Tech Bargain Thread: Post Your Deals Here!

[Nick Kaufman]

Just a heads up. So I took advantage of an amex offer for $25 off for any transaction over $200 on Newegg. That should have been easy peasy right?
 
However, the smartypants on Newegg broke the transaction into two making each less than $200 and thus ineligible. It could an accident, but I smell a rat. This has resulted in my spending 20 minutes and counting with Amex support. This is just so big bullshit, it isn't funny.
 
For anyone interested, the promotion is valid until 12/31. But from now on, I am going to be ready for all kind of shenanigans on all the promotions that I come across.

 

[Harry Hooper]

Just a heads up. So I took advantage of an amex offer for $25 off for any transaction over $200 on Newegg. That should have been easy peasy right?
 
However, the smartypants on Newegg broke the transaction into two making each less than $200 and thus ineligible. It could an accident, but I smell a rat. This has resulted in my spending 20 minutes and counting with Amex support. This is just so big bullshit, it isn't funny.
 
For anyone interested, the promotion is valid until 12/31. But from now on, I am going to be ready for all kind of shenanigans on all the promotions that I come across.

 
Tiger Direct was notorious for this "splitting order" move. Haven't heard of Newegg pulling it before.
 
Only safe move is to order one item that is over the rebate threshold amount.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

Just a heads up. So I took advantage of an amex offer for $25 off for any transaction over $200 on Newegg. That should have been easy peasy right?
 
However, the smartypants on Newegg broke the transaction into two making each less than $200 and thus ineligible. It could an accident, but I smell a rat. This has resulted in my spending 20 minutes and counting with Amex support. This is just so big bullshit, it isn't funny.
 
For anyone interested, the promotion is valid until 12/31. But from now on, I am going to be ready for all kind of shenanigans on all the promotions that I come across.

Wow, that's greasy.
 
BTW, many of those AmEx offers are good on third party gift cards. Bought $50 of Subway GCs at JCPenneys, and got the $10 cashback confirmation email while I was still at the register.  Last year's Walmart.com offer allowed it as well.

 

 

[jayhoz]

I'm about to pull the trigger on an over 200 dollar order from newegg and plan to take advantage of the AMEX offer. The order is for two items neither of which is over 200. I'll let you know how things go for me.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

Sony headphones $7.99 at Amazon (BestBuy is $9.99, if you need to burn GCs or rewards).  Staples had these for 9.99 a few weeks ago, and they sold out rather quickly.  Cant get mad at the kids if they break or lose headphones that cost you only $8.......
 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NJ2M43M

 

[Couperin47]

TigerDirect
 
Lenovo Thinkpad R540 i7    $580 plus some shipping
   http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=8913146&sku=LQW-102339319
 
Top of the line E540, i7 Quad core (2.2 Ghz), 15.6 screen, 4 Gig ram, 500 Gb 7200 rpm HD, DVD buner, Gig ethernet, b/g/n bluetooth wifi, card reader, fingerprint reader, can add an M2 SSD to make it even faster, 6 cell battery but with the i7 quad battery life will still be just average.

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg weekend deals:
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Dec-0-2014/WExpress-co4tb-20/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=EXPRESS122014&nm_mc=EMC-EXPRESS122014&cm_mmc=EMC-EXPRESS122014-_-EMC-122014-Index-_-E0A-_-Editor&et_cid=14120&et_rid=2267858&et_p1=
 
Notable:
 
Crucial MX100 512 Gb SSD     -  $191
 
Lenovo Thinkcentre M90P SFF  Refurb   - with promo code EMCWHHP22 -  $335
 
Ultra small, but it's a 3.2 Mhz i5 cpu, 4 gig ram, 250 Gb HD, DVD burner, HDMI video out, Win 7 Pro and 18 month warranty from Nused, so probably in decent condition. Just about as cheap a way as possible to get an i5 quad running.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

Cross posting this from my own fios greenway router thread:

Just logged into my Verizon acct, and the new greenway router is reduced to $99.99 (from $150) until Jan 17. Supposedly verizon rarely offers their newest equipment at a discounted sale price so I'm taking the plunge at that $99.99.

