GeekSugar

Would You Rather: New Expensive Gadget or Last Year's Model?

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:45:43 PDT

Since I write about the newest, shiniest gadgets all day (some of which won't even see a store shelf for months!), I lust after the newest technology on a daily basis. But each time I hit the store and see last year's versions of cameras, video cameras, MP3 players, or any other technology - especially when they're on sale - I'm tempted to pick one up instead. Why spend double (or sometimes triple) the amount of money on a device just because it's new? And it's not just products that are on sale - refurbished devices can work as well as they do brand-new, and sometimes even come with a warranty, too.

When the newer version is slightly superior but more expensive, which would you rather have? A more affordable option that gets the job done, or the brand-new, just-released gadget on the top of its game?

Get a Refurbished 16GB iPhone 3GS For $49

GeekSugar — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:50:51 PST

Talk about a great deal to kick off your Cyber Monday shopping! AT&T is now selling refurbished 16GB iPhone 3GS for only $49. Even better, AT&T will waive the usual $35 activation fee, and each device comes with the same warranty as the new iPhones. Black has already sold out, so scoop a white one up while supplies last (keep in mind, you'll still need to get a two-year AT&T phone plan).

I know some of you are on the fence about buying refurbished gadgets, but when the product is sold with the same warranty as the new device, it's really a great way to get a hot new tech toy on the cheap.

Source: Flickr User William Hook

Get an iPod Touch On the Cheap

GeekSugar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:06:13 PDT

Sure you love Apple products and all, but you just got a new cell, so you don't need a new iPhone 3G, and you can't justify spending $300 - $500 (depending on size) for a new iPod Touch. For those of you who are cool with purchasing refurbished electronics, the Apple store is offering refurbished 8GB and 16GB versions of the iPod Touch for $50 less than the original price tag. So basically that's $199 for the 8 and $299 for the 16GB. If you're still on the fence about refurbished gadgets, I've only heard good things about Apple since refurb'd products come as good as new - no one would ever know the difference!

Do You Ever Purchase Refurbished Electronics?

GeekSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:15:00 PDT

I'm forever finding deals online for "refurbished" iPods, laptops and various other electronics, but I haven't yet taken the plunge and purchased one myself. I must admit, when I'm constantly seeing these "as good as new," half-the-price special offers, it gets hard to turn a blind-eye to this world of refurbishments.

If you've ever checked out the refurbished section on the Apple site, you'll notice all your favorite Apple products at a fraction of the price. What's great about Apple's refurbished products is that they come with a one-year warranty, include all the proper documentation, are repackaged, put through an entire testing process and given a new part and serial number. . . Not too shabby, right?! On that note, do you ever buy refurbished electronics?
Source

Savvy Links: How to Stop Buying Stuff and Start Refurbishing

Emily Co — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:54:27 PST

How to stop buying stuff and start refurbishing - Budgets Are Sexy
One way women fare better after divorce - HuffPost Women
Smart ways to use your year-end bonus - Real Simple
$400K of loose change left in US airports during 2010 - Geek.com
Discount grocery stores: are they worth the savings? - Money Crashers
Delicious dinners under $1 - AllYou
7 surprising facts about Roth IRAs - Wise Bread
Keep your home clean in 20 minutes a day for 30 days - Apartment Therapy

26 Fresh Ways to Reuse an Old Yoga Mat

Health — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:06:03 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on FitSugar.

By Su Reid-St. John

If you’ve just eked your millionth sun salutation out of that thin, raggedy rectangle you call a mat, it might be time to spring for a new one. But what to do with the old? Certainly, you could recycle it or even donate it if it isn’t too far gone, or you could tap your inner Martha and try a little creative repurposing:

1. Hang it horizontally in your garage to keep car doors from scraping the walls.

2. Use it as a kitchen mat in front of the stove or sink.

3. Lay it under your sleeping bag on your next camping trip; it won’t provide much in the way of cushioning, but at least you won’t feel every rock and stick.

4. Scrub the heck out of it, then cut it up as liners for shelves and drawers.

5. Make it into floor covers for the backseat area so your kids’ muddy shoes and cleats won’t ruin your mats.

6. Carpet the tree house!

Health.com: Blast It Off With Yoga

7. Cut it into small circles and use them under furniture legs to protect the floor.

8. Wrap it around that attic beam or basement pole you keep running into.

9. Put it under the litter box so the cat won’t track stuff all over the floor.

10. Cut it to fit under slippery rugs to keep them in place.

There are 16 more things to do with that old mat, so keep reading.

Savvy Links: 7 Ways to Keep Work Stress Out of Your Relationship

SavvySugar — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:55 PDT

Seven ways to keep work stress out of your relationship - HuffPost Women
Sound strategies for buying refurbished goods - Wise Bread
Steve Jobs's iconic turtleneck flying off shelves - Yahoo Shine
Necessities for your work wardrobe - Corporette
Six green (and easy) ways to heat your home - Mint
Is cell phone insurance worth it? - Money Crashers
Insurance policies that are a waste of money - Wall Street Journal
Get free financial advice on Facebook - Kiplinger

Impossibly Cool Ace Hotel Gives Guests Polaroids

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:56:55 PDT

The lodging of choice for the hippest of travelers, Ace Hotel, just announced a partnership with the Impossible Project, the group creating instant film for Polaroid cameras alive. Encouraging guests to capture the spontaneous moment of their experiences at the hotel's four locations in New York, Palm Springs, Portland, and Seattle, Ace is stocking each guest room with a refurbished Polaroid camera and custom packs of Impossible x Ace Hotel PX600 Silvershade instant black and white film in the minibar.

The hotel's New York branch is hosting a gallery show 24 Hours at Ace from Sept. 12 through Oct. 14, which includes work from artists and frequent guests such as Elijah Wood. Hotel fans and Polaroid enthusiasts also have the chance to exhibit, as they can contribute their own snaps for a second show in 2012. If you can't make it to one of Ace Hotel's four destination cities, the Impossible Project kit ($150) pictured here, including a camera and film, is available for purchase.

Bathroom Envy: A Covey of Clawfoot Tubs

Elka Karl — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:41:44 PDT

Fascinating fact: Nearly 3,000 years ago on the island of Crete, the original version of a clawfoot tub was first created. At five feet long, the tub was made of a hard clay material and looked much like the 19th-century clawfoot tub. Good design lasts forever, and this tub is no exception.

Today, clawfoot tubs can be found in all styles of bathrooms, from country chic to industrial modern and everything in between. With versions of tub designs including traditional roll rim, slipper, double ended, and pedestal, there are a range of looks to choose from. You can purchase clawfoot tubs new, or find a refurbished vintage tub from any number of dealers across the country.

The most fun part about a clawfoot tub, though, is decorating around it! I've rounded up some very different looks that all complement the tub's design. Take a look, and see which bathroom has you longing to add a clawfoot to your home.

Today Only! Get a Verizon Phone For 30 Percent Off

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:45:10 PST

If you're looking to snag a new Verizon phone, today may be your day! The company is running an online-only sale it's dubbed "Social Friday," though it sadly excludes the iPhone and Droid-branded devices.

New and existing customers who sign up for a two-year contract are eligible for the discount, which takes 30 percent off the cost of devices like the Samsung Fascinate, BlackBerry Curve 3G, or even a refurbished Droid Incredible (for only $35). Also included in the sale: a few 3G-enabled netbooks. Happy shopping!