Features Archives for 2008

Need more storage space? You may not need to buy a hard drive. These four online storage sites will extend your hard drive to the Internet letting you keep anywhere from 1GB to a whopping 25GB of data online ... for free. Plus, how to turn your Gmail account into a virtual hard drive.

The dealnews Podcast - Episode 14 is here. This week, Jeff, Louis, Chuck, Jim, and Dan talk about Grand Theft Auto IV and the potential future of iPhone pricing. Plus, a nerdy tangent on which Star Trek movies should be on Blu-ray.

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(And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

By now, with Green Week almost over, you probably know how much power an incandescent saps over a CFL, and how that affects CO₂ emissions. But how much CO₂ is released to power your laptop? Or your flat-panel TV? Even when it's "turned off"? In our last segment of a week of Green features, we take a look at the CO₂ impact of common tech gear and tell you were to find the best deals on Carbon Credits to offset your CO₂ burn.

From solar-paneled backpacks to worm-based composting systems, these earth-friendly tips will shrink your carbon footprint and keep you green all-year round.

The dealnews Podcast - Episode 13 is here. This week, Jeff, Louis, Chuck, another Jeff, and Dan get their "green" on.

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(And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

Want to be green when you work from your computer? "Green computing" really means two things: using less power and building with recyclable or biodegradable components. We run down options that will have your next PC sipping less power and doing less harm to the environment once you toss it.

With Earth Day upon us, we thought we'd share with you a few of the things that we dealnews-ers do to be "green" throughout the year. Come on in and be inspired by our awesomeness! (Well, our greensomeness, at least.)

Looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your old gadgets? We've found seven ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint, and in some cases, make some money while doing it.

Deranged notions. Speculation. False-hoods. Half-truths. Outright lies. Disturbing when a politician says them. Hilarious when the internet says them. Herein is our Rumor Roundup. We collect the best tech rumors of the week, then make up lies about them, in a furious slander-campaign.

The dealnews Podcast - Episode 12 is here. This week, Jeff, Louis, Jim, and another Jeff get all reactionary / alarmist about new consumer taxes, then chit-chat about free software apps that you should be using.

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(And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

Your cellphone isn't just for making phone calls anymore. From Amazon's SMS store to Cellfire's mobile coupons, find out if these free mobile services can help you save money when you're on the go.

Ever wonder what kind of deranged notions, speculation, false-hoods, half-truths, and outright lies people are saying on the internet about technology? Well, look no further than our Rumor Roundup. We collect the best rumors of the week ... so you don't have to.

The dealnews Podcast - Episode 11 is here. This week, Jeff, Louis, Jim, and Dan talk about HD DVD rebates, Photoshop's Agreement adjustment, more ultra-portable laptops, AT&T lowering their cancellation fees, Philips ending US TV production, the future of media streaming, and how we, personally, move our media around our homes.

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(And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

We've hit the "decade" mark! The dealnews Podcast number ten is here. This week, Jeff, Louis, Chuck, and Dan talk about Dan D's Dead Deal of the Week Deek ($5 men's shirts), Chuck's drill, Digital TV coupons, XP "<3"ing Asus, Amazon's move to #2, 32 years of Apple, Photoshop Express Online, and more.

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(And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

You don't need a license to post to the Internet. So, what results is all sorts of deranged notions, speculation, false-hoods, half-truths, and outright lies about technology. We call those Rumors. Here, we've rounded up the best of the week in a little segment we like to call: The Rumor Roundup

Smaller, lighter, and sexier than their boxy counterparts, ultraportable laptops (UPMCs) are the Italian sports cars of the laptop world. However, they seem to cost as much too. We'll show you how to save money and buy the UPMC that's right for you.

The dealnews Podcast number nine is here! This week, Jeff, Louis, Chuck, Dan, and Jim talk about how Sony stinks (again), HD DVD beating Blu-ray, Asus, big box haggling, and more.

Please click to listen or right-click to download. (And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

The Internet is a-buzz with so many false-hoods, half-truths, and outright lies about technology. But that's what makes them great! As impossible as the rumors might seem, we'll still round 'em up, and of course make fun of them.

Our eighth dealnews Podcast is here! This week, Jeff, Louis, Chuck, Dan, and Jim talk about Dan D's Deal of the Deek, new pro-customer actions from Best Buy and Apple, a potentially horrible new direction from Comcast, and more.

Please click to listen or right-click to download. (And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

Watching your favorite movies and TV shows on your PC shouldn't be a burden on your wallet. From unlimited rentals to free movie streams, we run down the top online movie and TV video competitors to iTunes. Read more ...

The Internet is a great place. Where else can any Tom, Dick, or Harry make wildly inaccurate claims about technology and be taken seriously? (Besides in Steve Ballmer's office, that is. ZING!) But, as impossible as the rumors might seem, we'll still Round 'em up, and of course make fun of them.

Our seventh dealnews Podcast is here! This week, four dealnews Editors run through some interesting tech stories from the week and then reminisce, like old-timers, about 10 years of MP3 players.

Please click to listen or right-click to download. (And don't forget to check out our Shownotes for links to the topics discussed in this week's Podcast.)

