Coupon & Deal Blog

Yesterday I wrote on things I wanted for Father’s Day. I tried to keep it simple, affordable and within reason. There was one glaring omission however. The item I would really like to have, is a new desktop computer. Not just any desktop mind you, but one that has a media focus. This desktop needs a large HD screen, it needs power, and it needs to be stylish because I would like it to become the central core of our home entertainment system. This in addition to handling every other function that you would like a computer to accomplish. Sound extravagant? Maybe a touch, but you would be surprised how affordable taking this route can be. Especially when compared to an older mode of thinking where one would purchase a television, dvd player, stereo and a computer. I’m thinking consolidation, and I really think this is the best way to go!

I started investigating, I found a few options that definitely stirred my interest. These being the new Dell Studio Desktop and the Dell Studio Hybrid.

The beauty of Dell is that they offer premium quality and great affordable prices, check out the following Dell discount codes! Their prices and free coupons certainly skew my decision, there are so many options and each of course has advantages.

So when shopping for a new desktop what should we consider? How can tally the score card, so a decision can be made? So much of this depends on what you are going to be using your computer for: if you are just a general daily user you won’t demand the same specs as a power user who is editing video or engaged in resource intensive gaming. I want mine to be configured primarily for entertainment. I also want it to look good in the living room.

But looks aren’t everything, it’s really important to buy something with the goods “under the hood” so to speak. The first thing is comparing the processor chip. Processor choices are a bit more difficult now than they were before. It is still really a choice between an AMD and an Intel processor. The difference really comes in how many cores there are in the processor and its relative speed. Each company now has a performance rating system that isn’t really easy to compare. a desktop with a dual-core CPU and enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today’s games–the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user.

The second thing to consider would be the memory. Most desktop computers now use a type of memory called DDR2. DDR3 is now finally making its way to PC systems but it is more expensive. In terms of amount, it is best to have at least 2GB of memory in the system and preferably 4GB. Memory speeds can impact performance as well. I would make sure that there is ample room for future expansion as well. You may only need 2GB now, but in a couple of years I wouldn’t be at all surprised if many tasks you might want to take on required 4, 6 and so on.

Hard drives really boil down to size and speed. The larger the drive and the faster, the better the performance and capacity. In a desktop, it is best to have at least 500GB or more of storage space these days. In terms of speed, they are pretty much all running at 7200rpm now. A few high performance 10,000rpm drives are available. Most drives use the Serial ATA interface now for ease of installation.

Most systems sold now feature DVD burners, even the budget systems. It is best to make sure that you get a multiformat DVD burner that can support both the +R/RW and -R/RW formats. Speeds should be 16x for the recordable speed. Dual or Double Layer media support is also a common feature although less likely to be used due to media cost. Options also include LightScribe or Labelflash support for burning labels directly to compatible media. Blu-ray is an option for those wanting to use their PC for the high definition video format.

Video card technology seems to change every three to six months. If you aren’t really doing any 3D graphics at all, then integrated graphics may be just fine. Beyond this, there are a wide selection of cards. Things to consider include performance, the amount of memory on the card, output connectors and the version of Direct X supported. Those looking to do any gaming should really consider a Direct X 10 card with at least 512MB of memory onboard. Pretty much all new systems will use the PCI-Express graphics standard.

What good is a desktop PC unless it also has a monitor? Previously users would need to choose between a CRT or LCD monitor, but LCDs are pretty much the standard now because of their reduced size and power consumption. The real issue is more about size and cost of the LCDs. The price difference between 19-inch and 22-inch models make 22-inch the best overall value although 24-inch models are quickly dropping in price. Most all screens use the wider 16:10 format but some are now being released with a near 2:1 ratio best suited for movie watching.

Whew! I know it seems like a lot, but I think we can agree it’s a good investment and useful for the entire family. As for me, if my dearly beloved family is reading this I think I gave ample hints as to which new “affordable” computer I would like for Father’s Day….*coughs* - DELL!

For more free Dell online coupons - Click here!

