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!

You’ll find more than just computers at Dell. Check out this great deal they’re having on a HDTV!

And what better time to get a new HDTV than right now, right before the NBA playoffs. For a limited time, Dell is taking $500 off this Samsung 46″ LCD HDTV. With a savings like that, you can put it towards a new surround sound system to give yourself a great entertainment experience.

Just enter in this Dell Coupon Code during checkout for the Samsung deal: D44$QNP3DZ4MLM

You don’t have much time to think this over, as the deal EXPIRES AT THE END OF TODAY.

To check out more Dell deal and coupons on Coupon Mountain, click here.

To go to Dell, click here.

Well I heard about this offer on the news and I had to share with my fellow bargain hunters!

Starting Tuesday, January 20, 2009, plan on getting to a department store early. January 20th is the date Macy’s, Dillard’s, Saks, Nordstrom and other stores will hand out free Lancome, Clinique, and other products….to end a decade long class action case. The lawsuit claims manufacturers fixed prices from 1994 to 2003.

To settle the case, they will offer women one $20 bottle of makeup, eye cream, or similar product: All you have to do is show up at a department store Tuesday. You don’t need to show a receipt….you will just have to sign a form saying you received your free jar, so that you can’t get another.

Click this link for a list of products you may be able to receive - List of FREE Cosmetics 

Now for the Dell Refund Offer! (Dell Computer Settlement: Partial Refunds)

Dell computer will pay more than three million dollars to 34 states. State Attorneys General said Dell engaged in “deceptive” financing promotions, promising zero-percent financing but charging them higher rates. Consumers also claim they did not receive the promised rebates and had trouble getting warranty service. Under the settlement, Dell will pay one-point-five million dollars into a special account, which will then be distributed to customers. If you bought a Dell computer between April 2005 and April 2009, and experienced a rebate, financing, or warranty repair issue, you may be eligible for a piece of the settlement.

To apply, contact your state Attorney General’s office.

(Source: Reported by John Matarese for ABC News)

New lows in iPhone apps folks! Zit picker application, really?! My guess is the same people who would pay to play at poppin’ zits are the same folks who have a face full of puss craters due to lack of fresh air and sunshine. “I am just saying, if the nerd glasses fit….”

To quote the lads at Gizmodo: “You pick zits with multitouch here. It’s vile, and I wish nothing but failure for this app.”

What do you guys think? Fun or Too Funky?

(Source of image and quote: Gizmodo)
Meanwhile savings keep on comin’ at Coupon Mountain: 

• Valentine’s Day Gifts - “Ice” out your sweetheart at Ice.com Jewelry
• Sony Walkman Deal - Rock out with your Music Out! Check out this Sony Sale
• Exclusive 1-800 Flowers Coupons - Save 15% Off with CouponMountain.com
• Target Coupons - Maximum Savings on Maximus’s Gladiator Sandals

I think this Computer Monitor Tree captures our sentiments perfectly - for all our fellow nerdy bargain shoppers we wish you a very Merry and Joy Filled Holidays!

Let’s face it 2008 was tough financially for many shoppers, which is why finding great coupons, discounts and deals has become such  a great asset for all bargain hunters.

We have enjoyed scouring the web for all the best discounts, free coupons and  special promotions from top merchants like Dell, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Home Depot…etc. We hope you continue to read and discover deep discounts on the Coupon Mountain Blog!

As always, please feel free to participate in our forums, comment on our posts or alert us to any major deals or discounts we might have missed. Best case scenario is “we all save money” together in  2009!

Happy Holidays from Coupon Mountain Blog!

As you sit there surrounded by your Aunt who thinks you’re perpetually twelve and your cousin from Dakota who thinks dating within the family is “okay”, let your mind drift to all the GREAT DEALS that will be offered on Black Friday!

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving and is notorious for blockbuster deals and savings! Not to mention it pretty much is the first official day of the Christmas shopping season. The fact is now more than ever, shoppers are hunting for great deals and deep discounts.

Check out the Best Black Friday Deals at CouponMountain.com! Find Black Friday deals on Dell, Lenovo, Bliss, Footlocker, NewEgg, HP, Boden, Verizon, Hammacher Schlemmer and so much more.

Be sure to check in on the Black Friday Coupon Forums! Simply click here “Black Friday Sales” to check out thousands of Black Friday Deals from top online retailers.

Happy Bargain Shopping Everyone! Time to gobble up those savings! 

Shoes.com Coupons - $25 dollars off purchases more than $75
AccessoryGeeks.com Coupons - Save 10% on Cell Phone Holders from Apple, Motorola & Nokia
LightingDirect.com Coupons - Save up to 20% off Tech-Lighting Fixtures
HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUPON MOUNTAIN BLOG!
Macy’s.com Coupons - Free Shipping Codes
Victoria’s Secret Coupon Codes - Save $15 or $30 Off + Get a Free Pink Mini Dog
Dell Coupons - Dell TV Discount - Save on Vizio HDTV at Dell
Jet Blue Coupons - Save $30 Off a Round Trip Ticket - Plus some flights are as low as $49

Dell is more than just computers and laptops. They even sell discount televisions.

If you don’t believe me then check out for yourself.

Right now, when you shop with us, we’ll save you $120 off a 47-inch XVT HDTV from Vizio. Already a popular choice among shopper, quit squinting to watch your favorite flicks and upgrade to this Vizio TV. Originally priced at $1399, apply our coupon code and you’ll get it a discount price.

Just enter in this Dell Coupon Code during checkout: CS?C2JFF$4N1ML

But you’ll have to hurry, though as there is no time to think about this purchase. The coupon EXPIRES TODAY.

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

To go to Dell, click here.

Take advantage of this Lenovo coupon code before it expires!

Be different from the pack and try something other than Dell and HP computers. Lenovo computers are just as good, if not better! And when you go right now, you can use our Lenovo Coupon Code to save up to 10% on select computers.

For instance, save 10% off Lenovo ThinkCentre A Series. Click here to see what other computers apply.

Just enter in this Lenovo Coupon Code during checkout: USPSAVEMORENOW

This expires September 21st.

To check out more coupons and details for Lenovo, click here.

To go to Lenovo, click here.