deal

Hot deal: Magellan Maestro 3100 GPS, $159

Santa himself uses a bit more advanced version, but this should get you over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house with no problem. The Maestro 3100 is a basic portable GPS system, offered today at a 50 percent price reduction--and free shipping--at BuyDig. This unit's sleek simplicity is one of its best assets, since you'll do all your interface on the touch screen, never getting distracted from the road by trying to figure out which of several buttons to push. The 3.5-inch screen, though not the largest on the market, is crisp, bright, … Read more

Who will Microsoft buy next?

Menlo Park, Calif.--What does Microsoft look for in its ideal match?

Sparkly eyes and a nice smile don't hurt, but Microsoft is really looking for two other qualities in its acquisition targets: key intellectual property and smart technical leaders who plan to stay with Microsoft.

"At end of day we are buying a company for (its) people and IP," said Mark Wolfram, a managing director in the Microsoft unit that handles acquisitions. Wolfram was part of a breakfast panel Tuesday sponsored by the VC Taskforce.

Asked what is the smallest acquisition he'd consider, Wolfram insisted … Read more

Holiday Helpdesk Deals

The Holiday Help Desk really is about helping. And that means helping you save money too. Once an hour during the help desk we got special deals from Shopper.com to announce. Just some ways of saving money on gadgets to say thank you for hanging out with CNET. So take a look below for the details on our shopping deals.

Desktops CompUSA -CompUSA.com has the HP Pavilion a6200n for $559.99, after a $50 mail-in rebate, plus free shipping. Regular price is $609.99 Sale price is $559.99 Savings $50 Offer ends 1/5/2008

Car Tech … Read more

Hot deal: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T20 for $220

With the holidays, as they say, "upon us," you might want to take a bunch of pictures. They're useful for reminding yourself how grandpa looks passed out on the lounger post-turkey, staying in touch with family, and proving that you have friends documenting good times.

If you want an easy point-and-shooter, this might be a good way to go. It's an ultracompact camera with great reviews and a nice discount. Offered elsewhere at $300, it's available at Butterfly Photo for $220.

What: Sony DSC-T20 Cyber-shot digital camera How much: $219 Shipping: Free Where: Butterfly Photo … Read more

Hot deal: Logitech wireless music system, $40

This digital receiver transmits a signal from your PC to the receiver component, then pipes your playlist or streaming radio through your home (or office) audio system. It was one of the first on the market to use Bluetooth.

You can now have the highly rated computer-based wireless system for around a two-thirds discount. Originally listed by most sellers at $150 or so, Buy.com's offering it now for $40, with free shipping.

What: Logitech wireless music system for PC How much: $39.99 Shipping: Free Where: Buy.com (via Dealhack) When: Through unknown date Click here for CNET'… Read more

Hot deal: TiVo service price break

Over on sister site CNET Shopper, John Falcone posted a great find for first-time TiVo'ers or for the already TiVo-obsessed who have to go to other people's houses to get their fix.

Yes, this just in: Now through February 2, you can choose:

1-year monthly service: now $12.95/month (originally $16.95) 1-year prepaid service: $129 (originally $179) 2-year prepaid service: $249 (originally $279)

What: TiVo service contracts How much: Discounted by up to $50 per year for first-time subscribers Where: TiVo (via CNET Shopper) When: Through February 2, 2008 Click here for product review.

Welcome to The Cheapskate!

Rick Broida is so cheap...

How cheap is he?!

Rick Broida is so cheap, he uses AOL CDs for Christmas-tree ornaments. He thinks Black Friday should be a declared a federal holiday. And he's stealing his neighbor's Wi-Fi at this very moment. (Kidding!)

Who better to blog about the Web's best deals and steals? Every day I'll be scouring the Interwebs for amazing bargains and bringing them to you right here. Even now, my Cheapskate senses are tingling...

Hot deal: Philips wireless FM transmitter for $11

This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this doodad that allows you to play your MP3 files through any radio. If you're a first-time Google Checkout user, you can bring the price down to 99 cents, and who can beat that? Advanced electronics for a buck! Not bad.

What: Philips universal wireless full-spectrum FM transmitter How much: $10.99 Shipping: Free Where: Buy.com (via Dealnews) When: Through unknown date

Hot deal: 1TB External USB 2.0 hard drive for $280

We all need a little backup sometimes. Fortunately, Circuit City's running a discount on Western Digital's 1TB My Book Essential edition external hard drive. Currently listed elsewhere at $350 or more, its easy install and flexible USB/Firewire interface make it a good choice for all your backup needs. Check out the CNET.com product overview for details on compatibility, speed, and performance.

What: Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential edition external hard drive How much: $279.99 Shipping: Free Where: Circuit City (via LogicBuy) When: Through unknown date Click here for CNET.com's Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential edition external hard drive product overview.… Read more

Hot deal: Philips Bluetooth MP3/phone headphones, $18

For those who are iPhoneless, for moral or fiscal reasons, wouldn't it be cool to use the same headset for talking on the phone and listening to music? And what if it muted the music for the duration of the call? You wouldn't have to switch devices when you're walking along engrossed in the Brandenburg Concerti and your broker calls to say sell, sell, sell! You won't have to undo one set of headphones and reload a second pair just because your mamita calls you in the midst of Fat Joe's 1993 classic, "Shorty'… Read more