My wife Sara and I are going on a trip this month. We are seven months into a pregnancy and we thought it would be cool to get away before facing the months of long work ahead of us. We thought about San Francisco, possibly Santa Cruz, but both those places are very familiar to both of us and we wanted to do something different. It’s been years since I’ve been to the western deserts so I suggested going in that direction. I brought up the idea of heading to the Grand Canyon via Las Vegas. The idea was a contender, but was nixed in favor of a more low key outing to Palm Springs. I did however dig up some great Las Vegas deals (heavily indebted to Anthony Curtis at the Las Vegas Advisor), when we were still thinking in that direction, which I’m glad to share with everyone here…because I’m super giving like that.

1. Golden Gate Hotel  is offering room rates as low as $19 a day (any day). Actually the word is that daily rates all over town are down 25-30% from this time last year. Since lodging is usually the most substantial expense when getting out of town I’d say take heed, it may be a good month to hit Vegas.

2. The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island is the best-value meal deal in a city full of good-value meal deals. It’s a 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, which comes with salad, garlic green beans, choice of potato, and fresh microbrewed beer, all for $6.95. A note on logistics: Every other Monday, the Ellis Island coffee shop shuts almost all the way down for a thorough cleaning (from 11 pm to 5 am) and the steak shuts down with it. If you’re planning on going to EI for a late-night steak on a Monday, be sure you’ve got the right week to do so.

3. The Shrimp Cocktail at the aforementioned Golden Gate is 99 cents between 11am and 2am. All you have to do is show a players club card to get the shrimp at the old 99-cent price; otherwise, you pay $1.99. Sure, the extra step (if you’re not already a member) is a little inconvenient, but a coupl of sign-up bennies mitigate the five-minute detour. More important, the word is the shrimp are bigger and better than ever.

4.Prime Rib Dinner - $12.95 for the prime rib dinner at South Point. The prime rib deal at South Point is apparently stunner. It’s advertised as 10 ounces, but that’s underestimating it by about half. Plus, it’s served 24 hours a day in the coffee shop, with your choice of soup or salad, potato, and rolls if you ask. If you have a hankerin’ for a prime rib special, it’s worth the trip down to South Point.

5.Pick up the free “Funbook” from Stratospere. The Stratosphere funbook is a great one. The monetary value is $14.70 (and $19.70 if you take advantage of the $5 poker bonus). There are also more goodies in the Strat book than the gambling coupons, including a few decent drink and restaurant discounts, a heap of deals in the stores that you may or may not use, and even a little-known discount you can apply to room bookings. Best of all, you can get one once every week.
6.The $6 charge at the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio is the cost of a beer to satisfy the one-drink minimum and see the show in Las Vegas’ classiest lounge, which overlooks the dancing fountains and the center Strip, and has live music from 10 pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends.

7. The daily buffet prices at the Mirage are from $13.95-24.95. Early bird dinner price is at $19.95 from 3-5pm.

8.$1 Michelob and $1 margaritas at the Casino Royale served round the clock.

9.Steak and Eggs served 24 hours for $3.99 at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur

10.Free lunch at the Crown & Anchor (locations are at 1350 E. Tropicana and 4775 Spring Mountain), with $20 video poker buy in. If you miss lunch the buy in entitles you to a free appetizer from 3pm to midnight.

Come check out even more free discount travel coupons here!

Today marks the last day for you to take advantage of this Fingerhut deal.

Right now at Fingerhut.com, you’ll be able to save 20% off all their products. Products ranging from apparel to electronics. And also right now, until December 12th, they’re giving away a free memory card with select digital camera purchases. It doesn’t hurt to check it out, right?

And if you do end up purchasing something, enter in this coupon code during checkout: P526

To check out more deals and discounts for Fingerhut.com, click here.

To go to Fingerhut.com, click here.

Take advantage of Eddie Bauer’s biggest sale of the season! Save up to $50 dollars on women’s swim wear, and only pay $29.99 on all men’s swim wear.

Eddie Bauer has created great apparel since 1920 and is world renowned for quality and style. Now add afford ability and great deals to that list!

During their Ultimate Sale expect to find great deals on women’s shorts ($19.99) Tees and Tanks ($9.99) and sweaters and cardigans ($19.99) just to name a few.

But literally the whole store is on Sale, don’t let these savings pass you by!

Shop the Ultimate Sale at Eddie Bauer.