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg SFF i5 deal
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883250666&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL122114&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL122114&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL122114-_-EMC-122114-index-_-AllDesktopPCs-_-83250666-E0E&et_cid=14125&et_rid=2267858&et_p1=
 
And now Newegg has a refurb of an HP SFF i5-2400 SFF unit   $370 - $50 rebate = $320
 
i5 quad cpu (3.4 Ghz), 4 Gig ram, 250 Gb HD, DVD ROM, HDMI video, Win 7 Pro x64, only 90 day warranty.  Even cheaper than the Lenovo above but considering the need for rebate, limited warranty and only a DVD player, the Thinkcentre is the better buy.

 

[jayhoz]

Logitech Harmony Universal Remote 700 for $50.

Great last minute gift at a great price.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-harmony-advanced-universal-remote/9365402.p?acampID=0&ref=8575135&loc=0

 

[Couperin47]

Rakuten Canon sale....til 12/25  CANON100 promo code on some printers:
 
Canon MF8580Cdw Color Laser Multifunction    $249
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/canon-imageclass-mf8580cdw-wireless-multifunction-laser-printer-copy/248702076.html?scid=em_Promotional_20141222DAILY&adid=17070
 
This is Canon's high end color multifunction, does things like duplex scan/print from it's doc feeder. This is $339 anywhere else.

 

[Murderer's Crow]

New PS4 $280.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131385195745?rmvSB=true

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

New PS4 $280.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131385195745?rmvSB=true

Holding out for the gold anniversary edition (Sony quietly released 28 of them on ebay late last week. They lasted for several hours, and I found it literally two minutes after the last of the 28 had just been sold)

 

[hikeeba]

Holding out for the gold anniversary edition (Sony quietly released 28 of them on ebay late last week. They lasted for several hours, and I found it literally two minutes after the last of the 28 had just been sold)

I can't find the completed listing. Was if from the "sony" account?

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

I can't find the completed listing. Was if from the "sony" account?

Yes, sold directly by Sony, just 28 units.  My bad, lasted just 38 minutes (must have misread it the first time).  I found it at 4:20 ET, it had sold out at 4:18ET.  Check out the guy who ordered five of them:
 
http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&item=361157441786&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2564
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/361157441786

 

[hikeeba]

Wow - thx. Also see that at least four ppl came back for another go-around including the guy at (176) who did 2 rounds of 2.

 

[Couperin47]

Rakuten deal from associated vendor...til 12/27
 
Acer Aspire 15.6" i5-4210U notebook     $365
 
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/acer-aspire-e5-571-588m-15-6-notebook-computer-intel-core-i5-4210u-1/q/sellerid/22740510/269254459.html?scid=em_Promotional_20141223DAILY&adid=17653
 
Inexpensive laptop: the i5 dual core is underclocked (1.7 Ghz), 4 Gig ram, 500 Gig HD, no optical drive, b/g/n and BT 4 wifi, gig ethernet, HDMI video out, Win 8.1. Amazon wants $430 and Newegg wants $460 for this model...hard to find ANY new i5 based model for less than this.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

Newegg has one of the best reviewed wifi routers out there down to $135AR.  This is the same router that TMobile is loaning out to customers as its Cellspot (BTW, if you have TMobile, get one now). 
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?sdtid=7541486&SID=e0af9abf8f714112853db460a61a2d23&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16833320193&cm_sp=
 
If white doesnt work with your decor, feel free to pay $15 more to get it in black

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg Promo code sale  til Sunday 12/28
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Dec-0-2014/ExpressYrEnd-27/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=EXPRESS122714&nm_mc=EMC-EXPRESS122714&cm_mmc=EMC-EXPRESS122714-_-EMC-122714-Index-_-E0A-_-Editor&et_cid=14282&et_rid=213639&et_p1=
 
Notable:
 
Seasonic X-1050 1050w PS  after $20 rebate = $110
   Over the top in every respect, 80+ Gold, full modular and more power than anyone is ever likely to need, Seasonics rarely on sale... Amazon wants $170 for this.
 
