These days, there is a plethora of audio content available to stream over the Internet. Even traditional terrestrial radio often offers content streamed over the Web, diversifying the choices for how consumers can enjoy music and other audio. Although the legality is questionable, there are--and will always be--ways to record these streams. Streamed audio recordings for music are not going to offer the same sound quality as a ripped CD or even a purchased MP3, but it's a good option for talk programs and mixes that might not be available in other formats. This tutorial will show you how to record streamed audio as an MP3; just be sure to read the usage rules for any recording source before beginning.
Editors' note: This tutorial was completed using Windows XP.
Cost: Free
Time commitment: Varies
System Requirements: Windows
Free apps like Howcast provide video tutorials anytime, anywhere.
I'm not the handiest person in the world, which is why I tend to reach for the telephone more often than the toolbox. (The plumber's on speed-dial.)
It's not that I don't want to drill, cut, measure, and fix things myself--it's that I usually lack the tools and/or know-how.
All together, now: there are apps for that! Here's a roundup of five excellent iPhone apps that cater to handymen, home improvers, and other DIY fans.
- Bolt & Nut Need to figure out the wrench size for a particular nut or bolt? Just lay it (gently) on your iPhone screen and drag the calipers until they "fit." This clever app also provides a thread gauge, ruler, and reference guide. Price: free.
- Dimensions It's an entire iPhone toolbox devoted to measuring. In addition to a ruler and caliper, Dimensions provides virtual tape measures--including a clever camera-based "Long Tape" that can measure distances up to 82 feet. Price: $1.99.
- Hole Spacer When you finally get around to hanging those snazzy album-cover frames, you'll want to make sure they're evenly spaced. Hole Spacer does the math so you know exactly how far apart to drill each hole. Where has this app been all my life?! Price: free.
- Howcast Forget YouTube. If you want to learn how to do something, watch the professionally produced, often-humorous videos available in Howcast. It's got everything from changing tires to fixing leaky toilets. Price: free.
- wikiHow Kind of like Howcast's wiki kid brother, wikiHow provides a huge selection of tutorials on just about any project you can imagine--along with a survival guide in case you're ever, um, treed by a bear. (It could happen!) Price: free.
Well, did I miss any must-have DIY apps? I didn't include any "level" tools, as they've been around forever, but do you have a favorite? Share your iPhone-as-toolbox thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, check out these other "killer app" roundups:
HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One Printer
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Shopping for a budget printer doesn't have to be an exercise in anger-management and self-abasement. Contrary to the stigma, many printers can produce great quality photos and documents without breaking the bank or eating up expensive consumables. Now release your fingers from your hair, put down that club, and check out these tips for getting the best deal for your money.
Before you even start shopping, decide whether you want a laser printer or an inkjet printer. Laser printers use bulky toner cartridges and are typically reserved for home offices that print monochrome text documents and presentations. Businesses also steer toward lasers because of their quick output speeds and reliable text quality. Monochrome lasers like the Samsung ML-2851ND are a good choice for homes that print a large volume of documents, and can be purchased for less than $200.
Inkjet printers are the more versatile choice for color photo printing, Web prints, and creative projects like greeting cards and calendars. They come in a variety of form factors from small and simple personal devices all the way up to fully featured All-in-Ones with scanners, fax machines, and copiers built right into the machine. Of course, the more features you want, the more expensive the printer gets so be sure to make a thorough list beforehand and stick to it. Some of the pricier additions include:
- Auto-document feeder: commonly shortened to ADF, the horizontal input tray lets you scan/fax/copy a stack of papers at once.
- Auto-duplexer: a hardware addition that lets you print on two sides of a single-sheet of paper. Consider this option if you plan to print a lot of pages per month--it could potentially save you money on paper, and it's environmentally responsible!
- Wired/wireless networking: all modern printers use USB to connect to a computer, but many also offer wired and wireless networking at a higher cost.
- Full color/touch-screen LCD: a flashy 6-inch touch-panel LCD screen might look beautiful, but the functionality is extraneous and isn't worth the price jack. If you're on a tight budget, consider a single function inkjet like the HP Officejet 6000 that doesn't have a display and only costs $90.
If you do go for an inkjet, shop around and look for one with separate ink tanks for each color so that you don't need to replace everything when only one color runs dry. This technology used to be relegated to photo printers more than $300, but the prices have fallen and now it's common to see sub-$150 printers like the HP Photosmart C6380 All-in-One and the Canon Pixma CMX860 multifunction that feature multiple cartridges. Also, be sure to do a little research to find out if your brand offers high-capacity cartridges. These inks are more expensive but they last longer and will save you money if you're printing a lot of photos.
