X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

5 sweet deals that aren't part of Amazon Prime Day

From the Cheapskate: Fear not, Amazon Prime non-subscribers! I've got you covered with an amazing printer deal, two free adventure games and more!

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

CNET's Cheapskate scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.


$25 out the door? Yes, please. Newegg

Amazon's much-ballyhooed Prime Day just kicked off, and although it's a little early to render a verdict, my initial reaction: meh. Some nice Kindle deals, yes, but I haven't seen anything yet that really rivals your average Black Friday. Time will tell -- so stay tuned to my ongoing coverage of the Prime Day deals rollout.

"But, Rick!" you cry. "I'm not an Amazon Prime subscriber! Am I supposed to just sit here all day with my credit card in my wallet?"

Of course not! Turns out there are other online stores besides Amazon. And some of them have deals of their own. Like these five:

Someday my prints will come -- for $25

Today only, and while supplies last, Newegg has the Pantum P2502W wireless laser printer for $24.99, shipped. What?! And replacement toner cartridges are a very reasonable $22 apiece. Shut up and get in my cart, Pantum P2502W! (Also at Newegg, the DaVinci 1.0 3D printer for $299, shipped. Reviews are decidedly mixed, but I mention it because this is one of the least-expensive 3D printers I've ever seen.)

Mini tablet, maxi savings

In the market for a Mini? Also today only, Walmart has the iPad Mini 2 (16GB + 4G) for AT&T or Verizon for $265. Apple's price: $429. That's the lowest price by far that I've seen for a 4G-capable Mini, and that's including refurbs. (These are new.)

what-makes-you-tick.jpg
Two free adventure games? Yes, please. Lassie Games

Brain-gain games

Game time! If you like adventures, here's your chance to score What Makes You Tick? (PC/Mac) and its sequel, A Stitch in Time, for free. At least one reviewer described the latter as "one of the best adventure games to come out in recent years, hitting all the targets when it comes to story, gameplay and graphics."

anker-ultra-compact-bluetooth-keyboard.jpg
$16.99 for this top-rated Bluetooth keyboard? Yes, please. Anker

The keys to happiness

A good Bluetooth keyboard is essential if you want to get any work done on your tablet. Anker makes a great one, and it's already a steal at $19.99. But if that's not good enough, you can get the Anker Ultra Compact Bluetooth Keyboard (white) for just $16.99 when you apply coupon code 4U5P9Z5K at checkout. The black version is also available at that price after coupon code 3NJM2WBW. It features comfy, full-size keys (I've tested them), a battery good for six months (!) between charges, and multi-platform compatibility (Android, iOS, Mac, Windows).

A Transformer Michael Bay didn't ruin

Finally, if you've been thinking your next laptop should have a screen that can break free for tablet action, check this out: the Microsoft Store has the Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi Signature Edition for $397, shipped, when you apply coupon code SAVE100 at checkout. Specs include a 12.5-inch HD touchscreen, a 128GB SSD and an 8-hour battery. Read CNET's review for the full scoop, keeping in mind it was based on a $699(!) price tag.

OK, who's buying what?