Marketplace Blog

Need to connect a cable box, Blu-ray player, Xbox 360 Elite, PlayStation 3, or other device to your HDTV? Don't let your local big-box sales weenie talk you into spending $60, $80, or even $100 on an HDMI cable. Instead, head to eBay, Meritline, Newegg, or the like and scoop up a no-brand equivalent for as little as 10 bucks.

HDMI cables, which carry digital audio and video signals, are insanely overpriced. That's the consensus of Ars Technica, CNET, The Consumerist, and yours truly. There's ample scientific and anecdotal evidence that dirt-cheap generics perform just as well … Read more

If you're in the market for a new camera and want as much megapixel bang for the buck as you can get, Micro Center has the 10-megapixel GE E1030 on sale for just $129.99. (Yes, General Electric makes cameras--who knew?) That's a good $50 less than you'll pay elsewhere.

The E1030 features a 2.7-inch LCD, 3X optical zoom, and automatic face, smile, and blink detection. It offers a dozen scene modes and can record 25-fps VGA movies. It can also stitch together panoramic shots right in the camera. The camera has a paltry 26MB … Read more

Cash-strapped game junkies can score a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium console for just $219.99, plus a very reasonable 10 bucks for shipping. That's a pretty solid deal considering that it sells for $350 new.

The Premium version of the mega-popular game system includes a wireless controller, a 20GB hard drive, and a headset. Reseller Blue Bay Electronics doesn't specify the warranty period, but based on other Xbox refurbs I've seen, it's probably 60 days (you should definitely check with the company before ordering).

In addition to playing kick-ass games, the Xbox 360 supports movie and … Read more

It's a sad truth: Few car stereos have line-in jacks for connecting your iPod, Zune, or other media player. You can use a cassette adapter if your car's old enough to have a tape deck, but otherwise you're limited to two options: a pricey aftermarket kit or an FM transmitter. The latter plugs into any MP3 player's headphone jack and "broadcasts" your tunes to an unused frequency on your car stereo. Sound good? Buy.com has an FM transmitter on sale for just 10 bucks shipped.

The Sonic Impact 5026 runs on a pair … Read more

Check it out, baby, check it out (sorry, been watching too much American Idol): Dell's rocking Inspiron 530s desktops for just $299 (plus 30 bucks or so for shipping, and possibly sales tax as well).

The configuration includes a 2GHz Pentium E2180 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a DVD burner--all wrapped in Dell's sexy little slimline case.

Like games? Keep looking: The integrated Intel GMA 3100 graphics are more suited to Peggle than Portal. It's just as well, then, that Dell bundles Vista Home Basic, which lacks Aero, Media Center, and other … Read more

Remember the Brother HL-2170W from last month? It's a small-footprint, small-office laser printer that offers both Ethernet and Wi-Fi network connectivity. (USB, too.) Now it's 10 bucks cheaper, selling for just $89.99 shipped from Buy.com. It's a new unit, not a refurb, and you don't have to deal with any rebates.

My original post has all the deets you need on this printer, which remains a favorite in the Cheapskate household. It's rare enough to find an Ethernet-equipped laser in this price range, but one with Wi-Fi as well? The HL-2170W stands alone.… Read more

Wow, I thought the 500GB Cavalry drive for $79.99 was a good deal, but now comes the Vox V1 750GB external eSATA/USB drive for $99. That's an after-rebate price that doesn't include shipping (about $11), but it's still an amazing deal.

The Vox V1 can connect to either an external SATA or USB 2.0 port. CNET reviewed it with the latter and called it "the fastest USB 2.0 external hard drive we've ever tested." If your machine happens to have an eSATA port, the 7,200-rpm drive has the potential … Read more

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950, a "hybrid" TV tuner (meaning it can tune in over-the-air digital broadcasts or standard cable), normally sells for $79. Dell's Home store has it for just $40.79 plus five bucks shipping. That's after a $20 mail-in rebate, but I reckon Dell's good for it.

Hauppauge tuners are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. The HVR-950 comes with DVR software but also works with Windows Media Center. (Also included: Elgato EyeTV Lite, meaning you can use the tuner with a Mac!) You'll have to supply the antenna … Read more

In celebration of 25 years of PC hookups, Laplink is offering its PCmover migration utility--normally a $50 product--free of charge. All you have to do is head to Laplink's site and download the program, no strings attached.

PCmover is designed to help you transfer files, settings, and even programs from one machine to another. You can make the move using a network, removable media (like an external hard drive), or an optional USB cable. A wizard-driven interface promises to make the process relatively painless.

CNET hasn't reviewed this version of the program, but PC World covered it a few months back. … Read more