Sansa Shaker (MP3 Player) - only $15, shipped

The red 1 GB Sansa Shaker is only $15 (including shipping) right now. If you aren't familiar with this MP3 player, it's a great one for children or to set on your desk at work.

The player has a built in speaker that would be sufficient for podcasts and is better than most small radios. My daughter uses this in her bedroom and the music can be heard all around the room with this tiny speaker. The Shaker comes with a 1GB SD card, but you can load additional cards and swap them out when needed or use larger cards. I have over 200 songs on one of my 1GB players, so even if you only use the provided card, quite a few songs fit on it.

This rugged little player is also fun to use. It has a single button that you press and hold to turn it on. The same button will turn off the player or put the music on pause. If you want to change songs, you do that by holding the button and shaking the player up and down. (See why it's named the Shaker now?) You can also change songs with a dial on the bottom and control volume with a dial on the top. The MP3 player runs on a single AAA battery and has average battery life or around 8 hours with the speaker. It would probably be longer with headphones. We're using rechargeable batteries in ours.

After buying one of these for my daughter a couple of months ago, my husband and I were so impressed that we wished we had gotten more. Now we'll be ordering a couple of extras, one for work and a 2nd as a backup in case she wears out her MP3 player. (It gets a LOT of use!)

97 Cent Shipping - Receive by Christmas!! (Today Only)

Here's the latest news from Walmart.com:

We are going to finish up the online holiday season in style with 97 cent shipping on top items in multiple categories! The last minute shopper will be able to find that special gift and save with 97 cent shipping and have it delivered just in time to go under the tree (December 24th Delivery). Additionally, 97 cent shipping will be available only on 12/18 for ALL items in the following categories: GPS, Digital Cameras, and MP3 Players!

Usually I try to stick with sales that are more than 50% off, but if you've been putting off your shopping and need to get something to your home before Christmas, this is a good offer. Walmart usually has competitive prices, so you probably won't find the same pricing elsewhere, especially on short notice. If you're not sure what to get, look over some of the top 10 selling items in each section to see what other shoppers are choosing this season.

The camera pictured above is a Canon 7.1 MP PowerShot A570 IS Digital Camera. It comes bundled with an all-in-one photo printer (Canon PIXMA MP470) and a bonus pack of 70 sheets of 4x6 photo paper to get you started. This would be great for someone who doesn't have a digital camera yet and would like to start with something easy to use. The bundled printer is convenient for making prints right at home and even before your guests leave your Christmas party!

Other items items with .97 shipping:

• ALL MP3 Players
  
  
• Top 10 Toys
  
  
• Top 10 GPS Units
  
  
• ALL Digital Cameras
  
  

Webcam - only $9.99 (USB 2.0, Vista Ready)

This Sabrent SBT-WCCK Color Webcam has a built-in microphone and is VISTA ready. With this webcam, you can take snapshots or create videos. Some users report using it for skype, video conferencing with coworkers, or just chatting with friends and family far away.

This webcam captures images in 24-bit color. It mounts easily to a PC monitor or notebook. Because the camera is connected to your computer via USB, installation is simple! Included software allows you to view your images right on your computer. Send video via MSN, ICQ and more with this simple yet efficient webcam.


Specifications

• 1/5th-inch CMOS sensor
• Infrared filter lens coating
• 42-degrees Field of view
• 5mm to Infinity focal distance
• 5.6mm f/2.0 Aperture
• USB interface
• Snapshot button
• Manual focus ring
• LED power indicator
• CIF at 30 frames per second (fps)
• H.323/H.324 video conferencing compliant

The average rating of this camera is 4 out of 5 stars. Some people reported having trouble with it and others think it is great. Seeing that the average is pretty good and the camera is simple to use, I would get this if I needed something simple and convenient for occasional use.

Noise Canceling Headphones $39.99 (selling elsewhere for more than $100)

These Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones (980409-0403) are being sold for only $39.99 right now at TigerDirect. We found these same headphones - with an identical part number - at BHPhoto for $99.95 and at buy.com for $149.99.

