Here are some frugal stories we're reading:
Taking a long trip? Unplug your bills (MSN Money)
The Frugal Traveler: Tips for navigating the teen sports circuit (Orlando Sentinel)
Here's a roundup of new content on Cheapism, which includes new reviews, updates, and blog posts:
New Reviews: Scooters and Toys. If it's something that gets kids...
Cutting through the clutter of smartphone options can be tough. Our updated guide aims to spotlight the best new budget smartphones just in time for your back-to-school or back-to-work needs.
Frugal tech buffs, take note: We've recently published a couple of brand-new buying guides on cheap gadgets. These products may seem like splurges to some, but if you're in the market for a shiny new toy,
T-Mobile is preparing to offer cheap unlimited mobile plans, VentureBeat reports. One plan with a contract is $79.99 and one without is $59.99. The contract plan can be used with T-Mobile's “Even... Read more on Venturebeat »
Apple tightly held the reigns of retail control when it released the initial iPad. Version 2 is proving to be a little different. Resellers across the globe, like eBay, are already selling it at markup... Read more on macnewsworld.com »
Sound the alarm: Hewlett-Packard is offering a cheap ultraportable laptop for only $399. But is it worth it? CNET dissects the new HP offering, comparing it to the higher-priced MacBook Air. Read more on CNET »
Cheaper cell phone options are easy enough to find, but you've got to be willing to give up your contract plan. In its place, writes The Post and Courier, you would choose one of several prepaid... Read more on The Post and Courier »
Choosing the cheapest iPad data plan is a bit like playing roulette. There's a lot of chance involved because you just don't know which way the ball (or in this case, your demand for data) will go. That's... Read more on CNN Money »
Travelers always want to know about the cheapest roaming data option. So we've got a hot tip for you, courtesy of PC Magazine. It's an app called Boingo that works with a variety of smartphones... Read more on PC Magazine »
Hear this, tablet fans: the market is awash with iPads under $400. With the recent introduction of the iPad 2, writes The iPad Guide, Apple has cut prices on the original, which now starts at $399. Read more on The iPad Guide »
As competition heats up, a cheap RIM smartphone may soon hit the market. According to Business Insider, the maker of the BlackBerry is determined to keep pace with companies offering cheap smartphones... Read more on Business Insider »
A cheap Archos tablet is about to hit the market, so be on the lookout. According to Liliputing.com, the tablet will appear in two versions, both selling for for less than $200. But for such low... Read more on Liliputing.com »
What is the cheapest cell phone plan? That's a question that probably bounces around your head every day. So here comes Digitaltrends to minimize the confusion with a simple approach that sorts... Read more on Digitaltrends »
Will the iPhone be cheap in our lifetime? That probably depends on how old you are. The New York Times puts the kabosh on rumors that Apple is working on a smaller iPhone but keeps our hopes alive... Read more on The New York Times »
Yours for the taking: 1000 free AT&T iPhone minutes. This is not a scame, insists TUAW.com, but a way for the original iPhone carrier to say "thanks" to customers. (Here's what we want to know: Read more on TUAW.com »
Trying to figure out how to get your hands on a cheaper Verizon iPhone? Toptechreviews.net offers up some valuable information that can help you weigh all your options. Just remember, not much in... Read more on toptechreviews.net »
CNET has the goods on a new cheap texting app that can save you big bucks off your currently astronomical text charges. Isn't it fun to play bea-the-carrier? Read more on CNET »
The race is on: cheap Android tablets vs. iPad. Anyone willing to place bets on which one wins? MSNBC talked to an expert who predicted that ... well, we're not going to spoil the surprise. You'll... Read more on MSNBC »
Looking for the cheapest smartphone plan may be one of the most frustrating and confusing searches you'll ever undertake. So here comes CNET to your rescue, with a chart comparing the cheapest bundles... Read more on CNET »
Cheap cell phones in exchange for a service contract? It may be the devil's bargain, but as the Mercury News points out, it's a darn good way to get a smartphone at a cut-rate price and a simple... Read more on Mercury News »
If you do a lot of traveling, you surely want to know what are the cheapest global phones. PC Magazine did some checking and concluded there's no simple, or cheap, answer. Read more on PC Magazine »
The best cheap prepaid phone plans aren't necessarily the ones you see advertised. PC Magazine has a round-up of 10 companies that offer hard-to-beat deals for the minutes you need. Read more on PC Magazine »
A new $49 iPhone from AT&T may be one more sign that the giant service provider may soon be facing some stiff competition. But why not grab a deal when you can? For new customers that also means signing... Read more on eWeek »
The tablet market is starting to look like, well, the market for every other electronic device -- as in, everyone's getting in on the act. This time it's TV-maker Vizio, according to The Washington Read more on The Washington Post »
