Features Archives for 2011

In today's world of smartphones, RSS alerts and WiFi everywhere, what does it take to be a truly obsessive deal seeker? We found one guy who has taken the art of finding a deal to a whole new level. Find out his tricks.

With just months to go before Amazon.com celebrates its Sweet Sixteen, we wanted to know how much the online retailer's customers know about the company. So we've created this quiz to test your "Amazowledge."

Think you could be the next James Cameron and make billions with your own 3D movie? Now you can get started in your own garage with 3D gadgets, some of which cost less than $200. Find out how you can make your own 3D films and get on your way to stardom!

Shopping is serious business for most people, but retailers have come to learn that the more people have fun while they're browsing, the longer they'll stick around and the more they'll spend. Here are five ways that stores turn on the happy factor, so you'll play right into their hands.

Motorola’s Xoom is set to outflank the Galaxy Tab and take on the iPad.

Google and Apple are vying for your digital subscription dollars in a fight that just intensified with the announcement of new collection systems. But the real question is, Are you willing to pay at all?

If you’re a heavy laptop user, then you're eating through power every second. We've got 10 smart ways you can save while you're typing away (or playing games), which will make you feel a whole lot better when you get your electric bill at the end of the month.

Get your fingertips ready! The future of shopping is coming to your phone, and whether you are a fan of shopping on a 4" screen or not, new apps are going to entice you to buy everything from bananas to cars on your phone. Watch how it's going to work.

Over at Engadget, they've assembled a list of nominees for their 2010 Engadget Awards for the best of tech in 2010, and the most anticipated of 2011. We all love cool gadgets, but price is our bottom line. That's why we're asking you to vote on this in our poll: Which do you think is the best value among the nominees?

Borders is allegedly filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy next week. Did Borders' coupons predict its own demise? Our dealnews archives answer the question.

Nokia had a number of dance partners to choose from to make a new line of smartphones, and it picked Microsoft. But it's not clear yet if that will be enough to help Nokia come from behind to beat Google or Apple. It's all up to you, since you'll be the ones buying the phones. Will the new features listed here entice you to buy? Take our poll.

A new national survey is out that breaks down gadget ownership by age group. Come take our poll and find out how you stack up, or claim your status as one of the "gadget-less" (although if you're reading this, you have some kind of electronic device…).

Like all great bands, Activision today announced the break up of its Guitar Hero franchise. Find out what that means for fans of the game and deal hunters alike.

You know you want to buy chocolate, but do you know why? It's not just about supermarkets placing candy next to the cash register. There are secret feelings of guilt, hidden memories of pleasure and other factors at work. You might even be biologically predestined to need chocolate. Find out all the reasons why you buy chocolate in our psychological investigation.

This year, before you put in your usual order for flowers, or pick up a box of chocolates, think about putting a 2011 twist on your gift. Here are some unusual suggestions from our Green Dad columnist, Lou Carlozo.

We crunched data for weeks to come up with the predictions on our list of 12 things that will cost less in 2011. The story got out there far and wide, and now we've teamed up with Mint.com to bring you an illustrated version with a cool infographic. Check it out!

When a leading marketing research company applied some new science to the age-old question of "what brands do you like?" it came up with some unusual answers. Find out what six years of study and $8 million found out about why men shop differently than women.

Forget the roses. What will really say I love you, and will create a memory that will last forever, is a Valentine's Day experience. There are great options all over the country, and we've rounded up the best of them for you to choose from.

From iPods to necklaces, the following vendors will guarantee Valentine's day delivery when orders are placed before the listed deadlines.

Wondering what it takes to make it to the top of the list of retailers liked on Facebook? A million likes? 10 million likes? We've got a list of the top 10 in order, and you'll be surprised at the number of followers at the top of the list.

Picking a TV to buy is a lot like getting married — you're going to be spending a lot of time together in your house, and you hope it will last forever. To help you pick a TV mate, dealnews has created its own version of a dating game (because we know what you're really thinking about when you hear about ultra-slim displays). Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Even if you are not a Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers fan, your heart is telling you to Go Green this Super Bowl Sunday, as in, root for the environment. But how do you get a room full of partying jocks to follow your lead? Try these 10 plays.

If you are one of the millions easily lured by free offers, stop and think for a minute about what's behind these deals so you don't spend more than you intend. We've dug into the psychology of free to keep you safe from being scammed.

Big screens require a big budget. Or so we used to think. Recent data we've collected shows that in the past 12 months, name-brand 55" LCDs — the especially top-of-the-line models with built-in 3D — have plummeted in price. Find out by how much.

Do you ever balk at trying on clothes at a store — especially bathing suits and other intimates — because you just don't want to get naked? Technology is coming to your aid! Check out this virtual fitting room that allows you to try on clothes in the comfort of your own home, without even taking your clothes off.

