Get a powerline Ethernet kit for $29.99 shipped
That's a pretty cheap option for bringing a wired Ethernet connection to the far corners of your house, no drilling required.
This is an update of a deal I've written about a few times in the past. It's definitely one of the best prices I've seen.
Need a high-speed Internet connection to go from here to there? Like, say, kitchen router to bedroom Roku box? Stringing Ethernet cables through walls, floors, and ceilings is not my idea of a good time.
Fortunately, you can use the existing electrical wiring in your house. No, really! All you need is a couple plug-and-play wall adapters, which leverage that wiring for Ethernet connectivity while still allowing regular old juice to flow.
Usually these adapters are pretty pricey (kits often sell for upward of $100), but not today: While supplies last, Newegg has the D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Mini Adapter Starter Kit for $29.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code EMCPHPC46 at checkout. (As with most Newegg coupons, you need to be a signed-in newsletter subscriber to use this one. It's free to sign up.)
These really are a plug-and-play solution. Pop one of the adapters into an outlet near your router, then bridge the two with an included Ethernet cable. Then plug the other adapter into a wall outlet near whatever needs Ethernet: TiVo, Blu-ray player, Xbox, etc. Presto! You're done.
This particular kit promises speeds of up to 500Mbps and features 128-bit AES encryption. You can, of course, deploy more adapters as needed throughout your house, and in fact getting four of these for $60 is particularly tempting.
Of the 14 user reviews on Newegg's site, 12 rated the kit five stars. I'd call that a solid endorsement. Given that this product normally sells for $49.99 (or $62.99 direct from D-Link), and similar power line kits often cost 2-3 times as much, I don't think these will last long at this price. It's definitely one of the best deals I've seen.
If you've tried the PowerLine AV 500 kit yourself, hit the comments and let your fellow cheeps know what to expect.
Bonus deal: Where have all the Ultrabook deals gone? I haven't seen a good one in months, until today: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Shopdivvy (via eBay) has the refurbished Vizio CT14-A1 14-inch Ultrabook for $479.99 shipped. It features an Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD, 14-inch HD display (1,600x900), and... wait for it... Windows 7! You also get a 90-day Vizio warranty.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Want to know more about The Cheapskate blog and how it works? Read our FAQ.