Canon LBP7660Cdn  Color Laser printer    $100
  About as low as prices ever go on color lasers. You'll get the usual 'starter carts" (half filled) so plan on getting at least an extra black cart almost immediately..a full set of compatible carts will cost you exactly what the printer does at Amazon, where you'll find the best deals...

 

[Couperin47]

Roccat Isku keyboard.. Refurb   $37
http://www.neweggflash.com/Product/23-436-015?utm_source=NFEmail122814&utm_medium=index&utm_campaign=SaleBanner_B3M_23-436-015&cm_mmc=EMC-NFEmail122814-_-SaleBanner_B3M_23-436-015-_-NA-_-23-436-015
 
For the gamer who wants a ton of customizability, endless macro options, all sorts of other gamer features, illumination and doesn't give a shit about the keys themselves. NOT mechanical keys, but gets decent reviews for feel, 90 day refurb warranty. This sells for $69 everywhere else new.

 

[Couperin47]

Newgg prono code sale   til 1/5
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Dec-0-2014/YearendBlowout_30/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL123014&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL123014&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL123014-_-EMC-123014-Index-_-E0-_-PromoWord&et_cid=14373&et_rid=213639&et_p1=
 
Notable:
 
Corsair CS550M 80+ Gold modular PS   after $20 rebate = $40
   Gold +, modular sensible size for most 1 video card builds...a great choice for most builds. See the jonnyGURU review here http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=366. The quality is BMW league, not Rolls if the OEM was say Seasonic, but even on sale a Seasonic would run almost twice this price.
 
G. Skill Ripjaws memory. Both 16 Gb pairs are faster than standard DDR3 1600, both the differences in speed (2133 & 2400) are meaningless, but then so is the difference in price..$2...both are under $140.
 
Team DDR3 1600 8 Gb memory, bog stock speeds, voltage with preferred low heatsinks at our new floor price of $60 for the average build.
 
Rosewill Capstone 750W PS   after $20 rebate = $50
  Gold +, not modular but very high quality if you think you need more power, the OEM for this Newggg model is Superflower who always give Seasonic serious competition... see the jonnyGURU review here http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=266
 
btw the Antec BP550 unit makes no sense at it's price with the Corsair & Rosewill models available....
 
Fractal Design Node 204 mimi-ITX case   after $10 rebate = $50
   Very compact form factor, only accepts mini-ITX motherboards, otherwise quite flexible, aluminum front panel, tons of Fractal quality features. $94 everywhere else.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

Open box Apple Airport Extreme 6G for $129 on dailysteals.com:
 
https://www.dailysteals.com/p/41904/Apple-Airport-Extreme-Base-Station--6th-Gen--with-6-Antennas--Simultaneous-Dual-Band--2-USB-Ports--802-11ac-and-Easy-Setup?__r=1
 
I've heard nothing but raves about these, so I'm tempted.  AFAIK the one Con vs the 6G is that it didnt improve upon certain areas or lost one or two small features over it's predecessor (I'm still reading up onit).
 
Anyhoo, this is supposedly a great price, given the rare discounts on Apple products. 
 
EDIT  looks like BestBuy offers refurbs every few months for $119.  Not so tempted now, with tax in NJ further souring it for me.

 

[Couperin47]

Roku 3 Refurb     $68
 
http://www.neweggflash.com/Product/15-328-009?utm_source=NFEmail123014&utm_medium=index&utm_campaign=SaleBanner_B3F_15-328-009&cm_mmc=EMC-NFEmail123014-_-SaleBanner_B3F_15-328-009-_-NA-_-15-328-009

 

[Couperin47]

Monoprice 30" IPS 2560x1600 CCFL backlit monitor    $380 + $37 shipping = $417 minimum  that's at Monoprice on sale today. meanwhile Rakuten has same model with free ship for...$411.35
 
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/30-ips-ccfl-backlit-lcd-panel-wqxga-2560x1600-dual-link-dvi-d-w/265474982.html
 
This is slightly older fluorescent backlit model, antiglare as opposed to glossy screen, requires dual DVI input to handle this resolution.

