Get nine Mac apps for $39 and help charity

A mere $39 buys you 9 great Mac apps--and possibly a 10.

(Credit: MacHeist)

Calling all Mac users! Now's your chance to score some first-class software on the cheap and help charity at the same time.

It's called the MacHeist 3 bundle, and here's how it works: For $39, you get nine full, unlocked, commercial Mac apps (which have a combined value of $621.75).

At the same time, you get to a choose a charity to receive 25 percent of that $39. Action Against Hunger, Humane Society International, Save the Children, and Save Darfur are among the 10 available charities.

Already, it's a win-win proposition. But wait, there's more. If the contribution tally reaches $400,000 (it's currently at about $371,000), MacHeist unlocks a 10th app--and makes it available to everyone who already purchased the bundle.

You can see the app list at the MacHeist site. It's a terrific mix of stuff: games, image editors, recording utilities, and even a $300 3D animation builder.

I was going to hold this post until Monday, but MacHeist has only three days left, and I want to encourage as many folks as possible to support it.

Anyone know if there's a Windows equivalent? If not, I may just have to rally the Cheapskate troops and create one myself. In the meantime, even if you're not a Mac user, consider supporting this admirable promotion. I am.

Thanks to CNET's Brian Cooley for letting me know about this when I was a guest on CNET Live earlier this week.

[rickbroida]

Cool, it's up to $375K now. Is that thanks to you, Cheapskaters? Drop a comment here if you hopped on the deal.

[rexlee1]

You bet, Rick. Not often a Mac offer rears its head - thank you for that! I'm checking them out right now; I think one or two of them may be well worth the money! Rex

[katulin]

Windows equivalent? I guess, no. The thing that comes to my mind is giveaway of the day web-site (www.giveawayoftheday.com). Still MacHeist bundle IS a unique offer! Got mine already, and by the way, the goal of 400K is reached. Two more apps are waiting in the cue when 500K is reached.

[MafiaPenguin]

46,942 bundles/
$441,750 sold so far!

[brianatpctreasures]

Regarding the Windows equivalent, PC Treasures would be very interested in participating. We are a 10-year old business with OEM licensing partnerships in place with most of the leading software publishers, and can undoubtedly create a very compelling value proposition for CNET members. Visit http://www.pctreasures.com to see our many OEM and retail bundles.

[rickbroida]

Wow...the tally is nearly $200K higher than it was Saturday. Thanks to all Cheapskate readers who pitched in!

This is not news, more like what should be a caption on Amazon.com or the Apple store but not an article on CNET. You are not even familiar with the applications that you are promoting.