GeekSugar

Has the Recession Affected Your Video-Game Play?

GeekSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:01:37 -0700

One area the recession has benefited: video games! Apparently, the dire economy has pushed the hours of video-game play up, up, up - and it's not all to say that people don't want to buy anything, because used-game sales are also way up.

That makes sense, since staying at home to not spend money would increase indoor activity, and if you couldn't avoid spending money on games, you'd choose the cheaper option. Retailers like GameStop are pleased, since it also reported that its profits had risen, citing used game sales, a couple months ago.

I'm probably not the best person to say if my gaming has gone up, since I'm always playing my games, though I have recognized the economic benefit of staying in and rocking out on Guitar Hero.

What about you? Has the state of the economy propelled you to play more video games and buy more used games?

Does a Crappy Economy Make You Buy More Used Games?

GeekSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:30:04 -0700

Although I tend to want a fresh copy of a newly released game to enjoy myself, I have noticed that since the economy has gone south, I've been perusing the used game bins more often. And apparently, I'm not the only one. According to recent numbers released by Gamestop, their profits are up 13 percent, and a majority of that is thanks to their used game selection.

I like Gamestop's trade-in program (I've traded in tons of games myself) and always get a pretty good return. It's because of this (and customer loyalty) that helped used games make up a whopping 49 percent of Gamestop's profits this quarter. Since trading in and buying used is easier on the wallet (not to mention good for the Earth - hey, it's recycling!), it got me wondering - do you find yourself stopping by the used game aisle at your game store more often?

Cheap Ways to Chat With Mom on Sunday

GeekSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:00:44 -0700

Sometimes the best things in life are free, so if you won't be able to see your mom this Mother's Day, why not surprise her with a phone call or video chat session? Even if you can't be with her, she'll still be able to hear your voice and see your smiling face. And just think, you won't be spending a small fortune on a gift she'll never use anyway! Source

View Slideshow ›

Geek Tip: Put Netflix on Hold For Travel or Budget

GeekSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:07:37 -0700

Whether you've lost your job or are just trying to be more conservative because of the recession, everyone could use little tips for saving money.

Did you know that you can put your Netflix account on hold if you need to? Maybe things are crazy but you don't want to outright cancel, or maybe you're planning a trip and don't want to waste the money.

To put your account on hold, just go into "Your Account" from your Netflix homepage. Under "Your Plan" in Account Information, just click "Put on hold."

Make sure the day you set it up is the day that you want the hold to start, and pick your reactivation date. Also make sure that all of the DVDs they've sent you have been sent back.

Do You Have an SLR?

GeekSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:32:51 -0700

No product is recession proof, but it's interesting to know that the economy had not yet affected sales of high-end cameras known as SLRs (which stands for single-reflex lens, FYI). Until now, that is - analysts are predicting that SLRs are also about to see an economy-induced drop in sales.

Bad news aside, let's focus on the product at hand - fabulous SLRs. I have a Canon digital SLR, and have always thought of someone's first SLR as a signal of their coming into a serious interest in photography, since you can achieve the kind of quality and artful results you just can't get with any point and shoot camera. And once you convert? You're hooked, and it's new lens and photography tip hunting for you.

So whether it's a vintage film SLR or a modern digital SLR, tell me: do you have an SLR?

Source

The 10 Best Online Job Search Sites

GeekSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:00:05 -0700

In this economy, it's pretty likely that some of you are out of a job. But if heading into your cube farm made you cry every morning, and you can't stand the idea of doing it all over again from the bottom up, then take this time off to really find what it is you're looking for in a job. Then get cracking. Thankfully, employers know the power of the Internet, and you no longer have to pound the pavement in your best Jimmy Choos to find a job - you can do it from the comfort of your PJ's and wrapped in the loving arms of your couch. Check out a few (or all) of these job sites to help you on your way to employment bliss.

View Slideshow ›

Boost Mobile Does It Again With an Uncanny Commercial

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:00:47 -0700

Boost Mobile is back with another one of their eyebrow raising commercials, which is a part of their Unwronged video series. It wasn't too long ago I was pointing out the strangeness of the last TV ad, and now the cell phone company is back with this interesting number. Promoting their $50 a month unlimited plan, which is free from hidden fees, these commercials may be just what society needs right now - a good phone deal and some wacky entertainment.

What Recession? Shockingly Priced Gadget Accessories

GeekSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:03:09 -0700

There are plenty of computers whose prices reach into the thousands, cell phones that cost several hundreds, but we geeks justify these purchases because we believe in the quality (or the OS, natch) of the technology. The accessories you buy for your gadgets, though, shouldn't cost nearly as much as the gadget itself - especially not in these times. For your viewing pleasure, check out some recent tech accessories that inspire some serious sticker shock.

View Slideshow ›

10 Recession-Approved Gadgets

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:05:01 -0700

Although we are in the midst of some scary financial times, the earth does not stop spinning, and the gadgets won't stop coming. So instead of depriving yourself of a new gadget (or two) this year, save up your dough (be careful with those credit cards!), and splurge on one of these "recession-approved" gadgets. Why are they recession approved? Because they either do more than one duty, make your life much easier, or will cut costs in the long run. Which gadget would you choose?

View Slideshow ›

Geek Tip: Save Money by Contributing to Google's Tip Jar

GeekSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:04:37 -0700

I've professed my love for Google time and time again, and now with their new venture Tip Jar, they're helping me save some money.

Tip Jar allows you to post your most tried and true tips about saving money while traveling, babysitting, or commuting, and share them with the world. Have a tip about how to get the best rates when traveling abroad? Or perhaps how to entertain your kids on a dime? Leave it in the Tip Jar, and get plenty of free tips in return. Personally, the one about never grocery shopping on an empty stomach really hits home with me. I always put junk in my cart I don't need just because I'm feeling ravenous, and end up spending more than I should. See? Already helpful.