Electronics

This is an update of a deal I wrote about late last year.

I've always coveted those Sonos wireless speaker systems, but my personal cheapskate rules prohibit me from spending that kind of money. Even after all these years, they're crazy-expensive.

Next best thing: a standalone wireless speaker system. And here's one I've had my eye on for a while: the Pioneer X-SMC3-S Music Tap AirPlay Music System, which Woot has for $179.99 (plus $5 for shipping). Today only, of course.

This has a list price of $399, and the best price I've seen … Read more

Not long ago I asked if DVDs still had a place in the world. The response was incredible, with plenty of readers professing their love for the convenience and quality afforded by disc media.

And let's not forget 3D (which I did in that initial post). If you like your movies up-close and personal, you'll need a 3D-savvy Blu-ray player. Like, say, this one: TigerDirect has the Toshiba BDX4150 3D Blu-ray player for $62.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code OMH57403 at checkout.

The BDX4150 is new, not refurbished. That's a rarity for a name-brand … Read more

During my recent vacation, I rediscovered the importance of owning good headphones. Specifically, noise-isolating earbud 'phones, the kind that allow you to watch a movie on an airplane, listen to music in a noisy coffee shop, and go for a run without wind noise drowning out your tunes.

Alas, my earbuds are always going missing--or getting permanently "borrowed" by certain family members who shall remain nameless (all of them). That's why when I see a deal, I like to stock up.

While supplies last, J&R has the Altec Lansing Muzx Core MZX206 noise-isolating stereo headset for $12.99, … Read more

It's been a rough week for the Cheapskate. The blog, I mean, not the man. (I'm doing fine.) First that super-cheap powerline Ethernet kit sold out in what seemed like minutes, then yesterday's free DVD ripper caused all kinds of confusion (as these things always seem to do, despite my best efforts at making the instructions clear).

But do I buckle? Do I bend? Hell, no! I come roaring back with a week's worth of goodies in a single post! Because no way can five deals sell out. Bring it on, universe!

1. This is probably … Read more

This is an update of a deal I posted last year.

My Logitech Harmony One remote control has outlasted two TVs and one DVR. After a good three years of use, I can say without a doubt that it's my favorite clicker ever. CNET agrees with me, calling it "arguably the best consumer remote control currently available" in its review.

Unfortunately, Logitech still sells it for $200, which is not much less than when it first debuted years ago. However, if you don't mind going the refurb route, Logitech will set you up with a Harmony One remote for $99.99 shipped. … Read more

A big TV without big speakers is just plain criminal. Alas, you can't just buy a pair and plug them directly into your LCD or plasma; you need a receiver to act as the hub and amplify the audio.

Of course, if you've ever shopped for one, you know that receivers can cost a small fortune. But not today.

Today only, and while supplies last, Woot has the Pioneer VSX-521-K 5.1-channel A/V receiver for $134.99, plus $5 for shipping. Unlike many Woot products, this one's new, not refurbished.

The VSX-521-K is nicely equipped for … Read more

Much as I love me a good Roku box, I still think there's value in having a Blu-ray player--especially one that can stream media from all the big-name services, just like a Roku.

Today only, and while supplies last, RedTag has the refurbished Sony BDP-BX58 3D Blu-ray player with Wi-Fi for $79, plus $1.95 for shipping.

That's one of the best prices I've seen on a name-brand player with 3D, Wi-Fi, and Roku-caliber channel support.

Needless to say, a Blu-ray player is great for those times when you want ultra-pristine video and sound. I say that … Read more

I learned a lesson last week: BlackBerry PlayBook owners are a passionate bunch! My mere suggestion that the tablet was not long for the world (along with a couple forehead-smacking factual errors) elicited a response that I can only describe as fanboy-esque.

Even a RIM rep reached out to insist, "RIM remains committed to the BlackBerry PlayBook." Time will tell, of course, but I'm glad to see the product has such a vocal fan-base. I'm going to see if I can get some hands-on time with a PlayBook so I'm better informed about it next … Read more

Last week I wrote of my love for speaker docks.

You know the only thing better? A wireless speaker, one that lets you stream music right from your smartphone or tablet--no docking required. (Here's a list of CNET's top portable Bluetooth speakers.)

While supplies last, Ben's Outlet has the refurbished Altec Lansing InMotion Air IMW725 wireless speaker for $99.99 shipped. It lists for $199.99, and the best price I've seen elsewhere is $136.

Its name notwithstanding, the InMotion Air does not incorporate Apple's AirPlay technology. Rather, it supports wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth, … Read more