Electronics

Ever have one of those days when you just couldn't make up your mind? You know: chocolate or vanilla? "Megamind" or "Despicable Me"? iPad 2 from Verizon or iPad 2 from AT&T? (Don't tell Mrs. Cheapskate about that last one.)

This morning, I couldn't make up my mind which deal to post--so I'm posting the three top candidates. (Also, like you, I hate it when stuff sells out right away, so this affords a little insurance.)

First up, Best Buy has the Dell Inspiron IN5030-2450B3D 15.6-inch laptop for $399.99 shipped (… Read more

I'm breaking two of my own rules today: posting a today-only deal on a Friday (meaning it'll be on the site all weekend, even though it's expired), and posting a deal that's likely to sell out before I finish typing this paragraph.

Eh, rules are made to be broken, right?

Today only, Cowboom has the refurbished Sony BDP-BX37 Blu-ray player for $69.99 shipped. This is an Internet-friendly player, able to stream content from Netflix, Pandora, Slacker, YouTube, and other services.

Update: Oh, now I remember why I have those rules: it's already sold out! (… Read more

Audiophiles and videophiles alike tend to turn those noses up at home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems, the idea being that the closely integrated components rarely measure up to standalone counterparts. But I think in terms of price and simplicity, they're hard to beat.

In fact, here's one that's really hard to beat: Sixth Avenue Electronics has the Panasonic SC-BT230 Blu-ray Home Theater System for $218.88 shipped. That's after applying coupon code AFL4COUPON at checkout. (FYI, I'm not sure how long that coupon is good.)

I'm no audiophile myself, but I know decent specs when I … Read more

I've been a user of Logitech's Harmony remotes for as long as I can remember. At the risk of gushing, I can't imagine using anything else to control my home theater.

Alas, they've always been on the pricey side--even the lower-end models. But today there's a deal to be had: Logitech has the refurbished Harmony 610 remote for $39.99, plus around $6 for shipping. That's after applying coupon code logi_h610_2811 at checkout.

(Tip: if you order two, your cart total will exceed $75, and you'll qualify for free shipping.)

The Harmony 610 … Read more

Nothing says "I love you" like a pair of noise-isolating earphones. Because they're so, um, noise-isolating. (I know, I'm reaching.)

If you're a guy shopping for a Valentine's Day gift for a gal, this might be just the thing: Bob and Ron's World Wide Stereo has the Klipsch Image S3 in-ear headphones, in pink, for $27.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code DEALNEWS3.

These are higher-end headphones, typically selling for around $49. Unlike the Image S2m I wrote about a couple weeks back, they don't have an in-line microphone.

They … Read more

Looking to connect a Blu-ray player, game console, Roku box, and other video goodies to a TV that has only one or two HDMI ports? I've got just the connectivity bundle you need.

Or, rather, Meritline does. You can get a three-pack of 6-foot HDMI cables and a three-port HDMI switchbox for $9.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code MLC195169010740NL1 at checkout.

(Note: Meritline's codes tend to expire after a certain number of uses, and there's no way to know how many this one has left. But even at the regular price of $15.99, … Read more

Let's face it: the earbuds that came with your iPod, MP3 player, smartphone, or whatever probably bite. For my money, nothing beats the sound you get from in-ear earphones, which have the added benefit of reducing outside noise.

World Wide Stereo (via Buy.com) has the Klipsch Image S2m in-ear headset with microphone for $24.49 shipped. Retail price on these babies: $59.99 (though they typically sell for $30-40 elsewhere).

The Image S2m features an inline microphone with call button, making it a good match for your smartphone. (You can make/take calls without having to remove the … Read more

Here's a spectacular gift item for your favorite Wii user--especially if he or she is under the age of 10.

Buy.com has the Nickelodeon Fun N Fit board and videogame bundle for $69.99 shipped. That's about 30 bucks less than you'd pay at most places for the traditional Wii Fit bundle.

Nickelodeon's version includes not just the balance board (modeled in fairly hideous colors, I must admit), but also the Nickelodeon Fit game (which, FYI, sells for about $40 by itself). Needless to say, it's a children-oriented title aimed at whipping youngsters into … Read more

Last month, TiVo borrowed a page from cell phone carriers, offering a TiVo Premiere box for $0 and $19.99/month with a two-year contract. It was supposed to be a one-week-only promotion, but obviously TiVo was happy with the results: the deal is back, and it even has its own informercial (see below).

Normally, buying a TiVo works like this: you drop $299.99 on the box (or $499.99 on the XL model), then pay $12.95 per month for service. (You also have the option of paying in advance for one year, three years, or life.)

With … Read more