Cheapism Blog

Best Cheap or Free VOIP Service

2010-03-09T15:35:20-05:00

Prices don't vary much among the main VOIP providers, but our research found significant differences in customer satisfaction. Read our cheap VOIP review to learn more about critical features and performance, and to see which VOIP services we recommend.

Cheap Dual Core Laptop

2010-03-09T08:50:33-05:00

The price may be right and the look will appeal, but you can do better. At least that's what CNET concludes in its review of a new, cheap laptop from Dell. The experts point out several shortcomings in features and performance and say low-priced models offered by competing makers give ou more bang for the buck.

"The $529 Dell Inspiron i1545-4266IBU is available in a rainbow of colors, but no matter which hue you choose, the polished design masks a substandard feature set. We love the fit and feel of this budget laptop--comfortable keyboard, roomy display, still light enough for daily travel--but competing models offer better features for the same money. By comparison, the $529 Asus K60I-RBBBR05 boasts an LED-backlit display and Wireless-N Wi-Fi--two features absent on the Inspiron i1545-4266IBU--plus double the hard-drive capacity..."

Cheap Android Tablet

2010-03-06T21:55:05-05:00

Small smartbooks are all the rage these days, so why not treat yourself? Engadget reports that Chinese and Taiwanese are making it oh-so-easy to have a little fun, all for less than $150. You may sacrifice a bit on the quality front, but who cares?

"Doesn't look too bad for a $95 Android tablet, huh? Well, there's plenty more where that came from. Scattered along the main halls of CeBIT are dozens of Chinese and Taiwanese consumer electronics resellers looking to sell products to new customers, and this year they sure loaded up the suitcases with cheap Android / Windows CE tablets..."

Cheapest iPhone Stand

2010-03-06T21:35:07-05:00

All you need is a bit of plastic and strong fingers to fashion a cheap stand for your movie-viewing device of choice. Follow these links, courtesy of PC World, for all the necessary instructions.

"So you're on the airplane, ready to watch Zombieland on your iPhone, when suddenly you realize you have no stand, no way to prop it up at a comfortable viewing angle.

Take it from me, holding your iPhone (or Droid, iPod, Zune, or any other movie-viewing device) for two hours is no fun. No fun at all..."

Cheap Pinot Noir

2010-03-06T15:19:35-05:00

There's no shame in seeking out cheap wines -- particularly if they're pleasantly drinkable. Browardpalmbeach.com has found a California pinot noir that's worthy of your attention.

"There's wine snobbery; then there's reverse wine snobbery.

We all know classic wine snobbery. It's the snooty sommelier at Le Grand Boof making you feel like an idiot because you don't know that the chief grape of St. Emilion is Merlot..."

Best Low Cost Turntables

2010-03-05T16:01:56-05:00

Turntables are back. With a cheap belt-drive USB turntable, you can enjoy the warmth of vinyl in stereo playback and also digitize your favorite tunes for portable listening pleasure. We researched both belt-drive and pricier direct-drive USB turntables, and looked into a couple of analog turntables as well. Take a look at what we recommend.

Cheap NYC Wedding Dresses

2010-03-05T09:43:58-05:00

You don't have to go bust to get the wedding dress of your dreams -- even if you shop in New York City. Follow these tips from WalletPop on where to find a cheap wedding gown, and put those savings towards something else you've been dreaming about.

"Even if I wasn't engaged, I would still be a fanatic of the TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress." It's one of the most soothing reality shows out there -- it doesn't make you feel depressed about humanity, like "Jersey Shore." And the setting -- a 69-year old bridal boutique in downtown New York -- is a beautiful white showroom that makes you want to sing the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune "I Enjoy Being a Girl..."

Frugal Winter Escape

2010-03-03T11:09:26-05:00

Got a day to spare? The New York Times has an idea for you: Hop a plane to someplace warm for a refreshing and rejuvenating one-day vacation. In case this sounds a bit over-the-top, remember that you can often find fantastically cheap travel deals if you're able to go on short notice and at unusual times.

"In the depths of a New York City winter, it's easy to forget what tropical warmth really feels like -- that close, comforting pressure on your bare skin, the humid aroma of vegetal growth and decay, the way vistas both urban and pastoral seem to shimmer, sigh and relax in the heat. You can remember these things, sure, but they seem abstract -- faded dreams from another life.

Until, that is, you find a cheap flight down south and plan a one-day escape from the frigid slush. Even with airfares edging back up, deals are still plentiful for those with a little flexibility..."

Spring Break Deals

2010-03-03T10:44:37-05:00

Class, listen up: Here are some hot ideas for cool (that is, cheap) getaways for spring break. The Los Angeles Times has a roundup of spots that just might get your mind off those papers that are coming due.

"If you're in college, you've been counting the days until spring break begins. But not all students have the money to book a trip in advance. If you're looking for some last-minute deals that fit within a budget that's already strapped by books and dating, here are some low-priced getaways sure to provide an escape worth bragging about..."

Cheapest Accommodations

2010-03-03T10:39:31-05:00

If you want the inside skinny on why hotel rooms in Las Vegas and cruise ship cabins are so cheap, follow this link to WalletPop.

"Last weekend at the New York Times Travel Show on the Hudson River in Manhattan, WalletPop cornered Pauline Frommer, the first female editor of a major guide book series, to ask her for the biggest travel bargain of the year.

It's Las Vegas, where rooms can be had for as little as $10 a night, followed closely by cruising, where cabins are going for $42. As Arthur Frommer confirmed during an address to the crowd on the same day, there's a very good reason why both of these vacation destinations are going so cheap, and surprisingly, is the same reason for both..."