If you've considered getting noise canceling headphones before, now is the time! These have exceptionally good ratings and reviews from users on all three of the sites mentioned above. People comment on using them to minimize motor noise on a bus and drown out various household sounds as well as being impressed with the sound quality and light-weight design.

Additional Description:
With SilentSound™ high-parametric noise canceling technology and custom-fit ear cushions, Logitech's Noise Canceling Headphones reduce outside distractions so you can enjoy each word and every note. Large 40mm neodymium drivers produce crisp, dynamic sound when you're in the mood for music, while the detachable audio cable allows you to create a quiet environment when you're not. Perfect for travel, the Noise Canceling Headphones also include an adapter for airplane audio systems and a protective carrying case so you can stow them in your carry-on.

HP Computer Sale - 30% to 45% off

Just in time for Christmas, HP is offering several great deals. Click through to HP's store and read the specs on some of these computers. One of these deals is sure to match what you need. It's a great time for an upgrade.

Ending Dec 8 2007:

• 30% off HP Pavilion Desktop PC - good for computers regularly priced $799 and up. Must use coupon code DT6030.
  
  
• 30% off HP Pavilion Notebooks - applies to laptops priced $999 or greater. Use coupon code NB3075
  
  

Ending Dec 15 2007:

• Budget deal: Customized HP Pavilion Desktop starting at only $299.99
  
  
• HP Pavilion Desktop$400 off with coupon code DT9949 - applies to PC's priced $999 and up
  


• $450 off HP Pavilion d4996t, m9000z or m9000t Desktop PC - Use coupon code DT4996.
  
  

Computers are bigger ticket items than I usually post, but I decided to share these discounts after considering that people often shop for computers and electronics as Christmas gifts. I have purchased HP computers several times and have been happy with them. The lower cost notebooks don't feel quite as rugged as some of the higher priced competition, but you'd have a tough time beating these specs for the same price.

Belkin FM Transmitter $7.99 (was $49.99)

In what they are calling a Black Friday III promotion, buy.com is offering a Belkin F8V367 TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter for only $7.99. They show the list price as $49.99. I have a transmitter that looks similar, but is a no-name brand rather than a Belkin. Even my cheap knockoff of the Belkin Tunecast cost more than $20. My copycat version may get replaced today. :)

Get one of these before they're gone. With the sale today, the sales rank has jumped from #1169 yesterday to #1 today. That's an increase of 116,800%!


What Does It Do?

Just in case these are new to you, let me briefly explain what they do. You would plug the transmitter into your MP3 player's headphone jack. Then (on the transmitter) you choose an FM station to broadcast to and tune in that station on your radio. Voila! The music from your little MP3 player comes out of the radio's speakers. This is great in the car.

1GB SD Memory Card - $10, free shipping

Need some extra memory for your digital camera? This 1 GB SD card from Kingston is only $10 and shipping is free. If you haven't used Google checkout, you can take advantage of that offer and the card will come to your home for $0.00. This is one of the top selling items (#3) at buy.com right now, so hurry, before they sell out.

With 109 user reviews on the site and a rating of 4.5/5, this card is a safe bet. I have a couple of these for my camera and have never had a problem with them.

Samsung Laser Printer $59.99 (reg $120)

The Samsung ML2510 Monochrome Laser Printer regularly sells for $119.99, but through December 10th, you can get it for $59.99 after instant savings and rebates. The checkout price of $99.99 includes a $20 instant rebate and then you send in a $40 mail in rebate after you receive the printer. Other sites such as CompUSA, CDW and PC Mall are selling this same model for $120-$138 without a rebate offer available.

This printer can turn out up to 25 pages per minute. It's a monochrome (greyscale, not color) printer, but if you don't need to print photos, this is a nice choice. At my house, we have both a monochrome laser printer and a color inkjet printer. Since the laser is a lot faster and has a lower cost per page, it gets used the most.