One final word of advice: don't just think about the sticker price, consider the total cost of ownership. That includes the page yields of the manufacturer's ink and toner, cost of paper including photo and plain, how many pages you'll print per month versus stated duty cycle, and of course, the optional features you might want to add later. Stick to the list you make and buy a machine suitable for your printing needs and you'll be just fine.
On Sale Now: $124.95 - $398.99
View the latest prices for HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One
Available for just $400, the Energy Take Classic surround speaker system is one of the best home audio deals out there.
(Credit: Energy Speakers)Home audio is one of those gadget categories where prices can range anywhere from $250 to $25,000. It also has a range of subcategories and mind-boggling terminology. So we thought we'd provide a quick and easy overview for shoppers who are just interested in getting the most for their money--especially at the lower end of the price scale.
First off, identify your audio and video needs. If you've already got a video source you're happy with--a Blu-ray player, game console, or DVD player--then you'll want to go with a component-based home theater package (a receiver/amp plus speakers) or you'll want to put together your own home theater system (an AV receiver plus speaker system). However, if you're starting from scratch--you're ready to start fresh with Blu-ray or a new DVD player--you'll want to consider a Blu-ray home theater system. For 2009, such all-in-one systems start at $500.
Secondly, stick to 5.1 or less. For true surround, you'll need at least a 5.1-channel system (five speakers plus a subwoofer). There are also 6.1 and 7.1 configurations, but they're overkill for anybody but purists. Of course, all those speakers means a lot of cables and placement questions (speaker stands, commandeering bookshelf space, going for wallmounts, and so forth). For a lot of people, it's more trouble than it's worth. There's nothing wrong with opting for a stereo or "virtual surround" speaker configuration. There are several options--everything from a single speakerbar that mounts under the TV to 2.1 or 3.1 configurations. You'll lose the true surround effect, but you'll also ditch the front-to-back wiring. Bottom line: spending your money for two good stereo speakers instead of a so-so surround package is a worthwhile trade-off.
Remember, don't overpay for sound quality you can't hear. Prices for speakers, receivers, and home theater systems can easily spiral into four figures or more. What's the difference between a $500 audio system and one that costs $3,500? For the so-called "golden eared" set, the sonic improvement they'd get from the latter configuration is well worth the premium. For many others, that difference may well be negligible. ... Read more
JVC's Everio MS120 is a decent standard-def camcorder with expandable memory up to 64GB.
There are plenty of devices for capturing video these days, including cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras. But, for the time being at least, you'll get the best results from a dedicated camcorder. Of course, those aren't all created equal either.
The biggest decision you'll have to make before starting your search is whether to go standard definition or high definition. Standard-def camcorders are a cost-effective way to get good video for Web-sharing sites and for viewing on standard-definition TVs, and it's less demanding for playback and editing on computers.
However, you can get a good HD camcorder at a price only $100-$200 more than some SD camcorders. Obviously you may not have that extra cash, but if you're looking toward integrating your movies into a future high-def home theater experience, you'll want to think long and hard before buying a standard-definition camcorder.
Not sure where you fall? Visit our camcorder buying guide so you know what features you'll need to avoid making a disappointing purchase. If you already know what you want from a camcorder, here are some tips for further refining your choices to get the best possible deal.
... Read more
Budget Blu-ray players are generally older, Profile 1.1 players.
Blu-ray started out as a pricey, enthusiasts-only, niche format, but prices have fallen enough that even mainstream home theater fans can enjoy high-def movies at home. If you're on a tight budget, but still want to go Blu, here are some tips to keep the costs down.
Profile 1.1 players for dirt cheap
If you're only looking to spend less than $200 on a Blu-ray player, you'll probably have to settle for an Profile 1.1 unit. You'll be giving up the ability to watch Internet-enabled BD-Live content available on some Blu-ray movies, but that's not a huge loss, considering we haven't seen much impressive BD-Live content. The bigger drawback is that these players tend to be slow and aren't great with disc compatibility, but it's the only reliable way of scoring a relatively cheap standalone Blu-ray player.
Netflix your Blu-ray movies
Rebuying your DVD collection is decidedly antibudget, but a Netflix subscription can help you avoid most of the pain. Yes, Netflix charges a little extra for a Blu-ray subscription, but we still think it's worth it, especially with many Blu-ray players offering built-in Netflix streaming. If you're still set on buying movies, keep an eye out for buy-two-get-one-free deals that pop up on Amazon periodically.
Ditch the 7.1 analog outputs
If you've got an HDMI-capable receiver, stick with the cheaper players that lack 7.1 analog outputs. Manufacturers often try to make it seem like the analog outputs offer a superior audio performance, but in our experience that's just not the case. Of course, if you have an older AV receiver that doesn't support HDMI, you may actually save money by purchasing a player with 7.1 analog outputs. Spending an extra $100 bucks on a Blu-ray player is less expensive than buying a new $400 AV receiver.
