General

About two weeks ago, wireless Internet provider FreedomPop introduced the Overdrive Pro, a Sprint-powered 3G/4G mobile hot spot with a tantalizing price tag: $39.99 for the hardware, 500MB of data per month absolutely free, and low rates on additional data.

FreedomPop's previous products all relied solely on Clearwire's WiMAX network, which left users like me (who live where there's no coverage) out in the cold. But the Overdrive Pro changes that, and so I was excited to test-drive one.

Which I've been doing for the past few days. The good news is the Sierra … Read more

A couple weeks back we talked desktops, which many of you still favor for games and other graphics-intensive tasks.

Ah, but are you still trying to squeeze extra frames from an old, outdated video card -- or, worse, the integrated video subsystem that came with the machine?

For a limited time, Newegg has the XFX Double D FX-785A-ZDF4 Radeon HD 7850 video card for $159.59 shipped when you apply coupon code EMCYTZT3405 at checkout. Even better, you can get an additional $15 off via a mail-in rebate (PDF), for a grand total of $144.59.

That's already a … Read more

Clear your weekend -- you're going to be busy.

Busy installing software on your Mac, busy playing games on your PC or Android device, busy reading cool books about videogames. Yep, it's bundle time, and in the last few days I've seen an unprecedented five new ones hit the Interwebs. Let's get right to 'em:

MacPhun's collection includes seven eclectic Mac apps for $19.99. Combined value if purchased separately: $164.99. I'm not a Mac user, but I see a couple standouts in desktop-publishing app Swift Publisher and … Read more

I know I already did a projector deal this week, but I figured, while we're on the subject...

For a limited time, and while supplies last, BuyDig has the Optoma HD66 3D-ready projector for $437 shipped. (You'll see that price once you add it to your cart.) It's new, not refurbished, and normally runs at least $499. (Amazon is currently selling it for the same price, FYI.)

Whether for backyard use or your own man-cave home theater, projectors are awesome. This one delivers 720p resolution (1,280 x 720), same as a lot of smaller HDTVs. Obviously … Read more

Smartphones with touch screens? Great! Tablets with touch screens? Duh. But PCs with touch screens? Meh.

Recently I purchased a Lenovo IdeaPad U310 ultrabook, my first-ever touch-screen-equipped computer. I didn't necessarily want the feature, but figured I might as well give Windows 8 the benefit of the doubt. It was, after all, designed to be touched -- which explains why using it with a mere mouse and keyboard is such a dreadful experience. Plus, it was priced only about 50 bucks higher than its non-touch-screen sibling.

Having worked with the system for a couple weeks now, I'm ready … Read more

Last week I talked about creating a backyard theater on the cheap, an idea many of you found quite appealing. Of course, the key ingredient is the projector, and that can cost a pretty penny.

For a limited time, Epson has the refurbished PowerLite Home Cinema 8350 1080p projector for $899 shipped. It sells new for $1,299. Not wild about refurbs? Don't worry: this one comes with the exact same warranty as a new one: two years on the projector, 90 days on the lamp.

Now, if you read Friday's post, you'll no doubt recall that … Read more

A couple years back I had the chance to review an outdoor movie kit from Open Air Cinema. It was really cool, combining an HD projector, inflatable screen, sound system, and other gear -- but for a jaw-dropping price of around $5,500.

I think for that kind of money, I should be able to get actors to come to my back yard and perform live.

Fortunately, it's possible to assemble your own open-air cinema for a lot less.

Arguably the single most important element, and certainly the most expensive, is the projector. You want one that'… Read more

Recently my media-center PC died (well, the hard drive -- when you start seeing boot-screen messages about "imminent hard drive failure," believe them!). All those episodes of "Community" and "Once Upon a Time" I'd DVR'd for later viewing -- gone.

Hulu Plus to the rescue! Yeah, you have to sit through commercial breaks (albeit way shorter ones than during regular broadcasts), but it's still the best (and cheapest) way to watch first-run TV shows.

A typical Hulu Plus trial lasts just seven days, but for a limited time, StackSocial is offering … Read more

Regular Cheapskate readers know of my fondness for sound bars, which supplant the usually sucky speakers built into HDTVs with bigger, better, forward-facing audio.

One gripe with most bars, however, is the lack of bass. Another: price. Typically, these babies ain't cheap, especially if you opt for one with a subwoofer.

Exception! For a limited time, and while supplies last, Best Buy has the Vizio VSB210WS sound bar and wireless subwoofer for $84.99, shipped (plus sales tax where applicable). It originally sold for $349, currently lists for $259.99, and sells elsewhere for as much as $227.

Before … Read more