Features Archives for 2012

dealnews Podcast - Episode 222: Phablets or Tablones?

The dealnews Podcast Episode 222 is absolutely phabulous this week. Discussed is the Amazon Phone, Google's Nextus Q Ball, tablet satisfaction, iPad mini hype, phablets, tablones, and more.

Published August 8, 2012

Amazon's New Cloud Player Presents a Direct Challenge for iTunes

As competition for the cloud heats up, Amazon and Apple will duke it out. More free storage and greater accessibility are the latest from Amazon. What can we expect from Apple?

Published August 8, 2012

Beat the Heat and Defeat Evil with These 5 Video Game Deals

By Martin Schneider, dealnews contributor

While most parents are focusing on getting their kids ready for back to school, the kids are likely looking for any way to prolong the summer. That's where these video games deals come in!

Published August 8, 2012

Las Vegas: How to Book the Cheapest Rates at the Most Discounted Hotels

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews Senior Feature Writer

From bachelorette parties to business conventions, Las Vegas is one of the country's busiest cities. We've analyzed the past two years worth of Vegas deals to find out when visitors can book the cheapest rates, what hotels offer the best deals, and what kind of freebies you can snag on your next visit to Sin City.

Published August 7, 2012

Rumor Roundup: Apple Investing in Twitter? iPhone for $800?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

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

Published August 6, 2012

Will Netflix Sink or Swim?: Profits Increase, But Traffic & Subscribers Drop

The competition in the digital content arena is steep, as Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, and Vudu all vie for consumers. And we wonder, can Netflix really become "the world's most popular TV show and movie service"?

Published August 6, 2012

Seek Out Some Rest and Relaxation at a Resort in Mexico

Mexico's proximity to the U.S. is a deal-seeking traveler's dream; our amigo to the south provides us with ample opportunity to score inexpensive flights and hotels. And while you may think of Mexico as a haven for partiers, we've got a wealth of deals on relaxing resorts to help you escape the daily grind.

Published August 3, 2012

How Does Walmart's VUDU Movie Streaming Service Stack Up?

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

It's hard to imagine an area of retail or consumer electronics that eludes the notice, or the reach, of Walmart. And now that includes the cloud: Walmart's VUDU, a digital media delivery service that allows you to stream movies and other content to a number of devices, has its pros and cons.

Published August 3, 2012

Common Money-Saving Mistakes That Can Cost Big Bucks

By Naomi Mannino, dealnews contributor

Saving money is on everybody's minds these days, but beware! Not every money-saving technique will pay off; in fact, some could cost you more in the end. Here are six common pitfalls consumers make in an attempt to save money.

Published August 2, 2012

Can the Rumored Amazon Smartphone Be Groundbreaking Like the Kindle Fire?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

Amazon is reportedly testing and developing its own smartphone, to be potentially released later this year. And while very, very little is known about what the device will feature, many believe that it will boast a competitive price tag. But is that enough to make it as groundbreaking for the smartphone market as the Kindle Fire was for the world of tablets?

Published August 2, 2012

dealnews Podcast - Episode 221: Have The Olympics Let The Consumer Down?

The dealnews Podcast Episode 221 is poised at the starting line, awaiting a pistol-shot to get going. (The pistol-shot, in this case, is you pressing "play" to hear all about Olympic complaints, iPhone 5 rumors, and more.

Published August 1, 2012

The Best and Worst Things to Buy in August

By Lindsay Sakraida, dealnews Features Director, with contributions from Louis Ramirez

While efficient bargain shopping is often dictated by the economic tide, many merchants faithfully follow certain annual sale trends. A better understanding of these patterns means a steady stream of savings for consumers. So, we've put together a list of the best and worst things to buy in August to help you get started.

Published August 1, 2012

9 Must-Have Tool Deals for Your College-Bound Kid

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

You may be prepping your matriculating college student with new sheets and a shiny laptop, but a necessity that's oft-overlooked is a tricked out tool box for all those times their budget-friendly keepsakes fall apart. We've got deals on several basic tools that every student (and everyone else, for that matter) needs for their first tool box.