Don't buy an HDMI cable in the store
Despite the marketing hype, all HDMI cables are essentially identical--you're not going to get better performance from an $80 cable than you would from a $5 cable. That's why it always makes more sense to buy cheaper HDMI cables widely available on online retailers. We've got the full scoop on our HDMI cable quick guide, along with some recommended stores.
Go for a Blu-ray HTIB
A $300 standalone Blu-ray player feels expensive, but a full 7.1 home theater system with Blu-ray for $500 feels like a steal. If you don't already have speakers and a receiver, a Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) system is an affordable way to get into high-def movies.
The PS3 is still a great value
The PS3 is the most expensive gaming console, but it's really a home theater bargain if you use it to its full potential. For $400, you get an excellent Blu-ray player, a fully capable media streamer, and a high-def gaming system. There's no other way to get that combination of features and performance from separate components.
A Dell Mini 10v: $299
(Credit: Dell)Owning a portable powerhouse of a lap-dwelling machine may be a bit economically out-of-reach for some, but there's never been a better time to get a decently-performing laptop for a great value. Just follow these tips:
Try a Netbook. If your computing needs are low, or even basic (web browsing, office doc work, and not too much need for heavy-duty graphics or HD video), Netbooks offer a great package for very little money. Mainly equipped with Intel Atom processors and running Windows XP, they're not so great a multitasking, but they'll do the work that most computers handled five years ago with ease. Low-end Netbooks are where the best value's at, with some coming in at under $300, like Dell's Mini 10v. Some are on sale online for even less, or are subsidized by cell carriers (the HP Mini 1151nr costs $199). You will, however, need to sign up for a wireless 3G data plan for a subsidized Netbook, which will cost more in the long run than simply looking for free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Thin-and-light laptops are getting cheaper. It was just a year and a half ago when the MacBook Air cost an arm and a leg for super-light computing power. While the Air is more affordable now, there are a variety of similarly-powered machines running lower-cost CULV processors just hitting the market that cost even less. MSI's X340 is practically a Windows version of the MacBook Air, with an equally good form factor (but made of plastic instead of aluminum), but costs $800.
Leave off the extras. Go for the bare-bones configuration unless you really need more RAM or a larger hard drive -- those can sometimes be added later, usually for less money. ... Read more
Video games and gaming gear aren't necessarily among the cheapest gadgets you can own, but there are ways to get the most bang for your buck.
The cheapest consoles
A Nintendo Wii is only $250 and comes with the ever-popular Wii Sports game bundled inside. For that flat price, you'll be set to play straight out of the box. However, extra Wii remotes and nunchuks are going to cost you extra.
Even cheaper, the Xbox 360 Arcade is only $200 but doesn't come with a hard drive. You'll need the HDD for downloading larger games and using the console to watch movies. We can only recommend the Arcade for those who don't plan on doing anything else with their system besides play store-bought disc games and very few mini Arcade titles. For those who want to access the full potential of the system, you're much better off spending the extra $50 for the 60GB Xbox 360.
The cheapest handhelds
While the PSP Go will be available in October for $250, the current PSP-3000 is still the much more affordable option. Also, the less expensive DS Lite is still available for around $130 next to its more expensive camera- and download-enhanced DSi ($170).
Rechargeable batteries for controllers
Both the Wii and Xbox 360 controllers require user-replaceable batteries. Unfortunately, this can wind up becoming quite the expensive chore. We'd definitely recommend you picking up a recharging solution for either console. PlayStation 3 controllers have batteries built in, so there's no need to buy any extra accessories.
There are plenty of options for the Wii, so be sure to check out our Wii charger roundup. Things are a bit simpler for the Xbox 360. While Microsoft sells a charging solution for $30, it only includes one battery. Instead, you may want to check out the Nyko Charge Base 360 which can simultaneously charge two controllers at once. It also comes with two batteries and is available for the same price.
Bargain titles
When it comes to video games themselves, there are usually inexpensive gems to be found out there. Check out our constantly updated lists for the cheapest titles for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, and DS.
Also, don't be afraid about purchasing used games. Whether it's online or in-store, there are deals to be had. That said, don't expect prices on newer used games to be that drastic.
Basic phones are just fine if you just want to make calls and not much else.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)Almost everyone needs a cell phone these days, but owning one can be expensive. Here are a few tips to make the most of your dollar when it comes to cell phones and carrier plans.
Get only what you need
Sure that Apple iPhone 3G is sexy, and sure that Palm Pre is all the rage. But will you actually use all the features on those phones? If the answer is no, then resist the urge to jump on the hype bandwagon. If all you want a cell phone for is making calls, a basic cell phone will do just fine. Of course, if you do want extra features like a keyboard for messaging or a camera for taking photos, then you'll have to do your research to find the best one for the lowest price. If you already have a phone - stick with it! You don't always have to get the latest and greatest device if your phone still works. The best way to save money is to not spend it at all.