Specifications
Print Method: Black/White Laser
First Page Output Time: 8.5 Seconds
Resolution: 1200 x 600 DPI
Print Speed: Up to 25 PPM
Dimensions: 13.9"W x 11.7"D x 9.7"H
Connectivity: USB 2.0 / IEEE1284
Standard Paper Input: 250 Sheets (multipurpose tray)
Standard Paper Output: 100-Sheets Face Down
Duplex Printing: Manual
Paper Sizes Supported: 3" x 5" to 8.5" x 14"
Processor: 150 MHz
Memory Included: 8MB Memory


When you're on the site adding this to your cart, don't forget to download the rebate form. It's by the "Add to Cart" button near the bottom of the page.

Targus Laptop bag - $14.99 (was $79.99)

At buy.com, they have a special on a
Targus 15.4" Laptop/Notebook Bag. They list the retail as $79.99. We found it at Circuit City for $41. The sale price using the link above though, is only $14.99!

We use Targus bags and they have outlasted other brands. If you need a new laptop bag, we highly recommend this one. Between the quality of the Targus brand and the great price, it's a very good choice.

Oh, and if you haven't used Google Checkout yet, you could use it for this order to bring your total price down to $4.95!

JVC In-Ear Headphones - over 70% off

JVC In-Ear Headphones from Circuit City

Click here to buy

These headphones are regularly priced at $29.99 and are on sale for $7.99. They have a soft foam design, comfortable fit and reduce ambient noise. The average review score is currently a 3.7 out of 5 stars. Here's what one of the reviewers had to say:

These headphones are great! I bought them yesterday and I'm already loving these. They're great if you don't want to hear anything else other than your music, these are for you. They block out all the other sounds so you can enjoy your music without any interruptions. They also have a stylish color!

You can get free shipping on these if you order more than $24 worth of products. You could also save the shipping fee by ordering them for in-store pickup.

Motorola Bluetooth Headset - $19.99

Motorola H500 Bluetooth Headset

These Motorola Bluetooth headsets are refurbished and are being sold at a great price. The list price on the site shows as $99.99. I've seen them being sold elsewhere for less than that, but not nearly as low as the current asking price of $20.


Here is some information about it, but you can find more by clicking the link above:

For users who demand superior performance and good value, the H500 offers the best of both because of longer talk times with a more stylish, compact and comfortable design all at a reasonable price. This headset is both discreet and stylish, yet highly functional. The overall compact size and lightweight of this headset allows for easy storage when not in use. Also, the lengthy talk and standby times include up to 8 hours of talk time or 150 hours of standby time from a single full charge (travel charger included).

GeForce Graphics Card - only $24.99 after rebate

Sparkle GeForce 7300 GT 512MB PCIe


Sparkle GeForce 7300 GT Video Card - 512MB DDR2, PCI Express, SLI Ready, PCI Express, DVI, VGA, HDTV, Video Card

Price: $69.99
Rebate: $45.00
Final Price: $24.99

There is a limit of one rebate per household. The card needs to be purchased between 9/1 and 9/30. You can find the rebate form and instructions here.

After checking around for current pricing and seeing this price beat everywhere else, I put in an order. The reviews on this card are very positive. One of these will be going into my machine very soon.

TiVo - free after $170 rebate!

TiVo R54080 Series2 Digital Video Recorder - Up to 80 Hours Capacity! - R54080

If you've been thinking of getting a TiVo and hadn't made the jump yet, now is time to throw out that VCR. You can get this video recorder for free after the $170 rebate. You'll only pay the $15 shipping fee. I dug through the rebate form looking for the catch. Here it is: You are required to sign up for the TiVo service in order to qualify for the rebate. Since you need this service anyway if you're going to use the recorder, that's not really a problem. I guess this deal wouldn't be useful if you were upgrading your current TiVo, but as long as you are a new customer...

