Features Archives for 2012

An electric-assist bicycle is an ideal purchase that offers transportation and exercise. The cost of these bikes, however, can vary widely. So to help would-be electric-assist bike owners decide which bike is best for them, we've detailed some of the differences between high- and low-end bike models.

Home to storybook waterfalls, sputtering active volcanoes, vibrant vegetation, and some of the most coveted surf spots in the world, Hawaii has 'ideal destination' written on every islands' sands – or at least it does in our minds. With our latest deals to this most northern set of Polynesian islands, the worn-out budget vacay-hunter in you can find peace. After checking out our Hawaii vacation deals, you may find yourself saying aloha to warmer temperatures sooner than you expected.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about the latest from Apple, Microsoft, and Google? ? Well, neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

We know you gadget geeks liked reading about Darren Murph and Molly Wood's top five gadgets. In this installment of the Techie Top 5, we asked GottaBeMobile and Notebook.com's Josh Smith what his must-have tech goods are as of late.

Research shows that, depending on the city, people spend as much as $221 on a first date. And if you're trying to find Mr. or Ms. Right, the costs of dating can really start to add up. But it doesn't need to, if you use these cheap date tips, with advice on inexpensive dining and entertainment.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 230 is gonna rock your ears with knowledge! This week: iPhone 5 glitches; the Samsung vs. Apple lawsuits continue; Android Gingerbread; 30 years of CDs; Amazon Wine; and, of course more!

With the days rapidly growing shorter, runners face some safety issues when hitting the pavement in the waning hours of sunlight. To make the most of a long, evening or early morning run, make sure to gear up and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Every year, Blu-ray players become more and more affordable. This year, we predict that a model with streaming capabilities will drop to a mere $39. But what about all the entertainment you'll want to play on this new device? Blu-ray disc movies will drop to just $4 a piece, while summer blockbuster titles could see discounts of up to 72% off.

The dealnews Black Friday Predictions come chock-full of information that will help you prepare for the shopping holiday. But you may be wondering where exactly all the price estimations and data points come from. Everything is in fact informed by up to three years of historical data based on deals listed on dealnews.

While many apparel retailers will likely offer their best coupon of the year, the news might not be as good for luxury retailers and flash sale sites. Last year, both Groupon and Living Social disappointed us with their Black Friday-branded sales, and we predict that it will be more of the same this year. And although both Saks and Neiman Marcus joined in on the Black Friday fun last year, it looks like they might pull back from sales once again in 2012.

Black Friday doesn't have to be as serious as its name implies. After all, we typically see some very good toy deals during the shopping holiday. While we're predicting that the two major video game consoles won't see new all-time low prices this year, shoppers can still score a solid deal on a special holiday video game bundle marked 30% to 40% off. Popular, recently-released video game titles for as low as $15, too, should make any weary deal seeker feel like a giddy kid again.

While traveling on Black Friday (or any time during the holidays) will likely require paying top dollar, you can at least book future plans — perhaps a vacation for 2013, to relax after the shopping frenzy — around Black Friday weekend. There are plenty of ways to use the holiday sales to your advantage, and we've listed tips and advice about what you can expect from travel sales during Black Friday 2012.

Black Friday smartphone deals are calling! Will you answer the deal if it's 1 cent or free? This year we are expecting to see an abundance of deals on Android smartphones, and maybe even a discount on the new Apple iPhone 5.

The tablet landscape has certainly changed in 2012, as more brands and models have entered the sub-$200 price range. That said, this Black Friday, we predict that the new iPad and iPad 2 will see better price cuts than the slates from Amazon, Google, and Barnes & Noble. But what about Samsung models, or eBook readers? Check out our entire Black Friday tablet predictions for more details.

While Apple's Black Friday sale always generates lots of buzz, speculation, and media interest, we are anticipating this year's holiday sale to be a lot like years' past. We are, however, wagering some bets on discounts on a variety of Apple products from resellers — some offering sales of up to 25% off. And for those with the new iPad or an iPhone 5 on their wishlist, we expect to see some of the lowest prices on these Apple products this Black Friday, too.