 

[Yaz4Ever]

Monoprice 30" IPS 2560x1600 CCFL backlit monitor    $380 + $37 shipping = $417 minimum  that's at Monoprice on sale today. meanwhile Rakuten has same model with free ship for...$411.35
 
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/30-ips-ccfl-backlit-lcd-panel-wqxga-2560x1600-dual-link-dvi-d-w/265474982.html
 
This is slightly older fluorescent backlit model, antiglare as opposed to glossy screen, requires dual DVI input to handle this resolution.

Not sure if it applies to this, but CLR25 takes 25% off several things on monoprice right now.

 

[Couperin47]

Not sure if it applies to this, but CLR25 takes 25% off several things on monoprice right now.

 
yeah on clearance items... this monitor is on sale, but they never have clearance on serious stuff like this.....

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

 meanwhile Rakuten has same model with free ship for...$411.35
 
 

Same price at Amazon as well (sold by Monoprice), if you have any GCs to burn, but then the issue of sales tax comes into play for most.

 

[JimBoSox9]

In the Amazon store tonight, you can buy several Calvin & Hobbes Collections (including Indispensable, Essential, Homicidal Jungle Cat) Kindle editions for $1.99 a pop.

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg New Year deals:
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Jan-0-2015/Newyearnewgear_01/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL010115&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL010115&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL010115-_-EMC-010115-Index-_-E0-_-CoreComponents&et_cid=14423&et_rid=2267858&et_p1=#core
 
Of note:
 
Corsair CX430   after $20 rebate = $20
   The cheapest PS you should ever consider, OK for modest video cards.
 
diablotek RF-475 refurb PS = $10
   A refurb of a complete garbage ps, when you are actually trying to do a build that will burst into flames...
 
Azio KB577U Levetron Mech keyboard = $60
  Another really serious gamers keyboard, insane styling, modular (you can reposition the numeric keyboard, the extra keys, etc) a gazillion macro and programming options and this uses real Cherry Black MX mechanical keys (Blacks are linear, semi-stiff, supposedly non-clicky but actually when they bottom out rather noisy). If you can deal with the extreme styling it's a serious board  (it's even mostly waterproof) at a great price...no rebate and Amazon wants $105 for this today. It's one of the cheapest ways into a real Cherry mechanical...

 

[DGreenwood]

Newegg New Year deals:
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Jan-0-2015/Newyearnewgear_01/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL010115&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL010115&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL010115-_-EMC-010115-Index-_-E0-_-CoreComponents&et_cid=14423&et_rid=2267858&et_p1=#core
 
Azio KB577U Levetron Mech keyboard = $60
  Another really serious gamers keyboard, insane styling, modular (you can reposition the numeric keyboard, the extra keys, etc) a gazillion macro and programming options and this uses real Cherry Black MX mechanical keys (Blacks are linear, semi-stiff, supposedly non-clicky but actually when they bottom out rather noisy). If you can deal with the extreme styling it's a serious board  (it's even mostly waterproof) at a great price...no rebate and Amazon wants $105 for this today. It's one of the cheapest ways into a real Cherry mechanical...

The link provided does list this keyboard at $60 but it's $90 when you click through to the product page.  I'm not a gamer but I've been thinking about trying out a mechanical keyboard and this seemed like a good opportunity, hopefully they update the price.

 

[Couperin47]

The link provided does list this keyboard at $60 but it's $90 when you click through to the product page.  I'm not a gamer but I've been thinking about trying out a mechanical keyboard and this seemed like a good opportunity, hopefully they update the price.

 
Newegg rarely screws up like this: simple solution...order by phone, I'm sure they will honor their price.

