The Cheapskate

This mammoth monitor can be yours for under $200.

(Credit: TigerDirect)

Update (7 a.m. PT): Wow, I just can't win. This item disappeared from TigerDirect's site shortly after I posted it--a very common occurrence these days. My apologies. I'm going to think long and hard before posting another item from CompUSA/TigerDirect.

I can't quite decide which is better: two smaller monitors running side by side or a single gargantuan monitor.

If you're in the latter camp, TigerDirect has a refurbished Vizio VMM26L 26-inch LCD monitor for $184.99 shipped. (That's if you use Google Checkout--otherwise the price is $189.99.)

That's the lowest price I've seen on a monitor of this size, and check out the specs: 1,900 x 1,200 resolution (i.e. slightly better than 1080p); DVI, VGA, and HDMI inputs; a 3ms response time; and a USB hub with four ports.

Because this is a refurb, however, the standard 90-day warranty applies. Also, the monitor lacks speakers, so it's not ideally suited to pairing with game consoles or Blu-ray players. (You can do it; it's just BYO speakers.)

But if you're in the market for a big, huge monitor for your PC, this could be just the ticket. If it sells out, try checking back in a couple hours or even days--TigerDirect sometimes replenishes its stock.

Backup deal: Got N? Buy.com has an Asus Wireless N Router for $20.99 shipped (after a $20 mail-in rebate). It doubles as an FTP server and triples as a printer server.

Score a 22-inch Acer LCD for $109.99--and get a three-year warranty!

(Credit: Staples)

Update (10:10 a.m. PT): Looks like everything but the Dell laptop is sold out. Sorry, folks! It's worth checking back on the other items, though, as sometimes stock gets replenished.

Ah, Cyber Monday. Now this is a day of deals I can get behind. No crowded parking lots, no unruly mobs, no pushing and shoving. (What? The old lady got in my way!)

Of course, as regular visitors to The Cheapskate know, nearly every day is Cyber Monday--the deals keep coming all year 'round.

But this Monday is special, so I've rounded up four particularly sweet bargains that are good today only. And, as always, the sellout risk is high, so get your mouse-clickin' finger(s) warmed up.

1) In the market for a monitor? Staples has the Acer X213HBbd 21.5-inch LCD for $109.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states). Specs include VGA/DVI (HDCP) inputs, a 5-ms response time, and a three-year warranty (score!). This is the lowest price I've seen on a new 22-inch monitor.

2) Need a desktop replacement? Dell has an Inspiron 17 laptop for $549 shipped. It sports a whopping 17.3-inch display, a Core 2 Duo processor, and Windows 7 Home Premium. You can customize just about every feature to your liking, but the base configuration is mighty solid. That's the best deal on a 17-inch lappie I've seen all year--not the lowest price, mind you, but the best bang for the buck.

3) Still shopping for the perfect portable PC? Best Buy has the Samsung N140-14R Netbook for $279.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states). That's higher than other models I've posted recently, but this is a decidedly high-end Netbook. Specs include Intel's Atom N280 processor, a 10.1-inch screen, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11n, and a six-cell battery. The OS: Windows 7 Starter.

4) Here's a great stocking stuffer: Newegg has the Zune Premium Headphones for $9.99 shipped. I've had a pair for years; they're my preferred earbuds for travel. They do a great job isolating outside noise (like airplane engines), and they're extremely comfortable. Obviously you don't need a Zune to use them; they'll work with any phone or MP3 player. Microsoft sells them for $39.99, so I can't recommend this deal highly enough.

Well? See anything you like? If not, don't worry--there's always tomorrow. In the meantime, hit the comments to share your tales of Cyber Monday scores.

P.S. Anybody catch me on Good Morning America today? No worries: you can catch me daily on CNET's Holiday Help Desk at 1 p.m. PST.

This 25-inch LCD sports a pair of HDMI inputs and an impossibly low price tag.

(Credit: CompUSA)

Update: Unsurprisingly, this is sold out. Sorry if you missed it! Killer deals like this rarely last long.

You all know my motto by now: "Cheap things come to those who wait." The last time I posted a 25-inch LCD monitor was in July. The price back then: $199.99.

Today, CompUSA is offering a 25-inch I-Inc LCD monitor for $149.99 shipped.

D'oh! Wasn't it just yesterday that a 24-inch Synaps was selling for $159.99? (Yes, yes it was.)

So, to amend my motto, cheap things come to those who wait--a whole entire day. The I-Inc is not only $10 cheaper and one inch larger (diagonally speaking) than the Synaps, it also comes with an HDMI input. Two of them, actually.

That means if it's not destined for PC duty, you can pair it with a game console and a Blu-ray player. It also has built-in speakers, natch, though don't expect room-filling volume or Dolby-quality sound.

Other noteworthy specs include 1,920 x 1,080 resolution (aka 1080p), a 2ms response time (faster than most), and a one-year warranty (this is new, not a refurb).