In order for shoppers to know exactly what prices to expect for laptops this Black Friday, we poured over our archive of deals to understand past trends. As it turns out, Black Friday 2012 may push prices on even the most expensive of laptop models to about $500. As for budget laptops, prices could drop to around $180 — but not much lower. For all the details on laptops, from desktop replacements to ultra-popular ultraportables, be sure to read through and bookmark our entire Black Friday 2012 Predictions feature.

No device embodies Black Friday quite like the HDTV. From the leaked ads to the doorbuster sales, HDTV deals can be found everywhere during Black Friday week — making it truly a prime time to purchase a new set.

And this Black Friday we anticipate HDTV prices to drop even lower than last year, with some smaller sized-sets sinking to a mere $159. But on the whole, we predict a sizing-up trend for entry-level HDTVs from 42" to 46" and 47" HDTVs. Want to know what's up with 55" HDTVs, 3D technology, and plasma models? Be sure to read through and bookmark our entire Black Friday 2012 Predictions feature.

The best way to make the most of Black Friday savings is to be prepared. So we're kicking off the holidays early at dealnews with our fifth annual Black Friday deal predictions, compiled by our expert staff. If you're wondering how low big-screen HDTVs can go, how much you'll have to spend on a decent laptop, or whether you'll actually see a discount on an iPad, then you've come to the right place. We also have predictions for smartphones, eBook readers, toys, game systems, apparel, and even travel.

Apple's iPhone 5 remains the talk of the town from its raved-about Retina display to iOS 6 mapplegate. But Apple isn't the only 4G kid on the smartphone block. There is an assortment of Android and Windows 4G phones that give the iPhone a run for its money.

Whether you're a Starbucks spender or a Dunkin' drinker, free coffee should never be taken for granted. Because we believe loyal customers should be rewarded for their repeat business, we're looking at the perks from some of our favorite coffee shops.

October is a strange month for shopping since it's within a stone's throw of the biggest shopping event of the year: Black Friday. But that's not to say you can't score some impressive deals this month. We've mined the extensive dealnews archives of sales, coupons, and individual products from the past few seasons to put together your October Buying Guide.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about the iPhone 5, Amazon, and Nexus Tablets? Well neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

With October just days away, it's almost no surprise that we are seeing the first alleged Black Friday 2012 ads. Not only might holiday shopping begin even earlier this year, but consumers should start to gear up for what to expect from this year's Black Friday deals.

Chores, bills, and incessant trips to and from soccer practice got you down? Let Peter Pan Syndrome come over you while simultaneously making your kids' dreams come true with a fun-filled getaway to Orlando and Miami, Florida.

Office-supply giant Staples outlined a major restructuring plan last Tuesday that has big implications for its foreseeable future. It intends to funnel $250 million into the development and integration of its online and mobile presence. But what will this mean for consumers?

An avid dealnews reader certainly knows how to land a good vacation package deal. But if you're not keen on the usual hot spots and aren't sure where to go, then consider taking a cue from the travel pros. We've got tips from those in the know about five affordable destinations that you may have overlooked.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 229 is ready for it's closeup, Mr. DeMille. This week, Apple Maps App gets shredded by an angry Internet, the Wii U goes on sale and sells out, Barnes & Noble announces video content, Fox starts distributing digital movies earlier and for less money, and more.

As more and more 4G LTE smartphones hit the market, we have begun to see marked improvements in coverage for the fourth generation (aka 4G) of mobile technology and data networks. But the quality of a 4G connection depends on the smartphone, carrier, and location — making it important to look at exactly what 4G can do for you.

Sure, Thanksgiving is a good nine weeks away, and planning for the holiday might be far from your thoughts. But now's the time to talk turkey, especially if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for holiday travel. Here's why.

For the hardcore, long distance hiker, the weight of a pack can make or break an excursion, which means some of the luxuries of home have to be left behind. But with the BioLite CampStove, campers can enjoy both a stove and a charging station for their devices. But is it too good to be true?