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg promo stuff thru Sunday 1/4
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Jan-0-2015/72hourtopseller_02/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL010215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL010215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL010215-_-EMC-010215-Index-_-E0-_-PromoWord&et_cid=14446&et_rid=213639&et_p1=
 
Asus VN248-H-P 23.8 16:9 IPS monitor    after $20 rebate = $135
   This one has a pair of HDMI inputs and VESA mount. Basically there are so many IPS "24" class" IPS 16:9 monitors now between $110 and $140 that no one should be thinking of anything smaller or settling for TN unless you really want a few ms faster response solely for gaming.
 
Mushkin Enhanced Chronos 480 Gb SSD   $165
   The price is tempting, but I'd pass: using bog stock Sandfrorce 2281 controller and I suspect less than top line NAND, the reviews are disturbing in how many of these have failed. Mushkin started out as a quality memory supplier, but seem to be having issues being competitive in the SSD market. No place to save $10-15, stick to Intel, Samsung, OCZ, Crucial. (Plextor is also fine but rarely competitive/on sale these days).
 
G.Skill 16 Gb (2x8) DDR3 1600   $119
   Slipping below the $60/8 Gig new floor. Keep in mind DDR4 is now appearing, at high prices, as demand for this and production shifts, DDR3 prices will flatten out and then freeze...anyone who's bothered to look for DDR2 recently understands just how overpriced that stuff is ... the only sensible place to buy that is used off eBay.
 
LG 34UM95-P  34" 3440x1440 21:9 IPS monitor   $850
   Ultrawide Quad definition, assuming you have a video card that can even handle such a resolution, inputs are Thunderbolt, Displayport & HDMI. The problem is LG quality control is not up to par: many many reports of seriously bad light bleed or even worse all of which make this a risky purchase. $1,000 anywhere else atm.
 
OCZ ARC 100 240 Gb SSD   after $20 rebate = $81
   OK no weird rebate crap with this, just the standard annoying rebate crap. Similar deal at TigerDirect, except they will charge more for shipping.
 
Seasonic X-850 80 Gold+ Modular PS   after $30 rebate = $90
  Rare sale on high end Seasonic for those who want the best.
 
ESET NOD32 AV   after $40 rebate = $5
   Giveaway again on one of my favorite AV, claims you can use on 3 puters, in fact they don't seem to notice double that number....
 
Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound  $7
   Almost a universal go-to for mounting any heat sink, in syringe packaging that keeps it good for years, if you tinker at all this should be lying around with your puter stuff, usually goes for $10.

 

[Fratboy]

I can't be the only one who reads your name as Coupon47.

 

[Couperin47]

I can't be the only one who reads your name as Coupon47.

 
exposure to French Baroque keyboard music cures the problem.

 

[Yaz4Ever]

 
exposure to French Baroque keyboard music cures the problem.

yeah, that's not helping.  I'm with frat, coupon47.

 

[Couperin47]

yeah, that's not helping.  I'm with frat, coupon47.

yeah, it's neither the first or the last time you'll be told you're beyond help....but then I figured that out in the computer build thread

 

[Yaz4Ever]

yeah, it's neither the first or the last time you'll be told you're beyond help....but then I figured that out in the computer build thread

LOL.  Seriously, thank you for the help there.  My son LOVES his computer and (thanks to you) it's working very well.

 

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

 
exposure to French Baroque keyboard music cures the problem.

 
have you heard Grigori Sokolov play Couperin on the piano?

 

[Couperin47]

 
have you heard Grigori Sokolov play Couperin on the piano?

 
AFAIK he's never 'officially' recorded any Couperin. All the available stuff is informally on the Net, most at YouTube...then again afaik he's not released any recordings since 1995. At least he doesn't hum loudly as he plays like the other consummate eccentric who insisted on playing  plucked keyboard repertoire on the piano.  I'm not a big fan of doing this, it's astoundingly beautiful as a modern reinterpretation of what the source can be, like Bach-Busoni, but I'm partial to terraced dynamics and authentic interpretation.

