Five-deal Friday: iPads, Roku boxes, Vudu movies, and more!
Wal-Mart has the lowest price ever on the third-generation iPad -- but there's a catch. Plus: a free movie when you link Roku to Vudu!
Well, yesterday was kind of a train wreck, huh? Believe me that I get just as frustrated as you when a vendor suddenly jacks up the price on a product, as TigerDirect did yesterday on the Vizio sound bar. It's worse than a sellout, because it smacks of bait-and-switch tactics (even though the company's own promotional e-mail showed it at the higher price, so that accusation doesn't hold water).
Anyway, I still feel bad about it, which is why I'm giving you five -- count 'em, five -- deals today. Without further ado:
1. Wal-Mart has the refurbished new iPad with Wi-Fi (16GB) for $399 shipped, not including sales tax. That's the lowest price I've seen on a third-generation iPad; Apple charges $449 for the same model. However, the latter comes with a 1-year warranty; Wal-Mart's refurbs are covered for only 90 days.
Is it worth it to save $50? That's up to you, of course, but consider this: the refurbished new iPad with 32GB sells for $529, while Apple sells it for $549. So there you're saving only $20. At that point, I'd definitely stick with Apple's deal.
2. PlayOn is a compelling solution for cord-cutters, slinging tons of TV shows from your Windows PC to devices such as tablets, smartphones, game consoles, and media center boxes.
As part of a special promotion, you can get a lifetime PlayOn subscription and a Roku LT box for $69.99, plus $9.99 for shipping. Given that the LT normally sells for $50 all by itself, that's a pretty nice little bundle. The only catch: You have to share the deal on Facebook before you can actually get the deal. (I know, I know: you all hate Facebook.)
3. Already have a Roku box? How about a free movie to go with it? As you may have heard, Roku now offers a channel for the Vudu streaming service. And when you link your Roku box to your Vudu account, you'll get a free $5.99 credit (which is good for at least one movie rental). And if you're not already a Vudu customer, I believe you get one free movie when you sign up.
Alas, only owners of newer Rokus (the 2 series and the LT) are eligible.
4. Today only, and while supplies last, Woot Tech has the Klipsch Image S3 in-ear headphones for $19.99, plus $5 for shipping. That's a great price for a set of in-ear buds, especially from Klipsch; they list for $49.99 and sell elsewhere for around $35.
Features include a zippered carrying case, three sets of oval ear tips, a tangle-resistant cord, and a two-year warranty.
5. When you sign up for daily-deal site Saveology (which you do simply by supplying an e-mail address), you can get a $10 iTunes gift card for $4. It's for first-time customers only, and it must be redeemed within 60 days.
That's it for me, cheeps! Have a great weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
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