“Of Mice and Megabytes Supplement”

MONEY-SAVING SITES
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Want to save money? Perhaps you’re in the market for a new computer, office supplies, or, or just about anything else. If so, read on.

I’m a regular visitor to two Web sites but because I was so focused on the task at hand, I never took full advantage of all the site had to offer. This is a shame because had I paid more attention, I would’ve/could’ve saved money. The two sites are the Audio Video Science Forum (AVS, avsforum.com) and Home Theater Forum (HTF, hometheaterforum.com).

One night, while harvesting info about big screen TVs, I noticed money saving details on both sites and much of that info was for non-audio, non-video products. Here’s a sampling:

• Dell (computer systems, projectors, (coupon))
• Gateway (their iPod version, (coupon))
• Footlocker (30% off for Friends and Family printable coupon)
• Tiger Direct (IBM Thinkpad Laptop)
• Radio Shack (DVD-VCR combo player)
• Staples (Leather chair)
• Circuit City (Canon 4 Mp digital camera)
• Officemax (HP Deskjet printer)
• Office Depot (Brother laserjet printer, (coupon))
• Amazon.com (iPods, DVD players, wireless routers)
• SmartBargains.com (memory foam mattress pad)

The above was available on HTF’s site but remember that the listings change frequently. Sometimes the offerings are only good for a couple of days. The AVS site, however, is where I missed out big time. Through a “power buy” to its members, I could have saved $400-$500 on the latest technology, 50” big screen TV. And the price included a stand, extended warranty, and delivery. What’s more, I could have saved my sister-in-law $100 on her Dell computer purchase. Damn! If I only had a brain.

Much of the money-saving information is not privileged, you need only visit each Web site. But some of the info is supplied is in the form of “promotional codes” or coupons that are not widely known. In either case, though, it’s nice to have a record of what’s available and at what price.

The home pages for both sites are cluttered with ads but don’t be scared off. On the HTF home page, look for “Forum Areas” on the left, then use the drop down list to make your selection such as “Bargains,” “Deals Page,” or “SW for Sale.” On the left side of the AVS site, look for “AVS Forums – All Forums,” then click on “Display Devices.” Click the “Rear Projection Units” link, then look for the “Power buy” messages. For plasma TV power buys, click “Plasma and LCD Flat Panel Displays,” (instead of “Rear Projection Units”) then look for the “Hot Hot Specials” message. Or, go directly to tvauthority.com, then click the “AVS Forum MEMBERS ONLY” link found on the left.

Re-printed from the Rafu Shimpo, September 2004. Copyright©2004 Rafu Shimpo. All rights reserved.