 

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

 
AFAIK he's never 'officially' recorded any Couperin. All the available stuff is informally on the Net, most at YouTube...then again afaik he's not released any recordings since 1995. At least he doesn't hum loudly as he plays like the other consummate eccentric who insisted on playing  plucked keyboard repertoire on the piano.  I'm not a big fan of doing this, it's astoundingly beautiful as a modern reinterpretation of what the source can be, like Bach-Busoni, but I'm partial to terraced dynamics and authentic interpretation.

 
Not a Gould fan eh? Hehe. Another guy who might drive you crazy (with his plucky tone at least) is Olli Mustonen. But a fascinating artist (and composer). Sokolov just signed up with DGG and has a new official recording coming out soon (no Couperin, alas) probably his first new official recording since, well, 1995. Though there have been some recent new releases of his Soviet era stuff. I believe this new one coming out contains Mozart, Bach, and Chopin. But yeah, you really have to search out the live unofficial recording to hear most of his stuff, especially the eclectic stuff. Like his Froberger!

 

[Couperin47]

 
Not a Gould fan eh? Hehe. Another guy who might drive you crazy (with his plucky tone at least) is Olli Mustonen. But a fascinating artist (and composer). Sokolov just signed up with DGG and has a new official recording coming out soon (no Couperin, alas) probably his first new official recording since, well, 1995. Though there have been some recent new releases of his Soviet era stuff. I believe this new one coming out contains Mozart, Bach, and Chopin. But yeah, you really have to search out the live unofficial recording to hear most of his stuff, especially the eclectic stuff. Like his Froberger!

 
I own all the Gould. I grew up on Landowska...there was nothing else back then...she used an instrument the size of a concert grand Steinway, hardly authentic either in sound or performance. I wished Gould could have used his talent to get us closer to JSB. By the time I was in college we finally were getting back to the future.

 

[Couperin47]

Thinkpad T540p direct sale from Lenovo...new... $649
 
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/t-series/t540p/?cid=EDM_20150105_NA_US_CON_TI_T540p_outlet_AW&RRID=225275792&esrc=LDRPRELD
 
Well equipped T540p at a serious discount:
i5-4300M (2.6 Ghz)
15.6" 1920x1080 screen
8 Gb ram
500 Gb 7200 rpm HD
DVD burner
M.2 2242 slot for additional SSD
Fingerprint reader
Dual Band AC wifi & BT 4.0
Win 7 x64 Pro (installed, you have rights to 8.1 if desired)
3 yr warranty

 

[Rudi Fingers]

Thinkpad T540p direct sale from Lenovo...new... $649
 
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/t-series/t540p/?cid=EDM_20150105_NA_US_CON_TI_T540p_outlet_AW&RRID=225275792&esrc=LDRPRELD
 
Well equipped T540p at a serious discount:
i5-4300M (2.6 Ghz)
15.6" 1920x1080 screen
8 Gb ram
500 Gb 7200 rpm HD
DVD burner
M.2 2242 slot for additional SSD
Fingerprint reader
Dual Band AC wifi & BT 4.0
Win 7 x64 Pro (installed, you have rights to 8.1 if desired)
3 yr warranty

 
I ordered one of these at a slightly lower price just after Black Friday.  Virtually the exact same specs (just no fingerprint reader).  I added "on-site" to the 3 year warranty for another $59.  Very solid build and a *great* deal if you are looking for a full-size 15" machine.  
 
Screen is very good (doesn't have the viewing angles of a true IPS, but better than I anticipated), and the 1920x1080 resolution is usable at 100% scaling in Win 7 due to the physical size of the screen.  The additional numeric keypad is nice, and the new "one button trackpad" is better than the reviews from the ThinkPad traditionalists would have you believe.  Battery life is around 6 hours of real-world use so far.

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg thru 1/6
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/neemail/guerrilla/LP/15-JAN/index-hanewyrb-05.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=GD010515&nm_mc=EMC-GD010515&cm_mmc=EMC-GD010515-_-index-_-Header-_-SeeAll&et_cid=14515&et_rid=2267858&et_p1=
 
Crucial M550 512 Gb SSD     $167   NO rebates !!!
 
btw, this morning Newegg  Shellshocker had the M550 128 Gb version for $50...this sold out in about 5 mins.

