Valve, and Nintendo? Well neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures!

We asked what you thought an eBook should cost and you told us, definitively, that eBooks should always cost significantly less than their paper counterparts. But while publishers and authors save money on printing, the question is, how low can digital printing actually go? We asked a self-publishing expert for his perspective.

Although Florida is stereotypically a haven for both the young and the old, the Sunshine State indeed has something to delight travelers of all ages. Whether you want to recline on a beach, frolic amongst cartoon characters, or set sail on the high seas, we've got the deals to make your Florida dreams a reality.

Android? Or iPhone? Ultra-modern? Or decidedly retro? The Great Smartphone Debate rages on. But no matter which side you're on you'll find savings on iPhones, Android smartphones, headsets, and more. All you have to do is dial into dealnews for these savings!

By now you know all the benefits of recycling your old gadgets. Not only is it better for the environment, but it might even put some extra cash back in your wallet. However, before you trade-in your old tech, we recommend ensuring all your personal information has been erased. We've listed some steps you can take before recycling or selling your used gadgets.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 207 is here! After you are done celebrating this momentus occasion, press play and enjoy! This week, Jeff, Louis, and Dan talk taxes, eBook pricing, Google Project Glass competitors, and tainted salad.

Have you seen Google's Project Glass augmented reality glasses? Then you're going to want to take a peek at the alternate reality we've envisioned where you can get all the functionality of it, but without the high-tech shenanigans! You haven't seen the video? Well, then, we've also included it inside for your viewing pleasure!

Spring is busting out across the land, which can only mean two things: shutterbugs springing into action, if you will, and lots of cool SLR deals to harvest and highlight. This week we're zooming in on Editors' Choice SLR deals from Nikon, Canon, and Pentax, as well as an "SLR-like" Olympus.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was reportedly spotted at the offices of game software heavyweight Valve, spurring rumors that the manufacturer is planning a foray into serious gaming. But in what capacity, exactly?

The birds are singing as they line their nests and wake you up far too early in the morning. And although you're not expecting hatchlings, their industriousness is infectious. You, too, feel compelled to welcome the changing season by refurnishing your home. And we at dealnews make that simple! From tables and chairs to an inflatable hot tub spa, we've found the best deals on home furniture.

Even if you're expecting a hefty refund for 2011, the tax season can still be a stressful time for consumers. You can soothe your nerves and (if you owe the government) by indulging in our favorite perks for Tax Day: freebies, deals, and discounts! From massages to free food, here are the best deals to make your day a little brighter.

Recently, we offered a secondary lens guide for readers looking to take their photography to the next level. And now, equipped with that second (or third, or fourth!) lens, in addition to your camera body and kit lens, you may see a need for the right camera bag to carry them all.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Apple, the iPhone 5, Facebook, and Nintendo? Well neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures!

It's hard to imagine a world without stereo headphones. You practically can't go anywhere in public without seeing someone sporting earbuds, big puffy headsets, or designer headphones that look like the hi-fi equivalent of body art. And to celebrate the art of sound, we've got five deals on headphones.

Apple and five book publishers were slapped with a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice yesterday, with charges that they have conspired to fix prices on eBooks. Some analysts believe the result could eventually mean lower prices for consumers. But how much do you think an eBook should cost anyway?

Best Buy caused a stir when it announced that it would close 50 stores and focus its efforts on mobile technology. Then, the retailer disclosed that its CEO, Brian Dunn, was resigning. A seismic executive shift and a reconsideration for what it sells is worrying behavior to say the least, but how will these events impact the bottom line for consumers?

The dealnews Podcast Episode 206 is here! This week, Jeff, Louis, and Dan ponder the billion dollars Facebook just spent on Instagram, get cross-eyed thinking about Google's Project Glass, combat cell phone theft with the FCC, and more.

The Golden Poo Award is bestowed upon the champ of the corporate chumps in The Consumerist's annual Worst Company in America Award. This year the honor went to an unlikely winner: Electronic Arts, which publicly pooh-poohed the award. dealnews talked to Chris Morran at The Consumerist to find out how the video game company has run afoul with customers.

Not surprisingly, eBook reading is on the rise, according to a recent poll. But under what circumstances are you willing to go digital, and when are you more likely to opt for print?

Whether you're working at a construction site or in an office, or if you only use your iPad, Kindle Fire, laptop, smartphone, or other gadget at home, there are all kinds of protective covers available to keep your electronics safe. Read on for the lowdown on the best materials used in electronics cases, so you can choose the right deal for your needs.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Jeremy Lin, the iPhone 5, the next-gen PlayStation, and Facebook? Well neither are we! YAY! That's why we put all the latest buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures!

Amazon's bargain prices and its logotype A to Z arrow (or customer satisfaction "smile") have earned the company worldwide notoriety. But if you've been reading The Seattle Times' scathing series of reports, Amazon isn't as idyllic of a company as some may have thought. With purported grievances from sales tax evasion to a glaring lack of philanthropy, the Times suggests that Amazon's image has become a source of contention amongst the community, the company's peers, and even its employees.

Last year 112 million taxpayers filed federal taxes online, and this year the IRS predicts that more folks will file electronically than ever before. It's therefore no wonder that tax software products become popular purchases around this time every year. While we can't promise you a hefty refund, we can offer details on a variety of tax prep tools you'll need to get one.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 205 is here! This week, Jeff, Louis, and Dan contemplate the usefulness of the penny, non-expiring Groupons, Ashton Kutcher's role as Steve Jobs, and more.

The phrase "everything old is new again" is as true for cameras as it is for fashion trends. Fortunately, retro chic actually costs less when it comes to refurbished cameras. This week, we've found deals on Olympus, Nikon, and Canon digital cameras, plus camera accessories.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing about the iPhone 5, the next-gen PlayStation, and mutant turtles? Or the future of Apple, Microsoft, and Zynga? Well neither are we! YAY! That's why we put all the latest buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures! And then go tell everybody about them!