discounts

Coupons at Checkout finds coupon codes so you don't have to

For years I've been advising readers to search the Web for coupon codes before you complete your online purchase. It's one of my all-time favorite money-saving tips, as it's an easy way to score extra discounts.

Well, not always easy. You have to do some googling, peruse the various sites that aggregate coupon codes, sift through the listings to see if there's one that applies, copy and paste the code, and so on.

Browser plug-in Coupons at Checkout eliminates nearly all this hassle. Once you get to a store's checkout page, it automatically lists any … Read more

Intel uses Facebook to out ultrabook Cyber Monday deals

Intel's ultrabook spec is getting some promotion on the company's Facebook page today.

Intel has taken it upon itself to promote what it believes are the top Cyber Monday deals for ultrabooks. The company's listing includes a host of products from major vendors, including Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Dell.

The chipmaker offered up "top picks" for its followers to check out. The first option comes from HP, which is offering a $50 discount on its Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook and a free Barnes & Noble Nook with the purchase of the computer, which starts at $749.99. … Read more

Top Black Friday apps for iOS

Black Friday is rapidly approaching and we all know that means people are going to be hitting the stores both online and at brick-and-mortar locations to grab gifts for friends and family. But if you want to find the best deals, you're going to need a little help, and I have just the right apps for the job on iOS devices.

Whether you plan to brave the crowds on Black Friday or stay home and shop online, these apps will get you the best deals and hopefully make your gift shopping a little easier.

Editors' note: For Android shopping … Read more

Xbox Music service has its limits

Monday's CNET Update wants to keep rockin' in the free world:

Today's tech news roundup looks into the limitations of Microsoft's new music-streaming service, Xbox Music. It debuts on the Xbox 360 on Tuesday, but aside from a 30-day trial period, it won't come free. The streaming service, which syncs music across devices, costs $10 a month to be used on the Xbox 360 and on Windows Phone 8. There will be a free ad-supported version for Windows 8 PCs and tablets, but playback time is limited to 10 hours a month after the first six … Read more

Wal-Mart offers preorders for the iPhone 5

People can preorder Apple's iPhone 5 from a handful of wireless carriers and Apple itself -- but if that proves too hectic, they can now try out Wal-Mart.

This retailer was added to the list of places earlier today where the long-awaited device can be preordered, according to Bloomberg. This is the first time that iPhone preorders have been offered through Wal-Mart.

According to Wal-Mart spokesperson Sarah Spencer, the smartphone can be ordered starting at 8 a.m. local time tomorrow in U.S. stores, Bloomberg reports. What's more, Wal-Mart will be offering discounts on the device. With … Read more

Cheaper? Sure. But a discounted iPhone 4S is no bargain

Now is not the time to buy Apple's iPhone 4S.

It may seem obvious to some, but it's advice worth repeating as a public service announcement: ignore the recent discounts from Sprint Nextel and Apple on the iPhone 4S. If you're interested in an iPhone, wait a few weeks until the next iPhone is released, then make your call.

After Sprint dropped the price of its flagship phone to $149 from $199 last week, it is now bundling a $100 gift card to anyone who buys a smartphone online. Apple will reportedly match the deal by offering … Read more

Does Groupon have good deals on tech?

I like Groupon. Oh, who am I kidding, I love Groupon. LivingSocial, too. And even DealChicken, despite it having the name DealChicken.

I've used these services to score some pretty fantastic deals on restaurants, vacations, fun family outings, and the like.

Recently, Groupon, Google Offers, and LivingSocial (among others) have started offering goods along with services, some of which are tech items.

Ah, but are those goods good deals? Given the often-substantial savings you get on three-course Italian dinners and gallery-wrapped photos canvases, you might just blindly assume that Groupon's tech discounts are equally substantial. (Call it the … Read more

How to find the biggest cashback bonus for anything you buy

I've written many times before of my love for cashback services, which pay you back a percentage of your purchase just for going through their shopping portals.

For example, FatWallet recently started offering 3 percent back on Amazon Instant Video and MP3 purchases. And Ebates is currently paying 4 percent to 5 percent back on purchases from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Of course, there are lots of cashback sites out there, and some offer bigger bonuses than others. How can you make sure you're getting the maximum rebate for each store you visit?

Simple: click the Cashback Comparison bookmarklet. … Read more

Lumia 900 still a raw deal despite heavy discount

commentary Don't let the new price fool you -- even at half off, the Lumia 900 isn't a worthy purchase.

The Lumia 900, which now costs $49.99, down from its original $99.99 price tag, is the victim of bad timing. That's because it, alongside all other Windows Phone devices, are unable to upgrade to Windows Phone 8 when it comes out later this year. Unfortunately, if you're a Windows fan or want to try something new, Windows Phone 8 is the mobile operating system to wait for.

That's because there will finally bring … Read more