Get Microsoft Office Home and Business 2013 for $104.99
That's less than half of what Microsoft charges for this single-license, subscription-free version of Office.
Back in March, I publicly quit Microsoft Office forever, citing my exasperation with Microsoft's pricing model and the various tech glitches I've experienced with the suite. Plus, with so many great free alternatives, why bother with it?
Well, I can think of a few reasons: file compatibility, technical support, OneDrive integration, and Outlook, which I'll reluctantly admit is the best mail client/information manager you can buy. For home- and small-business users in particular, Office is well worth having. Heck, for some it's actually a requirement.
Alas, if you want to buy it outright, the 2013 Home and Business edition will run you $219.99. But there's an unusually good deal to be had: Tech Supply King has Microsoft Office Home and Business 2013 (single license) for $104.99. It's a download, so there's no shipping charge.
This version of the suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. It comes with both 32- and 64-bit files, with Service Pack 1 already rolled in. And you own the software; this isn't a subscription version that requires you to pony up another $100 every year. (Barf.)
Let me note that I've not heard of Tech Supply King before now, and the company has no reviews on ResellerRatings.com. Although there's a 30-day money-back guarantee listed right on the product page, the policy's language isn't clear when it comes to downloads. (My guess is that if you install and activate Office, you're stuck with it -- which is pretty typical.)
Obviously I champion free office suites to those users who can get by with them, but if you're someone who positively needs Microsoft Office, whether for work or school, or just like it better than everything else out there, here's your chance to score a rare deal. At this price, it almost seems -- dare I say? -- reasonable.
Bonus deal: To my thinking there was no better movie in 2013 -- heck, in the last few years -- than "Gravity." If you missed it in theaters, you must, must, must try to see it in 3D at home. You'll need a 3D-capable TV, of course, but also the right Blu-ray player. Like this one: For a limited time, DealFisher has the refurbished Samsung BD-FM59C 3D Blu-ray player with Wi-Fi for $64.99, shipped. With it you can not only spin 3D movies, but also stream endless content from most of the big players (Netflix, Pandora, and so on).
Bonus deal No. 2: I like contests that have awesome prizes and simple entry requirements. Like this one: StackSocial is giving away an Xbox One with Titanfall and two controllers. Total value: $549. All you have to do is sign up to receive occasional StackSocial offers via e-mail. The entry deadline is May 31. While you're at it, sign up to win a Samsung 50-inch HDTV and Roku 3 or Apple TV. Good luck!
To see even more deals, check out the CNET Deals page.