What is TiVo?
TiVo DVRs are like VCRs but with a hard disk and without the hassles of videotape. Think incredible digital quality. Think automatic recordings of your favorite shows, all season long. So you can watch what you want, when you want. Plug into the future of home entertainment.

Features
* Uses hard disk instead of video tape
* Automatic recording of favorite shows
* 2 USB expansion ports to allow viewing of digital photos & listening to digital music
* Includes easy-to-use remote
* Pause live TV
* Requires TiVo® subscription
* Works with basic or digital cable, small dish satellite receiver, rooftop antenna & rabbit ears
* Connects to your existing phone line to update TV listings
* 80 hrs recording time


What is Tivo KidZone?
Only TiVo offers TiVo(r) KidZone so you'll never be surprised by what your kids are watching. TiVo(r) KidZone lets you display just the shows you pre-approve for your kids, every time the TV is on-live or recorded. Only on TiVo! FIND: Discover new, high-quality kids' TV recommended by trusted children's organizations RECORD: Schedule recordings to appear in TiVo KidZone & keep the kids' shows separate from parents' CONTROL: Personalize settings and override industry ratings to decide what shows to allow/hide.

How Much Do TiVo Plans Cost?

Monthly plans range from $12.95 to $16.95 a month depending on the length of plan you choose when you sign up. Prepaid plans range from $179 to $299, also depending on the plan length. Click here for more details on TiVo plans.

Sansa MP3 Player - $29.99

One more music deal for ya...

Right now at buy.com you can get a Sandisk Sansa 1 Gig C140 MP3 Player for $29.99, shipped. If you haven't used Google checkout yet, you can use that and bring your total down to only $19.99!


About the MP3 Player

The C140 has a color screen, supports Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription music, has a digital FM player with 20 station presets and can do voice recording. There is even a photo viewer, but my experience is that the included software it is a little bit buggy and somewhat frustrating.

It runs on 1 AAA battery, which seems to last longer than other similar players I've used. It will run all day on one battery if you are just playing music. When you plug it into the computer (USB) to copy new songs that seems to really strain the battery. Overall, we're very happy with it's battery usage, but bought a cheap pack of rechargables to lower costs even further.

Although this is only a 1GB MP3 player, you can still fit quite a bit of music on it. The number of songs that it holds will depend on then length of songs and the bit rate of your mp3. I usually get about 200-250 songs on this size of player.


Music For Your MP3 Player

We use the Rhapsody To Go service for music both at home and on the go. I've been a Rhapsody subscriber for 3-4 years now and love the wide selection of music they have available. I mainly listen to Contemporary Christian Music, but haven't been disappointed with their huge library in other genres either.

The computer based service costs $9.95 a month and the To Go service is only an additional $5. I have the computer program installed on 3 computers. This allows each computer to have access to all of my playlists. The To Go service allowed us to authorize two MP3 players. We use these in the car, when we're exercising or when we want to take some music to a friend's house. I even keep a set of small speakers in my office at work and just plug in my Sansa when I get there - much better than listening to the radio! Click here to get a free 14-day trial of Rhapsody.

There are other similar services that may also work with the Sansa C140. The Rhapsody site has a nice comparison of the services.


Enjoy!
-Z

Portable iPod Speakers - $19.99 (was $99)

These Altec Lansing speakers retailed at $99, but are now marked down to $19.99 and they qualify for free shipping! This system is ultra-portable, battery powered and designed exclusively for the iPod mini. It is compatible with all Nano iPods.

Sometimes when I see these type of price drops, I wonder if there is something wrong with the product. Apparently that is not the case with this one. There are 126 reviews on the site and the overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Deal Alert: 2GB SD Memory Card $14.99

Right now, Amazon is offering a 2 Gigabyte SD card for only $14.99. If you order more than $25 from Amazon, shipping is free. This would be a great time to get 2 cards for your camera or maybe one memory card and a photography book or something from your wishlist.

Amazon shows the list price of this item as $49.99. I bought one of these a couple of months ago for around $40. It has worked perfectly in my camera and can hold a LOT of photos!