Marketplace Blog- Page 159

Rip and burn Blu-ray and DVD discs with free StarBurn software, today only

If you're looking for a Nero-like utility that can rip, burn, and author just about any kind of optical media, look no further: StarBurn v.10 supports everything from CD-R to DVD+RW to Blu-ray, and it's free--today only--from Giveaway of the Day.

Interestingly, there's a freeware version of StarBurn that's available every day, but the Giveaway-of-the-Day version includes features found only in the $495 Network Edition--namely, DVD and Blu-ray decrypters and network burning capabilities. While StarBurn doesn't actually copy protected BDs and DVDs, it can create image files (ISOs) from them, which you can … Read more

Send free voice-to-text messages from your cell phone with Jott

You know the old trick of leaving yourself a voice-mail reminder? Jott does that idea one better, turning your message into text that's delivered via e-mail. All you do is call Jott from your cell phone, then say your piece. The service transcribes your message and sends it to your inbox.

But that's just the tip of the Jott iceberg. By setting up an address book on the Jott site, you can also have messages delivered (via e-mail and/or text message) to friends, family members, co-workers, etc. You can "Jott" a new entry to your … Read more

Sansa MP3 player smokes iPod nano for $39.99 shipped

A refurbished 4GB iPod nano will run you $99. A refurbished 4GB SanDisk Sansa e260 will run you $39.99--shipped, no rebates--at Buy.com. End of post!

Well, okay, maybe you need more incentive than a $60 savings. The e260 features a microSD slot for adding more storage, an FM tuner/recorder, a voice recorder, subscription-service compatibility, and a removable battery. The iPod nano features, well, none of those.

CNET lurved the e260, awarding it 4 stars out of 5. I have the virtually identical e280, and apart from its so-so scroll wheel and buttons, it's an excellent … Read more

Print on the cheap with ultra-compact HP LaserJet P1005, $50

Need a tiny laser printer for your tiny den, dorm room, or office? The HP LaserJet P1005 is about as compact as they come, measuring just 14 inches by 9 inches by 8 inches. HP sells them for $129.99, but Newegg is letting 'em go for just $49.99 (plus $9.99 for shipping).

This is a 600-dpi laser that churns out 15 pages per minute. It has a 150-sheet input tray and a USB interface (cable not included). It's compatible with Windows and Mac systems. HP supplies a starter toner cartridge that should yield about 750 pages; … Read more

Get a 19-inch widescreen LCD with speakers and HDMI for $139.99

Looking for a second monitor? Or an LCD for the den or bedroom? Best Buy has a Hannspree 19-inch widescreen on sale for $139.99 -- and no rebates! You can also avoid shipping charges by picking it up in-store, though you will have to pay sales tax.

Normally I wouldn't get too amped about a 19-inch monitor, but this one has two big perks: built-in speakers and an HDMI interface (VGA, too). That means you could connect, say, a Blu-ray player or Xbox 360, or even an HD cable box. And because the monitor has a maximum resolution … Read more

Score a Samsung color laser printer for $130 shipped (after rebate)

The Samsung CLP-315 laser printer comes dressed in black, but it cranks out glorious color. Normally $200, Staples has the CLP-315 on sale for $129.98 after a $70 mail-in rebate. Shipping is free, though you may have to pay sales tax.

The printer features a 150-sheet input tray, a maximum print resolution of 2,400 x 600 dpi, and rated print speeds of 17 pages per minute and 4 ppm for black and color, respectively. Alas, it's not a network printer, and it doesn't even come with a USB cable. (For the love of Cheapskate, don't … Read more

Get free sci-fi and fantasy e-books from Tor.com

Like to read? Between now and Sunday, July 27, Tor.com is offering two dozen sci-fi and fantasy books free for the download. You don't even have to register; just click, download, and read!

Most of the books are available in HTML, Mobi, and PDF formats--choose the one that suits you best. If you're a BlackBerry, Palm, or Windows Mobile user, for instance, grab the Mobi files for use with the free Mobipocket Reader. Want to read on your iPhone or iPod touch? Any of the formats will do if you use freebie app Stanza (iTunes link): It … Read more

Cure iPhone envy with AT&T LG Vu, free with 2-year contract

Buy an LG Vu directly from AT&T and it'll cost you $300 (after rebate) with a two-year contract. Buy an LG Vu from Wirefly and it'll cost you zilch.

Well, for the phone anyway: contracts start at $39.99 monthly, not including a mandatory data plan ($15 or $35 monthly), and there's a $36 activation fee. However, you get a free Bluetooth headset and free shipping as part of the deal, and there's not a rebate in sight.

The touchscreen-powered Vu gives the iPhone a run for the money, at least in a few … Read more

Get an HDMI-equipped graphics card for $19 (after rebate)

Want to turbocharge your PC's video performance? The Asus ATI Radeon HD3450 graphics card works magic on the cheap. Though an entry-level card, it comes with an HDMI output and other bells and whistles. It lists for $49 (already a steal), but NewBiiz has the ATI Radeon HD3450 on sale for just $19 (after a $10 mail-in rebate).

Perfect for media-center PCs, the card's HDMI port offers easy HDTV connectivity. (It also has VGA and DVI ports.) It can produce resolutions up to 1920x1200, meaning it'll deliver full 1080p video. Plus, it's HDCP-compliant, so if you … Read more

Five more must-have freebies for the iPhone and iPod touch

Let's hear it for software developers who don't charge for their work. Witness these five excellent apps for the iPhone 3G and updated iPod touch, then check out five more freebies you'll definitely want to install. (As before, all links will take you directly to the iTunes Store.)

Aurora Feint Bejeweled meets Bard's Tale in this amazingly polished puzzle/RPG game. Last.fm and Pandora Tired of your own music library? Name a favorite artist and these two apps will build you a custom radio station, then stream tunes over 3G or Wi-Fi. I can't … Read more