TCS - From the Deals Guy

From the Deals Guy

Bob Click
Greater Orlando Computer User Group

Tulsa Computer Society
From the April 1999 issue of the I/O Port Newsletter

This month's column just might be the most useless one you have read, but my regular readers know that if I find something of interest, you will probably read about it. That is the case this month with an item that reoccurs periodically, a price reduction but no place to order, a home item not even computer related, and where to obtain a catalog. I attended a "Home Automation" show and home items are the result. I'll pass these on as I get them to come together.

In Review

The golf course software as well as the camping software should still be good. That company has been excellent to deal with.

There seemed to be confusion with the Voice Express offer. My proofreader was interested in it and checked out the web site. He also called the phone number and found different information, in fact, even what some might consider a better offer. However, I did see that same price for Voice Express in a Sunday ad last week. I'm sorry if what you found was confusing; so was I. It's still a good deal but I'm not sure what the whole situation is.

Adobe Update

Here are the latest specials from Adobe. I'll leave out the descriptions since most of you already know what the software does. Adobe PhotoDeluxe, Business Edition - Windows - $69.00 (estimated street price, $99.00). Adobe PhotoDeluxe, Home Edition 3.0 - Windows - $39.00 (ESP $49.00). Adobe PhotoDeluxe 2.0 - Macintosh - $39.00 (ESP $49.00). Adobe PageMill 3.0 - Windows/Macintosh - $69.00 (ESP $99.00).

To order, call 1-800-888-6293 and mention offer #35701. I wish they would give us a special offer on Photoshop and Page Maker. Perhaps more of us could afford them.

Color Laser Printer Price Reduction.

If you've been waiting for the prices to drop for Laser Color, it has been happening, but might now have dropped into our buying range. QMS, maker of computer peripherals, announced it has reduced the price of its QMS Magicolor 2 DeskLaser color printer to $1299.00. That makes it one of the lowest priced color laser printers on the market.

The printer comes with an Ethernet network interface and has a print speed of 4 pages per minute (ppm) in full color. Does as fast as 16 ppm in black and white, and can handle as large as legal size paper. The Resolution is 600 dpi and includes 8 MB of RAM.

There isn't any deal information to offer, but I'm just making you aware of this new price structure in case you are thinking of a color laser. Visit their web site at . I read this information in Reseller News and hope it was not a misprint.

Do You Get Steamed While Waiting For Hot Water?

My house has the hot water heater in the garage. My master bedroom's bath is close so hot water comes fast, but in the kitchen, it takes a while, and in the guest bath, it takes forever before you get any hot water. This item fixes that problem, and has a payback over a period of time in water savings, especially if you are on city water.

The "Metlund Hot Water D'MAND System" is usually installed under the sink furthest from your water heater. At the push of a button, it circulates the cool water you normally let go down the drain, back to the water heater through the cold water line. At the same time, the D'MAND System fills the hot water line with hot water from your water heater. When hot water reaches the D'MAND System the zone valve closes and the pump shuts off automatically. The results are hot water very quickly to remote areas when needed, water savings as well as sewer and energy savings.

There is more explanation but this item certainly caught my eye and you can get the rest of the information from their web site . "Metlund D'MAND Systems" offer both commercial and residential applications and will cost less than $1.00 per year to operate. Be advised that this pump only works when you push the button to activate it (a remote is also available to activate) and should provide hot water to the remote site in about 30 seconds.

If you like this item, call them at 1-800-METLUND (638-5863) for more info or to order. They offer the S-01 PF-R Kit which is equipped with 3/4" thread male adapters, custom T's with a matching adapter at the bottom of the T and a 5/8" compression x 1/2"stub across the top for a compression fit installation. (Flex lines and the remote also included). Approximate time for installation: 1 hour. Price - $311.00 + S&H of $18.00. MSRP is $395.00. Allow two weeks for shipping.

If you prefer to install it the hard way, order the S-01 Standard at $275.00. The components are pre-wired and pre-attached. To complete the installation, connect the system from the hot to the cold water supply, attach the push button to the low voltage wire provided, then plug in to a 110/115V standard outlet. (Sweat soldering may be required). To get these prices, please use the code DG (Dealsguy).

Make Magnetic Signs

I get lots of catalogs and noticed something interesting in the MEI/Micro Center one. The Parana Auto Sign Kit allows users to create magnetic signs up to 11" x 17" for the sides or backs of their cars or trucks. You can also cut down the size to make smaller signs or novelty items like refrigerator magnets. Clear laminating sheets protect your sign against fading and the weather.

There's more description, but they say it's compatible with all inkjet printers. Price, $39.95. Call MEI/Micro Center for their catalogue at 1-800-634-3478. This company is not new. When I first started computing years ago, they were the cheapest place to buy floppies. You might enjoy the rest of the catalog as well.

Where Do You Get Good Quality Sound Hardware For Your Computer

Sometimes that is a good question, but I can give you a start. "Edirol's 'Buyer's Guide" catalog is a part of the Roland Group and when it comes to sound boards and other equipment, they're among the best. Vendors you see at Comdex often use Roland Components etc. if you look closely.

This catalog contains keyboards, microphones, earphones and many types of midi processors and other hardware. Digital video equipment is also listed. This catalog contains 75 pages, and six pages contain just a sampling of their midi file collection. I sometimes get midi files from the web, but the quality is often questionable.

I know there are other high quality sound catalogs, but this one is probably one with the most modestly priced, specialized equipment. If I find others, I'll pass the information on. Call 1-800-380-2580 to ask for a catalog.

That's all I have this month, but I hope to have more time next month to dig things up. Meet me here again and we'll talk deals. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click .



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