Cell phone bills can be steep, as we all know. ABC 30 reports on a couple of providers that consumers say offer good value. Read more on ABC 30 »
The tablet market isn't flooded yet, but new entrants are beginning to flow in. LaptopMag.com reviews the Archos 101, a $299 alternative to the iPad. Cheaper? Yes. An equal? No. An alternative? Read more on LaptopMag.com »
Who needs a smartphone when you can get a messaging phone for free, or at least cheap. Phonedog offers up four for your cool consideration. Read more on Phonedog »
A super-cheap deal on an Android smartphone. TCMnet has the details. Read more on TCMNet »
This time it's Acer launching a line of cheap PC tablets, according to Engadget. Stay tuned for details; these gadgets hit the stores at Thanksgiving. Read more on Engadget »
Tablet-hungry frugalistas can relax. For $188, reports PC Magazine, you can get an iPad knock-off that might take the edge off your appetite. Read the instant review here. Read more on PC Magazine »
A very cheap Android smartphone from T-Mobile. See what Devicemag.com has to say about it. "T-Mobile has a plethora of top-notch Android smartphones which are already being sold through various... Read more »
Another cheap Android tablet has hit the market. You can find this one, reports Softpedia.com, at Walgreen's. Best uses: browsing the Internet and watching YouTube movies. Read more on Softpedia.com »
For all you hyper-connected wannabes, T-Mobile is launching a new cheap tethering plan. Boygeniusreport.com has all the details. Read more on boygeniusreport.com »
Update: read our cheap tablets review which includes a hands on review of an iPad knockoff: http://www.cheapism.com/cheap-tablets Yet another cheap iPhone knockoff from the Chinese. But this... Read more on Cultofmac.com »
The mobile phone wars keep getting more interesting. Virgin Mobile just introduced a no-contract prepaid plan and Android smartphone, a move PC Magazine suggests is aimed at Cricket, which did the... Read more on PC Magazine »
Web access on the go with your laptop -- how can can you live without it? No reason to, really, given the competitive heat in the data plan market. Phonedog.com has the scoop on T-Mobile's new... Read more on Phonedog »
Here's another cheap cell phone plan you might want to check out. As the Associated Press reports, Wal-Mart is now offering a month-to-month family plan with unlimited calling. This makes cell phone... Read more on Associated Press »
The latest entrant in the tablet game appears to be Sears.com. Liliputing.com has a short update on three relatively cheap tablets that the retailer is offering through a distributor. Read more on Liliputing.com »
Broadband bills got you down? It's time to perk up. WalletPop reports on a cheap prepaid data plan offered by Virgin Mobile USA that handily beats the pricey contracts. Read more on Wallet Pop »
Watch out for Asus's new line of cheap tablets. Dvice.com gives us an early peek -- without much detail, truth be told -- at these devices. But at least we're alerted about what to keep an eye on. Read more on Dvice.com »
It's hard to beat the appeal of a cheap smartphone with a prepaid plan. But read this review of the Kyocera Loft by PC Magazine before rushing out to buy your very own. With the good, there's also... Read more on PC Magazine »
Look for more cheap iPad competition in the months ahead. According to IntoMobile.com, Best Buy is developing a device that should beat the iPad on price but will no doubt be less stylish. As for... Read more on IntoMobile.com »
Two tablet devices, each priced at less than $200 -- the Gpad G10 and GenTouch78. But before rushing out to buy one, read this review from Liliputing to make sure you get the best deal for your... Read more on Liliputing.com »
Smartphones are becoming so mainstream that even the smaller carriers are now pushing them. Wirelessground.com reports that MetroPCS will soon offer a BlackBerry Curve with a very reasonably priced... Read more on wirelessground.com »
Cellphone bills are no joke. Lots of minutes you may not use and hefty fees that seem excessive. Time urges readers to look for cheaper ways to buy the service you need. Good luck. Read more on Time »
Yet another Chinese knock-off of the iPad. And this one, reports Shanzai.com, will retail for the remarkable price of $74. How low can these clone prices actually go? Read more on shanzai.com »
While the iPhone is very popular in the press, it's not the most cost-efficient smartphone for frugal buyers. Consumers are able to acquire many other comparable smartphones by committing to a long term... Read more on Cheapism »
The market for knock-off iPads sure is getting crowded. PC Magazine reviews the latest entry and tells you what to expect for $200. Read more on PC Magazine »
Are smart phones the new loss leaders for big box retailers? It certainly seems that way. According to SmartMoney.com, mass merchandisers are offering these little devices at unbeatable prices -- Read more on SmartMoney.com »
For those of us on the go, here's a handy idea: take your hot spot with you. The New York Times tells us how this is done, but more importantly, how we can do this cheaply. Read more on The New York Times »
Can you keep up with the constantly changing pricing plans for the bevy of personal communication devices? We can't. So here's CNN Money to give us all the low-down on AT&T's new plan for 3G data... Read more on CNN Money »