 

[HriniakPosterChild]

 
I ordered one of these at a slightly lower price just after Black Friday.  Virtually the exact same specs (just no fingerprint reader).  I added "on-site" to the 3 year warranty for another $59.  Very solid build and a *great* deal if you are looking for a full-size 15" machine.  

 
HPC-ette just ordered on of these, based on your recommendation. If she doesn't like it in any way, I'll have her call you. What's your number?

 

[Couperin47]

 
HPC-ette just ordered on of these, based on your recommendation. If she doesn't like it in any way, I'll have her call you. What's your number?

 
If she really likes it, consider spending an extra $65 on this:
http://www.amazon.com/MyDigitalSSD-Super-Cache-Solid-State/dp/B00EZ2E8NO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1420519160&sr=8-4&keywords=M.2+2242
 
Plug that in, clone the whole hard drive onto it, make it the boot drive and now the whole thing runs much faster and you have a ton of local storage and room to keep backup images of your whole current boot drive internally. If/when you consider this just ask for the best/safest way to clone.

 

[HriniakPosterChild]

I am familiar with the free version of Macrium Reflect. Do you recommend a different cloning tool?

 

[Couperin47]

I am familiar with the free version of Macrium Reflect. Do you recommend a different cloning tool?

 
It's as good or better than most.  Things to do: First: Image the entire drive via usb to something external because sometimes the whole process gets weird.. 2. AFAIK when you check the BIOS, all Thinkpads come today already set to AHCI for the HD, but check. 3. As far as I can tell the Transcend versions are just rebadged versions of the MyDigital SSD, and the only difference between the SuperCache and Boot versions are the addition of the supercache software. The latest firmware is 1.9, not sure if they are shipping with this yet, it changes the 128 Gig drive to 120 as it increases the overprovisioning and makes it all much more stable, if you don't get it with 1.9....update the firmware to that first. I cloned Win 8.1 which is much more complex (3 small unnamed partitions, the C drive and the hidden dir with the Win recovery files). If you care about getting these contiguous so C: is not truncated by bad positioning and gets the full remainder after what with Win7 will be just 2 other Dirs (the 100 mb system reserved and the hidden Win recovery partition), you might also need the free version of EASUS Partition Master to move them.
 
Once I thought I had clearly got my Thinkpad booting off the SSD, I erased the OS and stuff from the HD and the results were weird... it suddenly wouldn't boot...wtf ? The BIOS was apparently still starting from something in one of the 3 tiny unnamed partitions that Win8 uses in the boot process. I finally had to physically remove the HD from the laptop, and after several cold boots the BIOS finally figured it all out. This may have been an eccentricity of Win 8. In case it's not...instead of erasing all the OS stuff on the HD once you're 'certain' it's booting from the SSD, try just renaming the dirs on the HD...or, in fact, it may require that you do actually remove the HD to get these BIOS to understand how to boot from the new SSD drive.

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg promo code instant discounts between 10 and 20% on a wide range of stuff in each catagory:
 
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Jan-0-2015/NewYearsResolution_08/index-landing.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL010815&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL010815&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL010815-_-EMC-010815-Index-_-E0-_-Steals&et_cid=14622&et_rid=213639&et_p1=
 
Most thru 1/9

 

[Couperin47]

Newegg Shell Shocker TODAY ONLY 1/9
 
HP Elite 8200 SFF desktop   Refurb after $50 rebate = $300
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883250666
 
i5-2400 Quad core (3.4 Ghz)
4 Gig ram
HDMI video out
250 Gig HD
DVD rom
Win 7 Pro x64
 
You get a PCIe slot but only a low profile card will fit. You can add memory, but no extra sata ports so you can upgrade to a DVD burner, bigger HD and, of course the non-replaceable ps is just barely adequate...but it's as cheap as you can go for an i5 quad.