Archive for December 2010
DEAL: Dell Desktop, 3GHz, Windows 7 – $370
NewEgg has the Dell Vostro 230MT with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.93 GHz processor for $370. This is a great system if you’re looking to upgrade that tired 8 year-old desktop running Windows XP. It doesn’t come with a lot of memory (only 2GB) or hard drive space (160 GB) but it’s probably plenty if you’re just upgrading, and the good thing is down the road when you want more memory or a bigger hard drive, both are VERY cheap to add. I really like the Vostro line because they aren’t saddled with a bunch of extra software. Vostro is Dell’s business line so they keep it nice and clean. This doesn’t come with a monitor, but if you’re watching my blog, you’ll see there are always great deals on monitors. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/TekChic0246
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DEAL: Laptop w/ i5 cpu, 500GB drive $599
If you’re looking for a laptop that will be a good computer for years to come, here’s your Christmas present. Lenovo has their IdeaPad Z560 laptop on sale, and when you add the coupon code USPZ3L1210 at checkout, the price drops to $599 with free shipping. This laptop comes a big 500GB drive, a 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB memory, 802.11n wi-fi, built-in web-cam, numeric keypad, DVD burner, Windows 7, built-in Bluetooth and a 1 year warranty. Lenovo is a great brand (they bought the IBM PC division a few years ago) and I can’t imagine finding a better deal for a current model laptop from any top-tier manufacturer before Christmas. Here’s where to get it (don’t forget to add the coupon code): http://bit.ly/TekChic0245
New, Smaller iPad Coming Next Year
Reuters says a new, smaller iPad will be coming next year, based on information it has obtained from suppliers who make the parts for Apple. Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple mocked at the idea of a smaller tablet earlier this year, but now it looks like it will really happen. Read the Reuters article here: http://reut.rs/TekChic0244
Walgreens Customer Email Addresses Stolen
Reuters reported today that Walgreens is warning its customers that apparently there has been “unauthorized access” to a list of email addresses. So if you’re a customer of Walgreens and do business online with them (like for photos or the pharmacy), be suspicious if you get an email that looks like it comes from Walgreens. It may be an attempt by the bad guys to get your login and password information.
Here’s the link to the Reuters article: http://reut.rs/TekChic0243
Epson Lets You Print From Your iPhone & iPad
Epson has an app in the iTunes app store that lets you print from your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch wirelessly to any Epson wireless printer (now don’t you wish you had bought that $43 Epson wireless all-in-one I recommended a couple months ago?) I don’t see any great deals currently on Epson printers, but the app is free and if you already have an Epson wireless printer, you’re ready to go now. Here’s the link to the PC Mag article: http://bit.ly/TekChic0242
Need a Keyboard for Your iPad?
If you’ve been using your iPad for a while and still aren’t happy with the on-screen keyboard, the Wall Street Journal did a quick review of 3 different keyboards for use with your iPad.
Buying an iPad for Christmas? You Might Wait.
If you were thinking of buying an iPad for yourself or someone else, you just might want to wait. According to Digitimes (good a digging up rumors), the Chinese manufacturer Foxconn will be shipping about half a million iPad 2’s within the next 100 days. The most eagerly anticipated improvement will be a front-facing camera. So far this is best considered a rumor, but since the major tech-blogs are reporting it, it’s worth taking into consideration. Also consider that by the time iPad 2 comes available, there will probably be quite a few Android tablets to choose from.
Limewire to Shut Down Dec. 31
Reuters reported today that LimeWire, the file-sharing service used by many to swap music in shall we say a less than legal manner has lost its court battle and will be shutting down at the end of the month. As an IT professional who fixes computers with viruses, and having NEVER seen a computer with LimeWire on it that DIDN’T have a virus, I can’t say I’m sorry to see them go. Now, this doesn’t mean though that the LimeWire software will just go away on computers, people will still be able to use the peer-to-peer properties, but hopefully people will just uninstall it. If you have LimeWire on your computer, PLEASE remove it ASAP as it is a great way to get a virus on your computer from someone pretending to have the latest hit song available. Here’s the link to the article: http://reut.rs/TekChic0240
DEAL: 24” Monitor – $139 at Staples
Here’s a great deal on a 24” monitor. Only $139 at Staples. It’s full HD 1920×1080 resolution, has both VGA (analog) and DVI (digital) inputs and comes with a 3 year warranty. If you’re still squinting at that puny little 17” monitor, then now is the time to upgrade.
Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/TekChic0239