Archive for the ‘Discounts’ Category

OS2008 has been available now for a while.  I initially tried to update mine just before Christmas, but I had trouble being able to download and install the update.  I figured that the servers were busy with everyone else trying to do the same thing.  This week I read over at Internet Tablet Talk that there were server problems as well.   All should be fine now.  This week I have been busy installing the new operating system.  This is the same OS that comes installed on the N810.  So far, I like the update.  My only observation so far is that my N800 seems to move a little slower.  I also miss my Valentine’s theme that came packaged with OS2007.   I wish there was a way that I could have kept that theme.  All the other themes seem so masculine. I downloaded and installed Gutenbrowse.  This utility works in conjunction with FBreader.  You also have to have Python Runtime 2.5 installed.   Gutenbrowse allows the user to search, find, download, and read e-books from Project Gutenberg.  All I can say is that this is one fantastic little program.  All I had to do is input either the author or title and seconds later I got the results.  I then clicked the one I wanted, it downloaded and asked me if I wanted to read it.  I clicked yes and Voila! FBreader opens and I am reading.  This has certainly made obtaining books from Gutenberg not just faster and more convenient, but actually fun.  

This could be a lifesaver for students.  I hope that someone out there will port this over to the Eee PC.  The application also works on OS2007.  I did not see a version for OS2006.  I may have to hack my husband’s N770 so that he can take advantage of the application’s features. 

And now that I mentioned the Eee PC, I wanted to give a heads up for those looking for a case for their small wonder.  Some users have reported that the Case Logic Hard Drive case makes a great carrier for their Eee and its accessories. Overstock has it on sale for $21.99.

It’s always disappointing and frustrating to receive a gift to find out that it needs something else to get it to work.  Double the feeling is the gift is for a child and the occasion is Christmas.  When I give a gift I always buy batteries or whatever is needed to avoid any immediate problems.  I have extended this process to include memory cards especially if I know the person is not familiar with gadgets.  So, if I give a digital camera I also include the correct batteries and a memory card to get things going. I figure the easier I make it, the better the chances are that the person will enjoy and continue to use the gift.  Right now there are some great deals on memory.  Meritline is selling a Kingston 8gb SDHC card for $54.99 shipped.  After the mail in rebate the final cost is $39.99.  This sale is good through the end of this month.  This is ideal for the Eee PC users out there. A real steal is a 1gb SD card for only $7.95 shipped.  They also have a Sandisk 2gb MicroSD Card for $26.96 shipped.  The card includes both miniSD and SD adapters.  For those needing CF Cards, you can get a 2gb A-Data one for $17.00 shipped.  You may find many deals better than this in brick and mortar stores this time of year.  While you are at it, don’t forget to buy yourself a few memory cards.  For those of us that are still using Smart Media Cards, Geeks is selling Delkin eFilm 128mb  cards for $40.50!  Yes, that is expensive, but considering how hard it is to come by these, it may be worth the price.  While Ebookwise sells cards with the EBW1150, I don’t believe they sell these cards separately.  Geeks is also selling Hitachi 4gb CF+ type II microdrives for $15.50.  I bought one of these and have had no problems.  You can also get a 23 in 1 card read for only $3.99.  As always you should check to make sure the cards are compatible with your device.

I received an email late last night from Books on Board.  In addition to announcing that Mobipocket was back in operation, they are offering 22% off Publishers List Minimum for ONE DAY with Promo Code MOBUP (all caps).  this sale ends tonight at 11:59 PM Central Daylight Time. This discount is good for all ebook formats and audiobooks.  I have never bought anything from this reseller, but I will give it a try at such a good discount.  In fact I have noticed that a lot of their offerings are cheaper than most other sites.  Their selection of books also seems more than adequate.  I don’t understand the term Publishers List Minimum, but I will find out.  So now the vendors are attempting to do damage control in the wake of Mobipocket’s long “down for Maintenance” absence.  I think that sales may help to keep customers, but I am not buying any e-books in Mobi format. I think that Mobipocket owes us an explanation.  So far we haven’t got one, and I seriously doubt that we will.  For that matter,  I doubt if the e-book vendors have gotten an explanation or how about this: an apology.  I hope that places like Books on Board are successful in keeping their customers and with their discounts, maybe they will attract more customers.  Without places to buy e-books at a reasonable price,  the less attractive e-book devices become.

edit:  I added three books to my cart and then the promo code, but it didn’t make a difference in the price.  I tried to find info on the term Publishers List Minimum, but I couldn’t.  So I went to Fictionwise to see if I was saving any money.  Granted, I belong to Fictionwise’s Buywise club, so your experience may be different.  Books on Board endedn up being slighter cheaper at $18.91 compared to Fictionwise at $$19.52.  But because of my micro rebates, Fictionwise is cheaper since I will save an additional $1.27, so my final price is $18.25.  So I will pass on Books on Board and use my Fictionwise gift certificated my daughter gave me for my birthday.  Oh, in case you’re interested the books I chose are:

• Into the Storm – By Suzanne Brockmann $5.94
• The Face – By Dean Koontz $6.79
• The 13th Apostle – By Richard Heller $6.79