Tired of rifling through the endless assortment of rewards cards in your wallet? Instead, you can transform your smartphone into a mobile wallet, granting you easy access to all of your credit, debit, and consumer appreciation cards. Much like choosing between a money clip and a leather tri-fold wallet, there are a number of mobile wallet apps to choose from.

The fearless and fun Molly Wood, Executive Editor at CNET, paused during her hectic schedule (is it ever slow in techland?) to share her five must-have gadgets with us.

It's about that time again: time to head to Las Vegas to bask in all the unapologetic glitz and gluttony that Sin City has to offer! This time around, take advantage of hotel deals that bundle VIP passes to buzzed about nightclubs and all-you-can-eat buffets, or include food, drink, and other resort credits that will make your trip all the more cost-effective.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Adele, Microsoft, Half Life, and Resident Evil? Well neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

With its brisk weather and colored leaves, fall is a beautiful time of year. But if you're not prepared, the cold air will soon invade your home, and those lovely leaves can make a mess of your gutters and yard. Make sure you're equipped for those upcoming fall chores with these tips and tools.

With the holiday season just a few months away, Toys "R" Us is gearing up to earn a place on its own 15 Fabulous Toys list with the October 21 release of its own Tabeo 7" 4GB WiFi Android Tablet. Priced at $150, how does this kids' tablet stack up against its child-friendly brethren, as well as full-fledged "adult" tablets that cost just a little more?

The dealnews Podcast Episode 228 is here, so put out your best china and light a scented candle. This week, we tell you everything you need to know about the recent Apple announcement (and some things you don't need to know), including details on the new iPhone 5, new iPods, new EarPods, iOS features, and more.

How many times have you been excited by a hotel or airfare sale that advertises an unbelievable price, only to be disappointed when you can't seem to find that low rate? We feel your pain, so we've put together these budget vacation strategies so that you can confidently find and book the lowest priced airfare, hotel, and car rental deals available.

Few things in sports are as elusive as an accurate golf shot. Improving the percentage of proper strikes per round is a challenge to all golfers. To aid in your quest for the best golf gadgets to improve your game, we've rounded up some trendy golf gear and reviews, to help you decide whether the benefits outweigh the cost.

The $200 mid-size tablet market is brimming with name brand tablets, and the latest edition to the mix is Amazon's new Kindle Fire HD. Coming in a variety of flavors — and price points — we scanned the Internet to see how it stacks up in reviews so far.

Another NFL season has arrived! Tailgating is fun, but attending games is even better — especially when you can secure great stadium seats without selling the jersey on your back. Here are some tips on how to get the best seats at the best prices, so you can help root your team to victory.

If any tech news is stealing thunder from Apple unveiling of the iPhone 5, it's the announcement of the long-long-long-awaited Wii U! The newest console in the Nintendo family is finally on its way, slated to hit stores in time for the holiday shopping season. But don't whip out your credit card to preorder it just yet.

Feel like relaxing on the beach or playing a round of golf? You can do both on your Carolina vacation. And there's no need to decide between North Carolina and South Carolina with these great deals on hotels in both states.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Doctor Strange, patent lawsuits, and Apple? Well neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

With its new specs and design, the iPhone 5 is sure to be in the hands of many fanboys and girls shortly. But should you upgrade to the iPhone 5 for $199? Or is a $0 or $99 iPhone a better bet?

The new iPod touch sure does look pretty! But with prices starting at a hefty $299, are the improved internal specs and larger storage worth it when you can buy a full-fledged tablet for less?

Apple's latest (and self-proclaimed greatest) updates to the iPhone and its line of iPods includes a "revolutionary" Lightning port that's 80% smaller than the previous 30-pin connector. This tiny change will also likely knock down the prices of older iPhone accessories.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 227 is hitting the Inter-waves. Be the first of your friends to surf on over to it and listen. But don't wipe out. Instead hang 10! Er... And other surfing terms and catch-phrases! This week, we go into detail about the new Amazon Kindles and Kindle Fires. Also included: Our usual banter and jokes, too. Enjoy!

A few helpful accessories can make your photography hobby a much more pleasurable experience — but not every burgeoning photographer has the cash to spend on extra gear. That's why we've put together this list of the best camera accessories priced under $20.