Electronics

Quick housekeeping note: I apologize to those of you who had difficulty on Friday getting the Acronis True Image freebie. When I wrote about the deal that morning, I'd followed the instructions, received my license keys (there were two), and successfully activated the software. I wish I could explain why some of you had a different experience, but I can't.

However, as some commenters noted, there are a number of extremely good backup programs that are always free--not the least of which is the one built into Windows 7. Other solid choices: Easeus Todo Backup and Macrium Reflect Free. … Read more

One of my all-time favorite products--seriously--is the Kodak Pulse digital photo frame. After buying one for myself, I hooked up my parents, my sister, and even a few other relatives. We're all head-over-heels in love with the thing. I'll explain why in a minute.

For what promises to be a limited time, Wal-Mart has the refurbished Kodak Pulse 7-inch digital photo frame for $69, plus sales tax and $4 for shipping. (You can also opt for free in-store pickup.)

But wait, there's more. In addition to the Pulse, you get an 8GB Centon SDHC memory card and … Read more

My unofficial goal this week is to post only items that won't sell out. Yesterday's $25 American Express credit, for example.

Today, let's talk actual products. If you're willing to brave the crowds this Friday, you might come away with something like a 42-inch HDTV for $199.99 or a 24-inch HDTV for $79.99--both of which are among the "doorbusters" at Best Buy. (I take back what I said about this year's Black Friday; there are some deals to be had!)

Of course, as I've mentioned many times before, the speakers … Read more

With Blockbuster hanging by a thread and Netflix clearly positioning itself to exit the movies-by-mail business at some point down the road, buying a Blu-ray player might not seem like the smartest move.

Unless, of course, that player is a mere 50 bucks. While supplies last (and they never seem to last long these days), Best Buy has the refurbished Samsung BD-C5500C Blu-ray player for $49.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states).

Update: Sold out! If you're still keen on this model, Tech for Less has it for about the same price: $43.97, plus $7.70 … Read more

I have mixed feelings about 3D. Much as I enjoyed "Avatar" and "Despicable Me" on the big screen, I'm not exactly dying to bring the 3D experience into my home.

On the other hand, why not give myself the option? All I need is a 3D-ready TV (or projector) and Blu-ray player. Today only, and while supplies last, DailySteals has a killer deal on the latter: a refurbished Samsung BD-D5500C 3D-capable Blu-ray player for $69.99, plus $4.99 for shipping.

That price rivals, and even exceeds, most of the non-3D Blu-ray players I'… Read more

If you own an iPod or iPhone, a speaker dock is a must. It not only gives your gadget a place to roost and recharge, but also belts out your playlist for all to hear.

The Sony RDP-X50iPBLK is fairly no-frills as speaker docks go, but it's got it where it counts: it sounds great. It originally sold for $199, and still sells for at least $100 most places, but today only, 1 Sale A Day has the Sony RDP-X50iPBLK iPhone/iPod speaker dock for $69.99, plus $4.99 for shipping.

This is a new unit, not a … Read more

This is an updated version of a deal I posted a couple months back.

Need an inexpensive set-top box that can sling Netflix movies and TV shows? The refurbished Sharp Aquos BD-HP24U will hook you up for just $42.99. That's after redeeming a $20 mail-in rebate (PDF). Shipping adds $9.48, bringing your grand total to around $53.

Oh, by the way, it's also a Blu-ray player.

Funny how priorities change, right? Think about it: if I showed you, say, an Apple TV for $43, you'd probably snap it up. Admittedly, the BD-HP24U doesn't have … Read more

Much as I'm a fan of little pocket camcorders like the now-discontinued Flip and the Kodak Playsport series (most notably the new Zx5), there are times when I want a full-size, full-featured camera I can grip.

Like this one: TigerDirect has the Toshiba Camileo H30 1080p camcorder for $129.96, plus around $4 for shipping. (Wal-Mart has it for $135.54 with free site-to-store shipping, but you're on the hook for sales tax.)

As you can tell from the photo, the H30 is no pocket cam (though it's still fairly compact). But that extra size brings a … Read more

Note: This is an update of a deal I wrote about a few months back.

If you own an HDTV, I'll wager you've discovered an almost universal truth: built-in speakers blow. Unfortunately, with rare exception, you can't just plug in a set of external speakers; usually you need a receiver to act as the go-between, and that gets expensive.

Note that I said "usually." Another option is a sound bar, a speaker/receiver combo that sits above or below the screen and does the work of two or more standalone speakers. Of course, these can … Read more