Get your cheap iPad look-alike now. The Chinese have done it again with a super-cheap version of the hot Apple device, according to PC Magazine. This one is called the iPed and it runs on Android... Read more on PC Magazine »
The New York Times has good news for parents: a tablet computer costing less than $100 with the size, weight, and functionality that should appeal to children. The device, due out next year, is... Read more on The New York Times »
Following closely on the heels of the cellphone market, pre-paid plans are beginning to make inroads into the smartphones arena. CNET reports on this growing trend, which is another piece of good... Read more on CNET »
Did you miss out on the first round of iPad sales but you're really desperate? Not to worry. GadgetsDNA reports you can buy an iPad clone, courtesy of a Chinese company, for a super cheap price. Read more on GadgetsDNA »
More cheap smartphones. Wireless and Mobile News reports that Verizon has cut the price of the Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus to $49.99 and $29.99, respectively, after rebates. If you ever wanted... Read more on Wireless and Mobile News »
Yet another new, cheap smartphone. This one from Nokia, to be used with T-Mobile service. Brighthand has a rundown on the features. Read more on Brighthand »
It's not quite bait-and-switch, but Verizon is now letting some smartphone customers use Skype's free calling services. Why? Because, says Seeking Alpha, prices for talk time are falling, so the... Read more on Seeking Alpha »
Price wars are a wonderful thing. According to CNN Money, the price of prepaid cell phone plans is falling as the scrappy carriers fight to lure business from the high-cost contracts offered by... Read more on CNN Money »
For all you AT&T folks eagerly awaiting a Palm Pre you can use, your moment has arrived. PC World reports that the smart phone maker will be rolling out the AT&T version, with a few exclusive services, Read more on PC World »
Look out Apple -- here comes the competition. Good E-Reader reports that computer giants like HP, Dell, and Acer have a smart touch-screen tablet in the works. And that's great news for consumers, Read more on Good E-Reader »
More news from Apple: use your iPhone for VoIP calls and save yourself a bundle. The New York Times has a rundown on the variety of plans you can choose from. Stay tuned for Skype's response. Read more on The New York Times »
Just when you thought the wireless providers might be cutting you a break on your cell phone bill, think again. CNET points out that new pricing plans by the big companies might save you money on... Read more on cnet »
Cellular customers of AT&T and T-Mobile USA have cause for cheer. An article in The New York Times reports on a gadget that affixes to your PC and acts as your own private cell tower. The bottom... Read more on The New York Times »
Going overseas is no excuse not to stay in touch --especially now that international calls with mobile devices are so cheap. Read this article from The New York Times and you'll find some sweet... Read more on The New York Times »
For those of you who occasionally get lost while driving but hate asking for directions (guys, are you listening?), there's a cheap and convenient iPhone app for you. CNET has all the details. Read more on Cnet »
After holding out since the summer, AT&T is finally allowing iPhone programs that allow users to make phone calls through the internet, saving them lots of money. Read more on Financial Times »
Vonage has introduced a new application much like Google Voice, turning iPhones and Blackberries into big time money-savers, especially for anyone racking up lots of international calls. The wireless... Read more on Network World »
For budget shoppers who feel that a laptop is a bit too much but a netbook isn't quite enough, Toshiba is introducing a new line of "ultraportable" laptops featuring fabulous battery life (up to nine hours), Read more on CrunchGear.com »
Service options, cell phone models, calling plans -- it's enough to give anyone a headache. So here's a blog entry, courtesy of About.com, to help you sort out the cheap from the pricey crowd, and... Read more on About.com »
Protect your iPhone now! You've got two cheap choices, according to The Consumerist: buy a cardboard case or make one from a recycled juice box. We kid you not. Read more on The Consumerist »
Enough, already! Smart phones, features phones, just regular phones...How do you decide? Verizon is betting bargain-priced data plans will entice users to sign on for its two new feature phones. Read this... Read more on Sci-tech-today.com »
Smartphone technology is now accessible to the masses. A new phone from Samsung, says Brighthand.com, with those all-important touch-screen features, costs $100 plus a monthly service contract with... Read more on Brighthand.com »
More new smartphones on the market mean lower prices and more features. According to Channel Web, Nokia is about to roll out three new smartphones that are relatively affordable and stocked with lots of... Read more on Channel Web »
Does the battery on your iPhone or iPod give out at just the wrong moment -- like when you don't have your charger handy or there's no outlet nearby? iPhone Footprint suggests a solution to your dilemma: Read more on iPhone Footprint »
Those absurdly high cell phone bills got you down? PC World shares some tips to help you cut your costs. Read more on PC World »