Without putting too fine a point on it, this is the best monitor deal I've ever posted. Consequently, it'll probably sell out seconds after I click Publish, and then everyone will be mad at me (and I wouldn't blame them--even though it's not my fault :).

On the other hand, maybe we'll all get lucky and CompUSA will have enough supply to last the day--because I guarantee you these will sell like hotcakes. And rightly so.

The 720p-shooting Kodak Zi6 is on sale for just $99.

(Credit: CNET)

The deals are coming fast and furious this week, to the point where I couldn't pick just one for today. Instead I've rounded up a little cheapskate trifecta. (Note: All have a high sellout risk!) Take a look:

1) CompUSA has a 24-inch Synaps LCD monitor for $159.99 shipped. It's a 1080p display with VGA and DVI inputs (no HDMI, alas), built-in speakers, and a 5ms response time. User reviews are overwhelmingly positive. And this is almost an all-time low for a 24-inch monitor.

2) Amazon is offering the Kodak Zi6 HD pocket camcorder for $99 shipped. It can record 720p video on inexpensive SD/SDHC cards (here's an 8GB card for just $15.45). CNET liked its "solid video quality" (read the full review here), and Amazon customers collectively rated it 4 stars out of 5.

3) At US Appliance you can score a new LG BD270 Blu-ray player for $94, plus $5.99 for shipping. (Use coupon code welcome10 to get that price.) That's not the best Blu-ray deal I've seen, as this model doesn't do BD-Live or Netflix, but it's definitely rare to see an LG for under $100. CNET hasn't reviewed it, but user reviews on Amazon are very high.

Anything strike your fancy? If not, be sure to check out Five Black Friday deals you shouldn't miss (if you haven't already). And if you spot anything awesome that I've missed, by all means post it in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. Happy shopping!

Mag's 26-inch LCD HDTV can double as a PC monitor, albeit a fairly low-res one.

Update: I'm afraid this is sold out already, as I predicted. Sorry if you missed it!

Update #2: And now it's back in stock. Moral of the story: If something sells out, check again in an hour, a couple hours, or even the next day. You never know when the vendor will replenish its stock.

It's not even Black Friday yet, and already I'm seeing one of the best deals of 2009. CompUSA has a Mag 26-inch LCD HDTV for $199.99 shipped.

To put that in perspective, the last time I saw anything close was back in July: a 25-inch monitor (not TV) for $199.99 plus shipping.

The Mag Innovision UF261 sports a 26-inch screen, an ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner, 720p output (or 1,366 x 768 if you're thinking in computer terms), and all the inputs you're likely to need: HDMI, component, composite, and VGA.

To my surprise, this is a new unit, not a refurb, and it's backed by a full one-year warranty. (Curiously, however, coverage is provided by Columbus Capital Corp., not Mag proper. Not sure if that's important, just FYI.)

I think the UF261 would make a great TV for a den or bedroom, and it would pair nicely with a game console.

You could also use it as a mammoth PC monitor, but the limited resolution might limit your enjoyment. (In comparison, a typical 22-inch monitor runs at 1,680 x 1,050.) Also, I haven't found any reviews of this model, save for the handful on CompUSA's site (they're mostly positive).

Still, as I said, this is perhaps the best HDTV/monitor deal I've seen this year, and consequently I'll be shocked if it doesn't sell out by the end of the day. Act fast if you want in.

The EQD Auria EQ2367 may be an off-brand monitor, but it's also an unbelievable deal.

(Credit: EQD)

Update: Looks like this is sold out. (When I say act fast, I mean it!) But try checking back later and even in a day or two. Sometimes vendors get replenished stock.

Update #2: One commenter was told by the vendor that additional stock is expected tomorrow, so do check back!

I was going to post this yesterday, but I really thought the $149 Kindle was the more exciting deal. Judging from its lackluster response, I was wrong. Now I'm just hoping this monitor doesn't sell out or expire.

TigerDirect has a loaded 24-inch EQD Auria EA2367 LCD monitor for $159.99, plus $1.99 for shipping. It's a new monitor, not a refurbished unit. This is, without a doubt, the lowest price I've seen for a monitor of this size.

Actually, it's a little more than a monitor. Because it has an HDMI input and speakers, you could connect it to a Blu-ray player or game console--perfect for bedrooms, dorm rooms, and other small spaces.

I've never heard of the EQD brand, and I haven't been able to find any reviews on this model. But, hey, don't all flat-panel screens come from one of three factories anyway?

In any case, its specs look solid: 1080p resolution (1,920x1,080-pixels), 5ms response time, HDMI, and speakers (2 watts each--stand back!).

The monitor comes with a one-year warranty.

If you happen to own an EQD monitor--especially this one--by all means, share your feedback in the comments.

If I were in the market for a big, big monitor, I'd snap this up fast. Lowest. Price. Ever!

