Why You Can Trust CNET Wild Wednesday: Two sweet deals, two sweet freebies
Oh, yeah, it's getting wild up in here.
Today's post is dedicated to my brother-in-law Charles, who loved a good deal at least as much as me, and even contributed a few to this very blog. He will be missed.
For your perusal today I've rounded up not one, not three, but four pretty awesome deals. Let's dive right in:
1. Building a better brick
Regular readers know I can't resist a good Bluetooth speaker, especially during this gift-giving time of year. And you'd be amazed at the quality of speaker you can get for under $50.
Or, in this case, under $40: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Seller1on1 (via Amazon) has the Bohm SoundBlock Bluetooth speaker for $39.96, shipped when you apply coupon code TECHBA20 at checkout.
You can get this in any color you want, as long as it's black. (A little Motor City humor for you there, cheeps.) The SoundBlock is your basic brick-shaped speaker, a kissing cousin to the Jawbone Jambox but way less expensive. Features include clearly marked control buttons (a rarity, believe me), a speakerphone option, and a 10-hour battery.
Bohm? Nope, I never heard of 'em, either. But check the user reviews: an amazing 4.6-star average from nearly 500 buyers.
2. New Moto X + Republic = Yes, please
The 2nd-generation
has earned raves for offering a pure Android experience inside a technologically marvelous handset. But the $499.99 off-contract price? Ouch.Starting at 8 a.m. PT, and for the next 24 hours, low-cost carrier Republic Wireless is offering the no-contract 2nd-gen Moto X for $349. That's $50 less than their regular price (already a bargain, obviously). You can get it directly from Republic, or go through Motorola's Moto Maker site; a coupon code will automatically apply at checkout when you choose the Republic Wireless version of the phone.
Republic's claim to fame is tweaking phones so calls and data leverage Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, tapping cell towers only when needed. Plans start at just $5 per month, with unlimited everything priced at a flat $40. The only downside is you can't take the phone to another carrier as you could with an unlocked X. Fortunately, you probably won't want to.
3. We built this city
Interesting timing: Just about a week ago, my son came home from school and said he's doing the "coolest project" in Design Tech: "We're learning to manage a whole city with this thing called SimCity." Flashback!
Needless to say, there's a whole generation that never experienced this amazing city-management game. If you're part of it, or know someone who is, EA is giving away SimCity 2000 Special Edition (PC). Though this 1994 title has decidedly dated (uhh, I mean, retro!) graphics, it's considered by many to be the best version of SimCity ever produced (and that includes last year's reboot).
To get it, you'll need an Origin account and the Origin client -- both free.
4. Prints charming
Speaking of flashbacks, remember printed photos? Yeah, they're still a thing. And if you install the free, top-rated Printicular app (iOS) and then provide your email address at this page, you'll get a coupon code for 10 free, no-strings-attached photo prints from Walgreens.
You know who loves printed photos? Grandma and Grandpa. Uncle Joe and Aunt Josephine. Why not print your newest pics of the kids and drop them in the mail? You'll make someone's day.