Published July 31, 2012

How the Drought Will Impact Your Wallet: Expect Increases on Milk, Corn, Beef

By Laura Heller, dealnews contributor

The rains have finally come to the Midwest, but for many farmers it's too little and too late to save their crops — and the result will in turn be higher prices at the grocery store. So what does a budget-conscious consumer have to look forward to?

Published July 31, 2012

Rumor Roundup: New iPhone Dock Connector and Adapter? Facebook Phone?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Apple, Facebook, and Apple (again)? Well neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures!

Published July 30, 2012

The Rise and Fall of the iPod: Deals Become Scarce, Dropping 50% in a Year

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews Senior Feature Writer

The iPod's reign is coming to an end. Plummeting sales, the rise of convergence devices, and Apple's own iPad are all contributing to the iPod's rapid decline. So is this the inglorious end for the once status-symbol device? Here's what our deals have to say.

Published July 30, 2012

Taking it Easy in the Big Easy: Deals on New Orleans Hotels and Activities

By Paula Kerrigan, dealnews staff writer

Craving a taste of the rich, thriving culture of New Orleans? The Big Easy can also be easy on your wallet with these deals we found on hotels, vacations, and activities.

Published July 27, 2012

8 iPhone Productivity Apps You Shouldn't Live Without

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

We've already covered the essential apps for the new iPad. Now it's time to sort through the hundreds of thousands of iPhone apps to find which ones for productivity you shouldn't be smartphoning without.

Published July 27, 2012

5 Types of Retailers that Could Be Threatened by Amazon Same-Day Delivery

By Laura Heller, dealnews contributor

Amazon's same-day delivery sounds like an online shopper's dream — but it could pose a significant threat to certain types of brick and mortar retailers. Here's our list of the five product categories that are most seriously at risk.

Published July 26, 2012

The 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook May Finally Debut July 31 ... for $550?

After a prolonged failure to launch, Research In Motion's 4G LTE Blackberry PlayBook is igniting chatter once again, as rumors spread of a July 31 debut. But at $550, is it too little too late?

Published July 25, 2012

10 Reasons Not to Buy an iPad Instead of a Laptop for a College Student

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

If you're a parent of a college-bound kid, you're probably preparing to ship your offspring to university with the tools they need for a proper education. But we advise that their supplies don't include an iPad. Here's why.

Published July 25, 2012

CrossFit Your Way to a Healthier, Hotter, and Happier You  

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

CrossFit is a workout regiment, a national competition, a social activity, a magazine, a community, and more.   But at its most basic, CrossFit involves a series of short-interval exercises that, done day after day, will result in a overall stronger, fitter you. Here's how you can get started.

Published July 24, 2012

To Share or Not to Share? Comparing AT&T and Verizon's Shared Data Plans

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews Senior Feature Writer

Like it or not, shared data plans may be the future of the telecommunications industry. But are these plans real money savers or will you end up paying more out of pocket each month? We look at those offered by AT&T and Verizon to find out.

Published July 24, 2012

Rumor Roundup: Thin PlayStation 3? Thin iPhone 5? Spice Girls?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

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

Published July 23, 2012

8 More States Added to Amazon's Sales Tax Roll. Will It Tax the Online Giant?

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

By the end of 2014, Amazon will charge sales tax to customers in 14 states. Will this added fee affect the online giant's bottom line by straining that of its customers?

Published July 23, 2012

A YBUY Executive Explains the Company's Try-Before-You-Buy Revolution

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

Are you ever hesitant to buy an expensive new piece of technology online before you can try it out in person? Perhaps you should look into YBUY, a new try-before-you-buy subscription-based service. We spoke to the technology officer at YBUY to find out how it works, how much it costs, and if there are any deals to be had.

