Get a Sony PlayStation 3 console for $216 shipped
This is the 160GB model, and it's new, not refurbished. The PS3 is not only a game console, but also a Blu-ray player.
Sometimes great deals come from weird places. For example, Sears has the uber-popular Nikon D3000 10-megapixel camera with 18-55mm lens for $359.99 (plus tax) when you apply coupon code camera. Everywhere else: upwards of $500 or more. The only catch is that it's for in-store pickup only.
Even weirder, Drugstore.com is offering the Sony PlayStation 3 160GB console for $215.99 shipped. (To get that price, click the previous link, add the PS3 to your "bag," then click this link. That should drop the price by 20 percent.)
So, yeah, a PS3? At Drugstore.com? For the lowest price I've seen anywhere? Ooooookay. Hey, I'm not complaining. I'll buy an iPad from Pep Boys if there's a good deal on it.
This is the newer, smaller, slimmer PS3. It comes with one controller and a 160GB hard drive. It doubles as a Blu-ray player and can stream from Netflix and Hulu Plus (among other services). And unlike Microsoft with its pesky Xbox Live, Sony doesn't charge extra for streaming, online gaming, and the like.
I've long lusted after the PS3, largely because of exclusive games like Little Big Planet and Uncharted. And this would be a mighty nice companion to the new 55-inch HDTV I just ordered. Alas, the latter destroyed my home-entertainment budget, so I'll have to keep lusting for the time being.
But if you've been waiting for a PS3 price drop, this might be the ideal time to pull the trigger. Thoughts?
Bonus deal: Need another controller for your new PS3? Today only, Daily Steals has the Subsonic Neo PlayStation 3 controller for $14.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. It's a wireless controller that features convenient Blu-ray control buttons (play, pause, rewind, and stop). It normally sells for around $40, and Sony's Dual Shock 3 controllers run $54.99.
Bonus deal No. 2: Still like old-school media? You know, the print kind? DiscountMags.com has a one-year subscription to Wired for $5 when you use coupon code cheapskate. Better yet, get two years for $10 or three years for $11. Whatever term you choose, you also get the tablet edition as part of your subscription. Nepotism alert: I'm an occasional contributor to the magazine. I'm also a big fan.