Why You Can Trust CNET Get a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for $99.99
It sells elsewhere for as much as $249.99. What's the catch? It's for new Sprint customers only.
If you subscribe to the belief that bigger is always better, even (or especially) when it comes to smartphones, you've no doubt lusted after the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
But the $249.99 price tag? Ouch. Thankfully, there's a less ouchy option: For a limited time (this deal went live yesterday, so it may well expire today), Amazon has the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with 4G LTE for $99.99 shipped. Of course, that requires a two-year service agreement, and unfortunately it's for new Sprint customers only.
If you're adding a line of service with this phone, your price is $169.99. Extending an existing account (i.e. upgrading your phone)? That'll be $199.99.
I realize these limitations will disqualify a lot of potential buyers, but this is still the best deal I've seen on the Note 2, and I wanted to share it if only to gauge everyone's interest in the phablet phenomenon.
"Phablet," of course, being the hideous term used to describe phone/tablet hybrids. With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, the Android 4.1-powered Note 2 definitely walks the line between, say, a 7-inch tablet and a 4-inch smartphone. (I guess the only other potential mash-up moniker was "tabone.")
As someone who's still "making do" with an iPhone 4S, I must admit my eyes go wide every time they alight on the gorgeous Note 2. I read a lot on my phone, so that bigger screen would really enhance the experience -- to say nothing of putting less strain on my aging eyes.
Obviously there's a lot more to this Note than just its big screen, but I'll leave you to CNET's review for the other details.
My question for you: Would you sign on with Sprint in order to get this phone for $99.99? And do you want a screen this big in a device that's meant to ride around in your pocket? Or is it maybe too big? That would make it an epic phail, I suppose.
Bonus deal: Cheap USB flash drives? Gold. Cheap USB 3.0 flash drives? Platinum. While supplies last, Office Depot has the Lexar S73 16GB USB 3.0 flash drive for $9.99, plus sales tax where applicable. You can avoid shipping charges by picking it up from your nearest brick-and-mortar.
Bonus deal No. 2: Heading out for coffee? Print this coupon first and save $1 on your next Starbucks espresso beverage. I know it's not technically a tech deal, but Starbucks coupons are so very rare. And a buck's a buck.
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