Published July 20, 2012

Tackle Your International Wanderlust with These Cheap Global Travel Deals

Sure, domestic trips and staycations provide an essential break for those of us on the hunt for a getaway of modest proportions, but what about when you're ready to make a bigger splash across the pond? We've got international travel on the brain, which means ample chances to satisfy your every European, Latin American, or Caribbean whim!

Published July 20, 2012

Best Travel Deals: 1-Way Flights from $54, 5-Night Barbados Package for $1,001

By Joshua Nichol-Caddy, dealnews contributor

Pack your bags, ladies and gentlemen. It's time for a vacation. This week's roundup of the best travel deals features 1-way flights throughout the U.S. and Caribbean and significant savings on hotel stays from Hotels.com.

Published July 19, 2012

Dude, You Must Chill!: The Cost of Cooling Your Car When the A/C Goes AWOL

By Dan Leadbetter, dealnews staff writer

This summer's record-breaking heat has been making headlines for weeks. But what'll you do if the A/C in your car goes caput? Here are a few ways to stay cool in your car sans air conditioning.

Published July 19, 2012

Rumored Kindle Fire 2 Could Bring New Price Cuts to the Original Kindle Fire

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews Senior Feature Writer

Rumors of a new Kindle Fire have been around since the start of the year, and pressure is on Amazon to sell a tablet that's both better built and cheaper than the Nexus 7. But just how low can the Kindle Fire 2 go and what kind of discounts will the original Kindle Fire receive?

Published July 19, 2012

dealnews Podcast - Episode 220: Ouya? OH YEAH!

The dealnews Podcast Episode 220 is here to teach you a thing or two. Lessons from Apple, Ouya, Netflix, and more.

Published July 18, 2012

The Best and Worst "As Seen on TV" Products

By Mitch Lipka, dealnews writer

Not all "As Seen on TV" products are junk. There are a few gadgets that pitchmen have made staples in our every day lives. But to find these essentials, you've got to sort through misses. Here are our top 10 best and worst As Seen on TV products.

Published July 18, 2012

How to Be Prepared for a Power Outage: Provisions  and Preparations

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

With crazy summer weather across much of the country, take a minute and ask yourself if you and your family are prepared for a blackout. Here's a list of steps you can take and items you should have to ensure you're prepared for a time without electricity.

Published July 17, 2012

Pimpin' Your PC: Cheap, Do-It-Yourself Computer Modifications

By Dan Leadbetter, dealnews staff writer

The personal computer has almost replaced the automobile with regard to being the first thing a kid customizes. We all know how to upgrade to a faster processor, more RAM, etc. But have you thought about DIY customization to your PC's looks?

Published July 17, 2012

And the Award for the Most Deal-Friendly Cruise Line Goes to...

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews Senior Feature Writer

We have good news for cruise lovers. While the industry as a whole took a beating at the start of the year, here at dealnews we've noticed that one company in particular has been offering consistently aggressive deals since January: Carnival Cruise Lines.

Published July 16, 2012

Rumor Roundup: The Rectangular iPod nano Is Back?! Amazon Phone? More?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

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

Published July 16, 2012

Meet Ouya: The $99 Android Console That Brings Free Mobile Games to Your TV

Oh yeah, Ouya. The $99 moddable video game console is ready to unseat the big three video game makers, or so says the $4 million-and-counting Kickstarter campaign. Here's what you need to know about the newest hardware in gaming.

Published July 16, 2012

From Jetpacks to Galaxys: The Tech Universe of Engadget's Darren Murph

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

While most of us scratch our heads as the big manufacturers foist countless digital goodies into the marketplace, intrepid journalists like Engadget's Darren Murph jump into the fray, ready to try, test, and pass judgment. Here are the top five gadgets he won't leave home without.