HDMI! Speakers! No rebates! This 25-inch monitor has it all.

(Credit: TigerDirect)

Riddle me this: What gets bigger while simultaneously getting smaller? Why, monitor sizes and monitor prices, of course. (Wow, what a terrible riddle. Now you know why I'm a blogger and not one of Batman's arch-enemies.)

Witness the 25-inch I-Inc iF251HPB LCD, on sale at TigerDirect for $199.99. It's a new monitor, not a refurb, and it requires zero rebate forms. Alas, shipping will run you about $22.

I-Inc may not be a household name (indeed, it sounds like some Apple spin-off), but the monitor has some seriously good specs.

For starters, it delivers 1,920x1,080 resolution, or 1080p in HDTV parlance. It also sports an HDMI input and built-in speakers, meaning this would pair very nicely with an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

Alternately, if your PC has a TV tuner and/or Blu-ray drive, you could use the iF251HPB as an HDTV. (Just make sure to get some decent speakers, like the recently featured Logitech Z Cinema--which is still available for $79.99.)

Of course, it's a perfectly cromulent monitor as well, though I wish its secondary input was DVI instead of VGA. You may need an adapter (here's one for just $1.68) if your system has only DVI outputs.

Speaking of which, the monitor comes with a VGA cable. If you're making an HDMI connection, remember that you can get an HDMI cable for as little as $3.19. Don't overpay!

CNET hasn't reviewed this model, which includes a 12-month warranty, but TigerDirect's product page shows nearly 200 user reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Impressive.

So, the new rules of monitor pricing: Don't pay more than $130 for a 22-inch LCD, $170 for a 24-inch LCD, or $200 for a 25-incher. Do start shopping for a bigger desk.

For the unbelievable price of $169.99, you can get a new 24-inch LCD.

(Credit: Asus)

I know many of you were bummed about missing the dirt-cheap 24-inch LCD from the other day, which sold out soon after I posted it. Well, like I always say, there's usually a better deal just around the corner.

Case in point: ZipZoomfly has an Asus VH242H 24-inch LCD monitor for $169.99 shipped. That's after a mail-in rebate [PDF], but it's for only $10.

In other words, you can skip the rebate altogether and still get a 24-inch LCD for the same price as the ViewSonic posted Monday.

What's more, the Asus is new, not a refurb! That means you get a stellar three-year warranty on parts and labor.

On the spec front, the VH242H delivers with 1,920x1,080 resolution, a 5ms response time, and an impressive three inputs: VGA, DVI, and HDMI. (Need an HDMI cable to connect this to, say, an Xbox or PS3? Don't forget: You can get one for as little as $3.

The Asus also has built-in speakers, though as with all speaker-equipped monitors, don't expect theater-quality sound. Expect sound somewhere between AM and FM radio.

CNET hasn't reviewed this particular LCD, but if you bop over to Newegg (where it's selling for $187.99 after rebate, incidentally), you'll find hundreds of overwhelmingly positive user reviews.

A few readers have pointed out that ZipZoomfly doesn't cover return-shipping charges on defective products, so if you happen to get a bum unit, you'll have to pay to send it back. I don't consider that a deal-breaker, but it's something to keep in mind.

Even if you skip the rebate, this is a better deal than the one I posted Monday. Consequently, it may sell out, too, so hurry up and get clicking!

This spacious 24-inch LCD features an HDMI interface and built-in speakers.

(Credit: ViewSonic)

Still squinting at a 17- or 19-inch monitor? Heck, if you're using a laptop as your primary PC, you might be looking at a mere 15-incher. The horror!

Fortunately, loads of extra screen estate await you: PC Connection has a refurbished ViewSonic VX2433WM 24-inch LCD monitor for $179.95 shipped. (You may have to pay sales tax, which in my neck of the woods comes to about $11.)

It wasn't too long ago that a 22-inch LCD for under $200 was something to crow about, so a 24-incher for even less is mighty impressive. Based on my calculations, that extra two inches works out to about 900 percent more display area. (Why, yes, I was an English major, why do you ask?)

The VX2433WM has all the specs you're likely to want from a big LCD, including 1,920x1,080 resolution (that's 1080p if you're talking in HDTV terms), DVI and HDMI interfaces, a 5ms response time, and built-in speakers.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Sure, this would be a great match for a desktop or laptop, but it would also work nicely with a game console or media-center PC.

Because it's a refurb, the warranty expires after 90 days, which is normal (and, to me, acceptable). The couple dozen users reviews on PC Connection average 4.2 stars out of 5, with the main complaint being the mediocre speakers (big surprise).

This is the best price I've seen to date on a 24-inch LCD, so if you want to seriously expand your available workspace (something you'll never regret, trust me), I'd jump on this.

Update: Well, this didn't last long. Looks like PC Connection is already sold out. Sorry for the late post and short-lived deal!