NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article

The Deals Column
by Bob Click, The Dealsguy, February 2002
Greater Orlando Computer Users Group
bobclick@dealsguy.com
(click to email author)


Who's Foreign?
Two months ago I included an item with the intention of promoting "Buy American." One of my proofreaders had concerns that since the column is international, I might offend some people. His concern was well taken, but I'll explain why I went ahead. I guess this column really is international for sure, but to my knowledge, the only other country I reach (with regard to sales) is Canada and I have a hard time thinking of Canadians as foreigners. I'm not aware if the column goes to other countries. I was born and raised about 15 miles from Canada and have visited Canada many, many, times. I also have many Canadian friends, and even belong to an organization in Sarnia, Ontario.

It's always been so easy to cross into Canada that I have a hard time thinking "foreign country." If you buy Canadian, I'll understand. In fact, at least one car I've owned was made in Canada. Canada is not a backward country and if they have people working for two dollars a day, I have not heard of it. Their work force makes a decent wage and many blue-collar workers are organized, so I assume workers are well treated. Not that crossing the border is just a "walk in the park" any more, but if you have nothing to hide, it is still no problem. I cannot imagine American and Canadian citizens having differences of any significance, especially since they are right next door. To many of my readers, Canada is a foreign country, but not to me.

Why not ask all those air travelers that became stranded in Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11 how they feel about Canadians. The Gander citizens welcomed them into their homes and made them feel comfortable until the planes were back in the air. That's why I say, "What Canadian foreigners?"

Gobe Problems
When I set up the Gobe Suite special last month, readers were supposed to be the only ones to see the $74.95 price, but problems with their "Web site store" software ended up letting everybody see the price, so they made it available to anybody until they solve the problem. Since then, a hacker has wreaked havoc with their Web site, so things have gone from bad to worse. They wanted you to know the circumstances, so please bear with them if you had trouble ordering.

Still Good
The Gobe special should still be good so go to [http://www.gobe.com/dealsguy.html]. The MedioStream DVD software is still good. [http://www.mediostream.com] Be sure to enter the discount code "COMDEX1" when you check out. The pcpinpoint troubleshooter deal is still good. [http://www.pcpinpoint.com] Use the "DealsGuy" code.

Turn Your Palm Into A Word Processor
Who says your Palm is just an organizer? No more! Blue Nomad is offering WordSmith for your Palm. WordSmith, co-developed by [http://www.BlueNomad.com] and Quik Sense Software, LLC [http://www.quiksense.com] is the most revolutionary, intuitive and full- featured word processor, doc viewer and enhanced memo pad available for the Palm organizer. Some features are:

  • 3 products in 1! Includes; a full-featured word processor, free electronic book reader and enhanced memo pad!

  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Word (Windows only).

  • Bi-directional conduit for Windows and Mac OS and command-line converters for Windows and Linux/Intel!

  • Excellent keyboard support - supports full speed touch-typing and menu navigation without tapping!

  • Cut, copy, paste, multi-paste, select all, undo, redo, find and more!

  • Bold, underline, italics and color fonts - preserved and functional on your organizer!

  • Beam, delete, duplicate, rename, save, save as, abandon changes and More!

  • Paragraph formatting, such as setting page breaks, indents and line spacing!

  • Support for bulleted lists.

  • Word count and Font styles, sizes and color - preserved and adjustable on the organizer! Even supports background colors, superscript, subscript and strikethrough.

Blue Nomad is offering DealsGuy readers a great discount via their Web site [http://www.bluenomad.com]. Normally $29.95, you get a $10 discount by using a coupon for this offer making it just $19.95. When you order WordSmith (add to cart, checkout) etc., you are required to fill in an order form (name, credit card, etc.), the second item on that form asks for a coupon code. Just enter the coupon code "wxgsclick" there. Enjoy!

Is Your Computer Desk All Cluttered?
Here is the answer to that one. Omega Frame [http://www.omegaframe.com/] is one of the ultimate organizers for the unorganized geek's computer desk. I've seen people's computer desk (including mine) literally covered with all kinds of slips of paper with notes scrawled on them, along with tons of other items laying all over. The Omega Frame is designed to fit on most monitors and has all kinds of clips etc., for hanging papers and other stuff.

It even includes a mirror to spot the boss watching while you work. There is "sticky note" space, document hangers, business card holders, a calendar and photo clips. Omega Frame attaches to your monitor with Velcro and will clean up your desk a lot. It fits monitors from 15 to 21 inches and is easy to attach or remove from the monitor.

They are offering us a discount during February and March. Instead of the MSRP of $29.95, my readers get it for just $19.95 + S&H. To order, e-mail your request to George Johnson [jenco@pacbell.net] and mention the "DealsGuy column" for ordering instructions. This is a bit different, but George prefers to handle these orders personally.

Good God -- Where Do I Carry All This Stuff -- I Know -- The Scott eVest
You heard right. I know people who have more electronic gadgets then you can shake a memory stick at. They have stuff coming out of every pocket and they love to use them and show them off to their friends, who are fascinated. The Scott eVest contains so many "nooks and crannies" that you would be hard pressed to have enough gadgets to fill them all. It's possible to discreetly carry a cell phone, pager, PDA, CD/MP3 player, digital camera, portable keyboard, GPS device, two-way radio, wallet, keys and even bottled water or soda, and more!

The vest has a Personal Area Network (PAN): patent-pending system of conduits for headphones/earbud and other connecting wires. That's right, passages built right into the vest for any connecting wires. It's actually an attractive piece of clothing, and its even water-repellent to keep your delicate electronics safe from Mother Nature.

People at Comdex were fascinated with the eVest so find out much more by visiting their Web site at [http://www.scottevest.com]. I liked the ongoing description on the home page. I told them about my readers and they were interested, even though they had never done this before. Here's the deal: The holiday special has been $99.99 (Regular price $119.99), but get this --- you folks can get it for only $89.99 during February (just one vest for that price, and while supplies last). S&H is based on destination and shipping method, ranging from about $10 to $15 for ground shipping.

Order on their Web site and enter the special code "DealsGuy" at checkout. My friend Bob Esch, of Dayton Microcomputer Assn., bought one at Comdex and was proudly showing it off. He said he unloaded his entire briefcase into the eVest to free both hands while touring Comdex!

*The September issue of the Macon Users Group's newsletter was a veritable treasure trove of good deals so I'll pass one on to you this month.

How About a Free CD Burner And MP3 Ripper!
Here is an alternative to the software you get with any CD-R/RW drive. Not that it is all bad, but there is more than one way to get the job done. Use MusicMatch to rip CD-quality MP3s and convert your records, tapes and CDs into MP3s with an easy one-step recording process. It lets you choose your recording formats with a choice of MP3, Windows Media Audio (WMA) or WAV files. MusicMatch is available at [http://www.musicmatch.com] just for the download time. Of course, if you want a step-up, they have a more deluxe version.

That's it for this month. Meet me here again next month if your editor permits. This column is written to make user group members aware of special offers I have found or arranged, and my comments should not be interpreted to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of products, no matter how enthused I might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click [Bobclick@dealsguy.com]. Visit my Web site at [http://www.dealsguy.com] for past columns. Also, interesting articles (taken from user group newsletters) to my "Articles of Interest" page for viewing or downloading.

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