Published July 13, 2012

Microsoft CEO Says the Company Will Get Its Groove Back by Becoming Apple

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in an interview this week that the company wouldn't "leave any space uncovered to Apple," suggesting the software giant is going to lean more heavily on competing in the hardware realm. The Windows 8-based Surface tablet is the first example of this, but can Microsoft really compete against Apple in this capacity?

Published July 12, 2012

How to Pack a Suit Without a Garment Bag

By Lindsay Sakraida and Emily Dovi

Why bother traveling with a clunky garment bag? You can avoid wrinkles and travel lighter if you know how to pack a suit in your carry-on.

Published July 12, 2012

dealnews Podcast - Episode 219: Apple Hates the Environment!

The dealnews Podcast Episode 219 has arrived to save you from the drudgery of your usual podcasts! Thrill as we talk about being disappointed by Google+ Events! Chill as we talk about all-you-can-read magazine subscriptions! Spill as we lambaste Apple for killing the environment! (And more!)

Published July 11, 2012

Back to School Sales Guide: When to Buy Dorm Room Goods, Clothes, more

Retailers may already be rolling out back to school sales, but that doesn't mean you have to rush out and buy your supplies immediately. We analyzed our archives to see what kind of deals you can expect to find on select campus essentials in the coming weeks, as well as when you should buy them.

Published July 11, 2012

5 Android Tablet Deals: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 with $50 Gift Card for $250, more

By Joshua Nichol-Caddy, dealnews contributor

Apple's iPad is seeing a lot of competition these days, with big brands getting into the market with top-of-the-line tablets at prices that don't hurt your bottom line. Today's roundup of the best recent Android tablet deals includes a storewide sale at Walmart and models starting at $60.

Published July 10, 2012

Back to School Laptop Buying Guide: How to Score a Bundle Deal

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews Senior Feature Writer

Now that summer is in full swing, retailers are gearing up for their annual back to school sales, and that means one thing: Discounted laptops. Based on previous back to school sales, we've found that laptop bundles can provide a great value if the extras appeal to you and your student. We've created a buyer's cheat sheet that lets you know ahead of time which bundles are worth looking for and what you can expect to pay for them.

Published July 10, 2012

8 Simple Auto Repairs that Save Big Bucks in the Long Haul

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

The red warning light on your dash can ruin your day, but putting off dealing with it can not only be dangerous, but costly. These eight minor repairs warrant your immediate attention and will save you from losing money in the long haul.

Published July 10, 2012

Video Game Buying Guide: When Can You Get Deals on New Titles?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

Is your gaming limited by the size of your wallet? In our video game buying guide, we tell you the best times to buy new games, what kinds of discounts to look for, and how long you have to wait. After all, gaming should be about putting holes in the bad guys, not your budget.

Published July 9, 2012

Rumor Roundup: Quad-Core iPhone? Facebook "Want" Button? More?

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

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

Published July 9, 2012

Hot Florida Vacation Deals: Challenge Accepted

Ah, Florida. Scantily clad bodies. Fruity drinks with umbrellas. And lots and lots of sunshine. In the spirit of summer, as well as TV's favorite over-the-top ladies man, Barney Stinson (who we know would fit right in to the scintillating state), we say: "Swim-suit up!" people. It's time to get serious about that Florida vacation. We found deals on hotels, airfare, and fun-in-the-sun activities that'll take your summer vacation from awesome to LEGEN ... (wait for it) ... DARY!

Published July 6, 2012

App Stats and Trivia in Celebration of the iTunes App Store's 4th Birthday

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

It's hard to believe that the iTunes App Store, and thus the concept of the smartphone app itself, is just four years old this July. We're marking the occasion by rounding up all sorts of stats, facts, and trivia on the almighty smartphone app.

Published July 6, 2012

13 Things You Should Always Get for Free

There are few things more thrilling for a deal shopper than getting something for free, and luckily there are certain categories that are regularly flush with gratis promotions. From smartphones to restaurant food, here are the 13 things you should make sure you're getting for free.

Published July 5, 2012