Back in August, NBC pulled their videos from Apple's iTunes Store. This morning, they're finally showing us why: Hulu, a new video service with free episodes of shows like The Simpsons and Heroes. Is this a great leap forward that may topple YouTube and hurt iTunes? Or is Hulu full of hassles? We jump through the Hulu hoops to find out. Read more ...

Rumor Roundup In An Elevator
Livin' it up when I'm goin' down
Rumor Roundup In An Elevator
Lovin' it up 'til I hit the ground

There's no doubt that Apple's iTunes is a great service: Convenient and relatively inexpensive, with a huge catalog. But there are other online music stores that cost less, sometimes much less, and DRM-free. And that's a big deal. We compare the top stores so you can get your music fix for less.

Here it is! Our sixth dealnews Podcast! This week, five dealnews Editors debate which components you should cheap out on when buying a new computer.

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With its new unlimited calling plan, Verizon Wireless triggered a pricing war amongst its mobile competitors. But are these new plans truly money-saving deals or are you better off staying with your current plan? Click ahead to find out which cell phone provider offers the best all-you-can-eat plan.

Welcome to our fifth dealnews Podcast! In this week's podcast, Jeff, Dan, Louis, Chuck, and Jim make bold, unsubstantiated claims as to why Apple's minor news always outshines its competitors'. (Sorry, Lenovo.) Plus, Sony's new Blu-ray players: Are they worth waiting for? And, we revoke someone's nerd-card when he reveals he actually hates Lord of the Rings. (No! Yes. NO! Yes indeed.)

Please click to listen or right-click to download. (Runtime: 19m55s)

Spending too much money on your gaming needs? We'll show you how to cut down costs without cutting down on content. From free online gaming to unlimited rentals, we'll help you keep your money where it belongs — in your wallet.

Apple may have stolen some thunder with today's MacBook and MacBook Pro upgrades, but Lenovo isn't about to let Mac fanboys have all the fun. Today it unleashed the new ThinkPad X300, a 13.3" ultraportable hoping to pull the carpet right from under Apple's smug feet. We compare the two notebooks to see which system offers the best bang for your buck.

Waiting on a Sunday Friday afternoon
for what I read between the lines,
your RUMORS.
feelin' like a hand in rusted shame
so do you laugh or does it cry?
reply?

Welcome to our fourth dealnews Podcast! In this week's podcast, Jeff, Dan, Jeff, Louis, and Chuck discuss the death of the HD DVD format. Should you buy, anyway? And, is Blu-ray going to stay the winner?

Please click to listen or right-click to download. (Runtime: 26m26s)

No matter how good a deal is, sometimes you've got to return it. However, returning an opened gadget isn't always easy. We've listed return polices for 14 of the top tech stores so you know what to expect when your dream deal goes sour. Who doesn't charge a restocking fee? Who pays for return shipping? Who has the best return policy on the planet? Find out now.

Welcome to our third dealnews Podcast! In this week's podcast, Jeff, Dan, Jim, and Louis discuss the Nintendo Wii and how it stacks up against the Xbox 360 and PS3. Is it worth paying for one of these Wii bundles?

Please click to listen or right-click to download. (Runtime: 11m22s)

Are hard drive prices plummeting? Yes, at least in 750GB and 1TB sizes. See our latest price trend analysis to find out how much these high-capacity hard drives have dropped, and which one(s) you should buy. Read more ...

The writer's strike may be ending soon, or it may go on for ages more. Either way, TV kind of ... well, it kind of sucks right now, and won't get better for the next several months. After exhaustive hours of "research" on the couch, we've built a list of our favorite TV shows available on DVD that will sooth your cravings for non-reality programming, including a few we bet you haven't seen. Plus, once the strike ends, these shows will stand above the rest, so they're a good investment regardless of the strike.

Hey, alright now. Alright now fellas? Now what's cooler than bein' cool? I can't hear ya'! I say what's cooler than bein' cool? RUMOR ROUNDUPS whooo... Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright.

During his Keynote speech today, Steve Jobs boldly stated that Apple's new MacBook Air was better than Sony's VAIO TZ series. We put the two systems head-to-head to find out which laptop comes out on top.

Well, either you're closing your eyes to a situation you do not wish to acknowledge or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster indicated by the presence of a Rumor Roundup in your community! Ya got Rumors, my friend, right here, I say, Rumors right here in River City!

Wanna get Hi? These standalone Blu-ray players can bring high-definition content straight to your living room without costing you an arm and a leg. But before you whip out that credit card, find out what to look for when shopping for your first Blu-ray player.

Want surround sound, but don't have the room for a stack of speakers? These stylish soundbars can pump your living room with the next best thing — virtual surround sound. By bouncing sound beams off your living room walls, these one-box components trick your ears into thinking you have a full 5.1-channel set up. In addition to eliminating the clutter of cables behind your entertainment center, some of them also offer iPod connectivity, integrated DVD players, and satellite radio. Granted, they're more expensive than conventinal low- to mid-range home theater systems, but their clean lines and wide sound spectrum are worth the investment if you don't want to box yourself in a forest of cables and satellites. Click here to see the offerings from Polk, Philips, Samsung, and more.

Sony unveiled its new line of Sony VAIO laptops during this year's CES show. Besides Blu-ray popping up on more of its laptops, Sony has added other new features such as Intel's Penryn processors, LED backlighting, Solid State Drives, and carbon fiber housing. Click here for our roundup of the new models.