Get a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99

Big, big, big. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 offers an expansive 5.5-inch Super AMOLED screen.

(Credit: Amazon)

If you subscribe to the belief that bigger is always better, even (or especially) when it comes to smartphones, you've no doubt lusted after the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

But the $249.99 price tag? Ouch. Thankfully, there's a less ouchy option: For a limited time (this deal went live yesterday, so it may well expire today), Amazon has the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with 4G LTE for $99.99 shipped. Of course, that requires a two-year service agreement, and unfortunately it's for new Sprint customers only.

If you're adding a line of service with this phone, your price is $169.99. Extending an existing account (i.e. upgrading your phone)? That'll be $199.99.

I realize these limitations will disqualify a lot of potential buyers, but this is still the best deal I've seen on the Note 2, and I wanted to share it if only to gauge everyone's interest in the phablet phenomenon.

"Phablet," of course, being the hideous term used to describe phone/tablet hybrids. With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, the Android 4.1-powered Note 2 definitely walks the line between, say, a 7-inch tablet and a 4-inch smartphone. (I guess the only other potential mash-up moniker was "tabone.")

As someone who's still "making do" with an iPhone 4S, I must admit my eyes go wide every time they alight on the gorgeous Note 2. I read a lot on my phone, so that bigger screen would really enhance the experience -- to say nothing of putting less strain on my aging eyes.

Obviously there's a lot more to this Note than just its big screen, but I'll leave you to CNET's review for the other details.

My question for you: Would you sign on with Sprint in order to get this phone for $99.99? And do you want a screen this big in a device that's meant to ride around in your pocket? Or is it maybe too big? That would make it an epic phail, I suppose.

Bonus deal: Cheap USB flash drives? Gold. Cheap USB 3.0 flash drives? Platinum. While supplies last, Office Depot has the Lexar S73 16GB USB 3.0 flash drive for $9.99, plus sales tax where applicable. You can avoid shipping charges by picking it up from your nearest brick-and-mortar.

Bonus deal No. 2: Heading out for coffee? Print this coupon first and save $1 on your next Starbucks espresso beverage. I know it's not technically a tech deal, but Starbucks coupons are so very rare. And a buck's a buck.

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