Stuck at home this winter while the weather is blustery? Now's the time to take a look at the way you are dealing with the cold, and we've got suggestions for improvement, from the type of rock salt you use to the drafty spaces under your doors to cozy hot chocolate you can order online.

Stuck in the snow? With most flights not going anywhere, and the winter not even half over, you know that even if you haven't been delayed so far this winter, you likely will be at some point. Here's some advice we rounded up to help you get through the experience.

Ever wonder why iPhone apps, which are already pretty low in price, go on sale or are free? We did, which is why we asked a number of app-makers what's behind the decision to go free or go on sale.

Ever wonder what it's like to be one of the businesses giving out a Groupon deal? Are you flooded with customers within minutes? Does it cost tons of money? Is it worth the hype? We've got the behind-the-scenes story of one dating service that is living the dream.

Standard shipping not good enough for you? Tired of paying extra for overnight delivery? Amazon is on the verge of expanding a pilot program to deliver products directly to your doorstep in trucks, bypassing all mail services. Intrigued? We've got the details.

Lady Gaga and Polaroid. Really? Yes. If you want to know what those two are doing in business together (and how Kodak is betting on 3D to save the company), then read on...

U.S. marshals got tipped off to a warehouse full of illegal Pillow Pets in New York, making for interesting reading on a snow day. We wrote about the dilemma over Pillow Pets and fakes this fall, and put together a fun Kung Fu video to illustrate the point.

Ever wonder why most Walmart prices end in 97 cents and most other stores end theirs with 99? We've got the psychology behind consumer pricing.

Imagine walking into a store and being greeted by a clerk that knows your name and is able to help you find what you want in the store with the swipe of a few screens — and if they don't have what you want, to order it to be delivered. This is the future of retail, and it's here now...

Nobody wants to get ripped off, but you especially don't want to get duped when you are trying to do a good deed. So if you want to put your money where you heart is and give to charities, make sure to follow these tips to avoid getting scammed.

Feeling let down after the holiday season and need to know when your next big sales fix is going to come? Worry no more. We've got you covered with this calendar of the best times to buy (nearly) everything under the sun.

The Verizon iPhone becoming a reality did nothing to stem the tide of rumors. In fact, we've not seen this many iRumors all together, in one place, since iRumor Con '09. That was not a real event, but you can imagine it, can't you?! Anyway. Enjoy our latest Rumor Roundup. You'll be glad you did!

Great service keeps customers spending money, so in today's economy, getting an award for having the best customer service is like winning an Oscar. Find out this year's top 10 and find out why customers think these companies are better than all the rest.

We all know that 3D TV hasn't caught on. Do you blame it on the geeky glasses? The lack of interesting programming? The price? There is an even more important factor that most people don't consider, and we've got the scoop on that from our 3D expert, and how that reason is going to affect prices.

When you see the ads for all-inclusive resort vacations, do you salivate or think people are being suckered? We looked into the psychology behind resort deals to see if they're any good.

Doesn't 50,000 gallons of water sound like a lot? It sure does to us, and that why we think you shouldn't waste that much of it anymore! Follow these 8 simple tips for saving water and you'll be swimming in praise from Mother Nature.

Research continues to pour in that people are using their mobile phones to do all kinds of shopping activities except actually buying stuff. eBay is hoping to turn the tide with a combo of apps. Find out how they are trying to change the game.

How much will a Blu-Ray player cost this year? How cheap will you be able to score a 55" HDTV? We've got the answers in our run-down of electronics price drops we’ll see in 2011.

If you've ever wondered what Star Wars would look like if it had been made with modern technology, you won't have to wait much longer. George Lucas is in the middle of a secret effort to re-make the film in 3D. How much is it costing? Can they really make Princess Leia's hologram now? Will you like it? We've got the answers.

We met up with omnipresent Chris Brogan, social media expert and author of Trust Agents, at CES and got him to tell us some of his best bargain-hunting tips on social media. It's all about who you follow.

It seems as though we've been talking about going paperless for more than a decade now, but it just hasn't happened. Now may finally be the time, with these eight painless tips.

With a new gig hosting the find-a-TV-star competition on the Oprah Winfrey Network, you'd think Carson Kressley wouldn't have to shop for anything. But the former Queer Eye for the Straight Guy stylist is a devoted bargain hunter. Find out his secrets …

Can't make it to Super Bowl XLV in Dallas on February 6? Then you need a great TV! If you're thinking about a 3D model, you'll want to see what we found out about watching the Super Bowl in 3D, and if you'd even want to.

Not following the live blogging or endless tweeting going on about Verizon's announcement that it will, indeed, start selling the iPhone in February? Get a wrap-up of the news that won't crash your machine right here.