Features Archives for 2012

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.

It's only the first week of July, but before you know it, the summer will be nearly over. Don't let the season fly by without taking full advantage of everything it has to offer. We've got a handful of fun ways to make your summer special, and we've found great deals to enhance the experiences.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 218 gets Googley-eyed with a discussion of Google I/O, including Google+ Events, that Nexus Q thingy, the Nexus 7 Tablet, and more. Plus, we mention Wil Wheaton ... twice!

Does your state ban the sale and use of fireworks? Then check out our list of firework alternatives! Most of them are equally as dangerous and will result in a trip to the ER, anyway! So that's good?

In the newest twist in economy travel, long-standing department store Sears now wants to be your travel agent — and it's even willing to let you put that next vacation on layaway. Sears Vacations is the retailer's latest online initiative, and it's aimed at providing vacation packages similar to large travel aggregator sites. But are the deals worth your time?

Independence Day occurring midweek is a bummer for a number of reasons, but these 4th of July sales should make you happy. They're bursting with extended discounts on home goods, outdoor gear, apparel, and more.

Flat-water kayaking is a serene and cooling sport, perfect for summer. All you need is a kayak, a paddle, some provisions, and friends. We've got the deals you'll need for the proper gear, from the boat all the way through to the deck caddy. (However, you'll have to find friends on your own.)

This month's buying guide offers advice for shoppers during a month in which many sales may seem better than they are. So in order to protect your wallet and spend your money wisely, be sure to read through our July buying guide and shop smart this month.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Apple, Microsoft, and James Cameron? 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!

The Consumerist dishes consumer advice and activism with attitude, and fights many a battle with companies that treat consumers like cattle. We talked with Deputy Editor Chris Morran to find out his thoughts on the current state of customer service, and how to take action when companies replace courtesy and respect with incompetence and neglect.

Meet the Google Nexus Q, a spherical media streaming box (or bowling ball, if you prefer) that's a bit like the Apple TV and Roku, but costs three times as much. If it isn't a hit with consumers, our data suggests that it could see some quick cuts to the $299 price tag.

Predictive analytics could be preventing you from securing the best travel bargain ... especially if you book with Orbitz from a Mac.

Independence Day is a celebration of freedom; a time to enjoy family, friends, food, fireworks, and deals, of course! But since this year's holiday falls on a Wednesday, we wanted to address not only what kind of deals we anticipate seeing, but when you'll see 4th of July bargains begin.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 217 will enlighten and delight-en your day with information and humor about Windows tablet apps, Windows Phone 8 upgrades, Orbitz gouging Mac users, Best Buy showrooming, and more.

Samsung released its Galaxy S III smartphone last week to a crowd of eager consumers and reviewers. Here's what they had to say about the device, and how it stacks up to its competitors, the HTC One X and the iPhone 4S.

The heavens have intrigued mankind for millennia, and today's modern telescopes and optics allow us to easily explore the sky, Moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies that make up our universe. Here are some tips and deals to start stargazing.

With the rumored iPhone 5 supposedly undergoing a complete redesign that will include a new dock connector, all your cables and accessories could become useless. Is it worth the alleged better battery life and reception, or simply planned obsolescence?

Is the cost of fuel eating away at your summer vacation savings? You can save more than $1,600 a year in commuting costs by biking. And a great new bike doesn't have to set you back big bucks, either. Here's how to pedal home on a great bike with your wallet full.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Apple, Microsoft, and Star Wars? 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!

Americans spend more than $22 billion a year on electricity to cool their homes with air conditioning. And if you're shopping for a new air conditioner, you have quite a few things to consider. Here's a quick primer on how to stay cool and keep your wallet from overheating when picking out an A/C unit.

Hot town, summer in the city! The City of New York, that is. From the bright lights of Midtown Manhattan to the Rockaway Beaches, there's no more vibrant a time to visit the city that never sleeps. And though it can be an expensive place to live, we've found deals on airfare, hotels, and more, that make visiting NYC on a budget easy.

With its updated processor, slim redesign, and searing display, the MacBook Pro Retina is Apple's new go-to machine for power users. But is this pricey new notebook the future of the MacBook Pro, or is it just a small footnote in the Pro's evolution? And are the fancy features worth the money? We analyzed every major review, analyzed all the pros and cons, and summed up the necessary criticisms for your pre-shopping needs.

Microsoft has had a busy week. First, on Monday, it tossed its hat into the tablet ring by announcing its Surface Windows tablet. Then, yesterday, it released data about its Windows Phone 8 operating system — and to much dismay, it won't be available as an upgrade for existing Windows Phone 7 users.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 216 surfaces from the depths of the Internet to present a discussion of Windows 8 tablets, Google tablets, Amazon music matching service, and more.

Microsoft took a page from the Apple playbook this week when it scheduled a mystery announcement that resulted in the Surface Windows tablet, its first foray into slates. The new tablet-laptop hybrid will optimize the much anticipated Windows 8, and it will come in two flavors. But how does it stack up to the competition, namely the iPad?

Even the nicest, most expensive homes are protected by a skin less than a millimeter thick. Ah, the miracle of paint. If you keep your home's exterior paint in good condition, it can actually save you thousands in home repairs (as well as keep neighbors from gathering in your yard with pitchforks and torches, eager to rid the block of an unsightly blight). Repainting your house is not a casual, finish-in-a-day project, though, especially if you're going to do it right. Here are the steps you must take and the tools you should have at hand to give your home a facelift.