Consider refurbished phones
Many carriers now offer refurbished phones for a discount, and a lot of them are very good phones that are only a little bit used.
Go prepaid if you're fickle
If you're fickle with carriers and don't want to pay a penalty for cancelling contracts, the prepaid route might be good for you. Prepaid plans are also good for those who only use their cell phones occasionally, or for emergency purposes, since you pay per minute or day of use. But beware, you will often pay a premium for the handset itself since there's no contract.
Choose the right plan
If you're a heavy cell phone user, you're better off opting for a monthly plan with a realistic number of minutes. Be careful to choose the right number of minutes, because if you go over your monthly minute allotment, you'll be charged expensive overage fees. It's generally better to overestimate your minute usage. Be aware of all extra fees (don't make too many 411 calls for example), and if your plan charges for nationwide roaming, pay attention to your home area's boundaries.
Get a messaging bundle or data plan if it applies
If you're going to use text messaging, multimedia messaging, e-mail, or Web browsing on a regular basis, it's best to get a message bundle or a data plan. Otherwise, you'll be charged on per-use basis. Of course the "Get only what you need" rule applies here as well -- if you don't plan on using a data plan, then don't sign onto one.
Get a family plan if possible
A family plan lets you share your monthly airtime allowance with additional lines for family members and prepaid plans, so you can pay for the allotted amount up front.
Take advantage of free calling minutes
Some carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless allows free calling minutes to your selected group of phone numbers. These can include calls to other cell phones on the same carrier, calls to cell phones on any carrier, or calls to a select set of phone numbers--even landlines. Check your carrier for specifics. Also: Most monthly plans have unlimited nights and weekends, so plan to make most of your calls during those times.
Like other posts you'll be seeing here over the next week or so, we could offer you lots of tips for buying an affordable desktop. Refurbished PCs from reputable dealers can offer a bargain. Wait until Best Buy's free Windows 7 upgrades kicks in on June 26. You can find a reasonably fast gaming PC for less than $1,000.
All of that is true, but there's a larger issue going on in budget PCs right now: Nettops. This new category has received lots of attention the last few months. We've also reviewed our share of them. For all but the most price-conscious shoppers, we have yet to see evidence that Nettops make sense.
Asus' Eee Box qualifies as a Nettop.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Beware the Nettop
We've seen various definitions for "Nettop." Our own Erica Ogg defined them as all-in-ones with Intel's Atom CPU, the chip family common to many Netbooks. We've also seen small, screenless systems like Asus' Eee Box, and the Acer Revo called Nettops. The common thread seems to be that, like Netbooks, Nettops use a low-cost, low-power CPU; among them the Intel Atom, the Via Nano (which we have yet to see outside of a Netbook), or AMD's Athlon 2650e.
What we're certain of is that every system we'd call a Nettop has turned in abysmal performance in the CNET Lab. We're not talking about 3D gaming performance, which we don't even bother testing at this level. We mean everyday slow. "About 15 minutes to convert a single CD into iTunes" slow.
We prefer "Nyet-top"
The common excuse for this performance is that Nettops are only supposed to work as a dedicated Internet PCs. You might expect such a system would offer a huge price break from a real desktop then. Not true. The Asus Eee Box, for example, cost $350 when it came out last year. For just $50 more, you could have purchased an eMachines T5274 midtower, which was four to five times faster than the Eee Box.
For a more recent example, we just finished testing eMachines' new EL1300G-01w (review up soon), which goes for $299. This system also uses the AMD Athlon 2650e chip, which gets you the same snail's-pace performance as the Eee Box. And also as with the Eee Box, for $50 or $100 more than the EL1300g-01w, you can find much faster desktops using Intel Dual Core or AMD Athlon X2 chips, such as eMachines' own $350 ET1161-07.
Dell's Studio One 19: not a Nettop.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)All-in-one Nettops need hate, too
Standalone Nettops aren't alone in offering poor performance with little cost benefit. Averatec's and MSI's 18.4-inch all-in-one Nettops offer the same slow Atom CPUs for $549 and $599, respectively. Those prices might seem pretty good for all-in-ones with such large screens, but take a look at the Dell Studio One 19. Our review of that Dell system covered a $1,000-plus configuration with a 18.5-inch screen and a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 chip, but the Studio One 19 starts at $699. At that price you get the same fast CPU and the same display as our review unit, for just $100 to $150 more than the dog-slow all-in-one Nettops.
We'll agree that for many people, $150 or $100 is not insignificant. And if all you want is a working computer for the lowest price, a Nettop will do the job. But please free yourself from any illusion that a Nettop offers a good deal. We'd also urge those who can to spend just a little bit extra on a real desktop, which offers the performance, and therefore time savings, to quickly offset the added cost.
