X

Three-deal Thursday: A Jamstik, a monitor and a software freebie

Quite the eclectic collection today, but chances are excellent you'll find at least one item you like.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read

jamstik-with-ipad.jpg
Jamstik

Today's deals couldn't be more different. A little something for everyone, I'd say: budding musician, cash-strapped videographer, and, um, guy who likes big monitors.

1. Schooled of rock

I've been wanting to learn guitar for as long as I can remember, and even went so far as to buy one. But finding a regular time to meet with an instructor has proven very challenging, which is why a gizmo like the Jamstik comes in handy: It provides instruction on my schedule.

In case you're unfamiliar with it, the Jamstik is a six-string "guitar" that pairs with iOS apps to teach you the fundamentals. It normally sells for $299, but StackSocial is offering the Jamstik Wireless Smart Guitar for $199 shipped. Want to learn more about it? Here's my post-CES Jamstik preview from last year.

2. Shut up and take my monitor!

aoc-e2752she-b.jpg
AOC

I hesitate to even share this deal, as I suspect it will be sold out by the time I finishing typing this senten--

Oh, good, still in stock -- at least for the moment. For a limited time, and while supplies yada-yada, Computers.Woot has the refurbished AOC E2752SHE-B 27-inch LED desktop monitor for $149.99, plus $5 for shipping. Not sure I've ever seen a price this low for a monitor this big.

The key specs: 1,920x1,080 display resolution, two HDMI inputs (and one VGA) and a headphone jack in case you want to enjoy some audio in peace.

Now for the rub: This refurb comes with a 90-day warranty, versus one year for a new one -- and the latter is currently selling at Amazon for $179.99 (already a crazy-good deal on such a big monitor). Thoughts?

3. A new way to go green

Calling all wanna-be moviemakers! For a limited time, Green Screen Systems is offering video-editing app HitFilm 2 Express (Win) for free. Original price: $149.

Note that the download version is free, but you can order a boxed copy for $10.

The software offers robust video editing tools: multiple video and audio tracks, drag-and-drop transitions, animated titles, sound mixing, and so on.

But where this editor leaves your CyberLink PowerDirectors and Pinnacle Studios in the dust is with its sweet, sweet array of special effects, which range from computer-generated gunfire and blood spatter to green-screen compositing (natch) and "procedural" lightning.

There's definitely a learning curve, but you just can't beat the price.