Get a TrendNet wireless Internet camera for $39.99
Want to keep an eye on your house, dog, kids, etc. while you're away? This dirt-cheap wireless Webcam streams live video to your laptop or phone.
I've often thought that wireless Internet cameras were an awesome idea. By beaming live and/or motion-captured video to your laptop or phone, they let you keep tabs on your home, office, kids, etc. when you're on the go.
Alas, they've always been crazy-expensive, usually selling for at least $100 apiece. Well, here's your chance to score a rare deal: Buy.com has the TrendNet TV-IP110W wireless Internet camera for $39.99 shipped. It sells for two or three times as much everywhere else, and therefore may sell out quickly.
Update: It sold out quickly. But check back throughout the day, as Buy.com often makes more stock available.
I don't have any hands-on experience with these wireless cameras, but they work more or less like standard Webcams--except they don't have to be tethered to a PC.
Instead, you just mount it wherever you need a video feed: the living room, the dog run, the front porch, etc. The TV-IP110W can stream live, 30-frames-per-second video to just about any Internet-connected device.
If you use a PC, you can record that video, both on-demand and at scheduled times. The camera also supports motion-detection recording and e-mail alerts (i.e., it can notify you if it detects any motion). And there's a free SecurView Mobile app for Android and iOS.
Cons? The camera has a maximum resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, and it doesn't pan or tilt (though there is a 3x digital zoom--the benefits of which are dubious given the sensor's low resolution). Plus, if you check some of the user reviews at Newegg, you'll see that some folks had trouble getting the TV-IP110W to work properly. (On the other hand, others had no trouble at all. YMMV.)
If you'd had any experience with this wireless 'cam, let me (and your fellow cheapskates) know what to expect. I think 40 bucks is a steal, but not if there's too much grief getting the thing to work.
Bonus deal: Speaking of Newegg, the company has a 23-inch Asus VH232H LCD monitor for $144.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code EMCKGJE75 at checkout (you must be a newsletter subscriber) and completing a $15 mail-in rebate. The monitor features 1080p, HDMI, stereo speakers, and a boatload of stellar reviews.
Bonus deal #2: OK, not really a deal, more like a referral. I just wrote a post on what you should know about cheap tablets (a topic that should be near and dear to my fellow cheapskates' hearts). No doubt you've seen those Android-powered models in the $100-200 range. Should you buy one? Click through to find out.