Friday, July 30, 2010

BT DEAL - $20 - NTI Media Maker 8 Suite (free shipping)

BT DEAL - $20 - NTI Media Maker 8 Suite (free shipping)
http://www.buy.com/prod/nti-media-maker-8-suite/q/loc/105/213484345.html

Most computer systems that have a DVD or CD burner come with software to do the burning, but if you add a burner you may not have the software.

This is a good deal on that software, but the big bonus here is that comes with all the extras.  In particular is a DVD authoring program so that you can make DVDs that have a custom menu at the beginning, and even some video editing tools are included.

This is a reputable product - many computer manufacturers, including Acer, bundle the basic burning software from NTI on all their systems.

Why would you ever want to make a DVD?  Certainly the more creative types can think of lots of good reasons - but even the less creative types can do something like a full color animated product brochure using this and Windows MovieMaker (free from Microsoft).

$20 to make a full video product brochure or company overview?  Yes it's possible - please contact us if you'd like to hear more about it.

BT DEAL: OfficeMax 20% off bag sale this Sunday

BT DEAL: OfficeMax 20% off bag sale this Sunday

In your Sunday paper, look for this Office Max paper bag.  You 'll get 20% off anything you can stick in it.  There are some exceptions - like computers, but it's a great opportunity to get a nice discount on a whole bunch of other things (hard drives, routers, mice, software, etc).

Office Max always has decent prices anyway - they don't do mail-in rebates, so everything is discounted right on the shelf.  It's a good opportunity to stock up on things you'll use down the road, as well.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

BT DEAL: Toshiba 10" Digital Picture Frame w/ WiFi (Black) - $95 (free shipping)

BT DEAL: Toshiba 10" Digital Picture Frame w/ WiFi (Black) - $95 (free shipping)
http://www.buy.com/prod/toshiba-dmf102xku-digital-photo-frame-photo-viewer-audio-player-video/q/loc/111/211494551.html

We can think of about 100 cool things to do with these digital photo frames, but it seems like a no-brainer to get one that is big (10"), has wi-fi, 1GB memory, and has built-in speakers, all for less than $100.

These can be used for a variety of promotional purposes - a simple slide show with nice music promoting services playing in the waiting room, an eye-catching video next to the register, or how about something in the window displaying products that can be viewed when the store is closed?

If any of that seems like a good idea to you - jump on this - and if you need help making that slideshow or video, give us a call.  We can show you how to use free tools or very inexpensive services to create awesome videos.

BT DEAL: Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer w/ Wireless and Wired Network Interfaces - $97 (free shipping)

BT DEAL: Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer w/ Wireless and Wired Network Interfaces - $97
http://www.buy.com/prod/brother-hl-2170w-laser-printer-with-wireless-wired-network-interfaces/q/loc/101/206615073.html

Holy smoke this is a good price.  Less than $100.  This is a laser printer, with a wireless interface (and wired and USB).  It's B&W, which fits a majority of printing needs, and has a small footprint (doesn't take up make space).

The wireless is great because you can put the thing anywhere there is a power outlet, and not worry about stringing a USB cable or a network cable over to it.  Brother is our preferred printer manufacturer - they're solid and just an excellent value.  And that's at full retail - at this price it's a ridiculous steal.  Oh, and free shipping.

BT DEAL: $75 off all laptops at Staples - thru 7/31

Here is a straight $75 off any notebook computer at Staples - through July 31.
http://dealnews.com/Staples-printable-coupon-75-off-all-laptops/379790.html

Preferred notebook features and manufacturers seem to be almost a personal preference - you know what you like and what you're willing to pay for.  We happen to like Acer - always a good value - they carry a few models.

But $75 right off the top is worth the trip if you're in the notebook market.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

BT DEAL: Belkin SOHO 4-Port KVM Switch - $103 (free shipping)

BT DEAL: Belkin SOHO 4-Port KVM Switch - $103
http://www.buy.com/prod/belkin-soho-4-port-kvm-swich-belkin-soho-4-port-kvm-swich-x-1-45314h/q/loc/101/207977768.html

In some cases, you just need to have several desktop computers running at the same time, doing specific tasks, but don't need to be attended or even at a desk.  An example of this might be to have Quickbooks running on a computer that you use occasionally and have it separate so that your accountant can remote in and do the hard work.

Even though 'remote control' is available with LogMeIn or VNC, there are times when the network is just not being friendly and you need to bring up the screen on a real, connected display.  That's when this device comes in VERY handy.

You can connect up to 4 different systems to one display, each available at the press of a color-coded and LED-lit button, and supports sharing of keyboard, mouse, display, speakers, mic, and USB.  With hot-key support, this is an essential piece of gear if you have multiple systems and only have room on the desk for one display and keyboard and mouse and speakers...

Seems to list at about $199, and about $150 at Amazon.  This is a great deal.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

BT DEAL - Kingston 32GB DataTraveler c10 USB Flash Drive - $55 + free shipping

BT DEAL - Kingston 32GB DataTraveler c10 USB Flash Drive.
 http://www.buy.com/prod/kingston-32gb-datatraveler-c10-usb-flash-drive-red/q/loc/101/213406948.html

This is just a great deal on a 32GB USB flash drive.

HOW TO USE IT:  This is a large enough drive to be your primary backup device for all important files on your computer or notebook, and so much easier and portable and safer than a USB hard drive.  We recommend using a device like this and backup software to keep your important data backed up continually.

KILLER APPLICATION: Network backup software that we recommend has a local backup option included - this means that your data is backed up to a safe and secure spot across the network AND is backed up to this 'local' device.  You can take this out and you have an immediately available backup of all your data.  Buy 2 of these devices, swap them every day, and you have a 'disaster recovery' solution.

ENCRYPTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CPAs!  CPAs need to be careful here, with data that could easily get out of their hands.  Here's an AICPA article that suggests you start encrypting.  We can help you do that - it's WAY easier than you might think.  Give us a buzz.


BT DEAL - McAfee 2010 3-User - $12 + free shipping

DEAL: McAfee 2010 3-User - $12 + free shipping
http://www.buy.com/prod/mcafee-antivirus-plus-2010-3-user/q/loc/105/211441095.html

OK, basically just a great deal on some necessary software.  I've seen this, Kapersky, and Symantec at this price - so it's hard to say when to jump in.  I guess now wouldn't be a bad time.  Free shipping - no brainer.

Which is the best anti-virus?  It depends on who you ask.  But sources I trust seem to rank Kapersky, then McAfee, then Symantec, but I know folks that use each of these products.  One thing you probably don't want to do is nothing.

We can install this for you - no problem.  Give us a shout.