Just like cars, houses, and universities, the type of cruise you take is as much a reflection of your lifestyle and expectations as it is of your budget. So what kind of cruise is right for you, and with whom should you book? Here are 10 considerations a vacationer might have, paired with the line that answers them best.

Chances are that no matter how sophisticated your smartphone has become, you've probably been fed up at one time or another with limited calling plans or the cost of overages. But a new cell phone service called Ting aims to let you style your own plan to fit your usage needs; they'll even refund you for the data you don't use! But could it be too good to be true?

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane rumors about Apple, Miscrosoft, 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!

You probably spent months preparing for Mother's Day, right? We all do it. But when it comes to Father's Day, be honest, we all just assume we’re meeting up at home for a bit. But ya probably shouldn't show up empty-handed. Consider one of these absolutely last-minute gift ideas for Dad.

Anthony Scarsella, Gazelle's Chief Gadget Officer, knows his gadgets, spending countless hours toying with what's new and what's worth your time. So who better to consult on five must-have gadgets? Here's his take on five items that have made his life easier, and more enjoyable.

The cost of summer activities can add up quickly. Why not turn to lawn games that the whole family can play and, in some cases, not even break a sweat? Here are five games that cost little to play, yet offer hours of fun.

A bargain vacation package to your dream destination can often seem too good to be true. And sometimes it is. We examined some commonly overlooked (or outright hidden) costs to consider before booking any getaway.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 215 presents a turn-by-turn navigation of the Worldwide Developers Conference. Included: New MacBooks, iOS 6 features, and Mountain Lions. Also: Verizon's data sharing plans, Roku boxes, and more.

After months of rumors, Apple has finally given its MacBook Pro line a fresh coat of paint, including an update to the original as well as a distinctly new model deemed the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. Equipped with a thinner profile, beefed up video card, and high-res screen, the Retina model is pretty high-end — but is it worth the money?

Are you a runner? A cyclist? A swimmer? No matter what activity you choose, it's important to stay active for heart health. A home cardio workout is a great way to exercise, and there's a machine for everyone, too.

Apple refreshed its entire fleet of laptops yesterday, and before you sprint to the nearest Apple Store, we recommend waiting patiently for a modest discount. But how long will you have to wait, and how much can you save?

In the run up to WWDC 2012, the Internet has made so many claims about what Apple is working on. We've gone back into our archives and pulled up all those old rumors for you to re-enjoy, as you've never re-enjoyed them before. Then we slapped on a couple new rumors and called it a day. Actually, we called it our Apple Rumors Archive! Enjoy!

It may seem crazy, but when it comes to your desktop computer, water and electricity can actually work in your favor. The PC modding community has been water-cooling their personal computers for years, and it's caught on to the point that major manufacturers are selling self-contained water cooling kits. We dish out the details as to why, and how you can try the trend out for yourself.

Sometimes we put so much focus on Mother's Day gifts that we run low on ideas (and perhaps funds) for dear old dad come Father's Day. Luckily though, cool freebies abound this Dia de Los Daddies, if you know where to look. We've got a list of free stuff that will make your pappy happy, and you won't have to expend mucho dinero to do it.

Are you bored with the routine of everyday life? Sick of the rat-race? There's only one solution: Hawaii. With year-round temperatures of 85°F, postcard-perfect beaches, and laid-back people, Hawaii is the perfect place to sit back and let the cares of the world melt away. Make your fantasies of jetting off become a reality with some help from the cut-price deals we've found.

As expected, this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) was filled with lots of surprises and shake ups. While many were disappointed by the lack of information about the upcoming Wii U debut, Microsoft muscled its way in to steal the show with its new multiplatform SmartGlass app. We took a glance at the top E3 highlights to see what each of the major names in gaming have in store for the coming year.

Father's Day is almost here. To avoid an awkward situation (like dad crying in front of everyone — or, more likely, you catchin' a beating in front of everyone), here's a list of 12 awful gift ideas to avoid. Your dad won't say "Thank you," but you'll know that he knows that he was thinking it.

The dealnews Podcast Episode 214 will Inception your mind with consumer news. This week: E3 coverage including Wii U yawns, Sony books, Xbox SmartGlass, and more.

Every year, the sun returns from its winter hideout to zap you with magic rays that shrink clothes, shutter schools, and force BBQ in your face. Let this be the summer of apps!

Store credit cards usually aren't the best credit cards to have, especially if they offer just 3% back for purchases at flagship stores and only 1% when you shop elsewhere. But for people who frequently shop at one store and pay their balances in full each month, the perks of using a specific retailer’s credit card can be worthwhile. We researched the eight best store credit cards to own.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) starts on June 5. What that means is that all these gaming rumors that we've been hearing, recently, have a chance to become gaming TRUEmors. So come on, take a trip down rumor lane with us, as we review/regurgitate all the gaming rumors we've seen in recent times!

In just a few days, the gaming industry's biggest movers and shakers will unveil the year's most anticipated games and consoles at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). However, this year, rather than wait to see what E3 has to tell us about the state of gaming, we polled 1,551 of our own readers to find out what they're playing, how much they're spending, and what they think of the gaming industry today.

Aruba, Jamaica, ohh I want to — go there! Your relaxing resort getaway is just a few short hours away, whether you decide to travel by boat or plane. We've got the hottest hotel deals, too, for your vacation to the land of wood and water.