all categories Deals, Sales, and News

The website for the Matilda Ziegler magazine has been redesigned and now offers free downloads of the latest issues. Files are available in braille or text format. The Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind offers general interest articles from newspapers and magazines as well as a readers' forum, special notices, and pen pals.

Amazon.com has the LG VX5300 cell phone for one cent with new service from Verizon. After $75 of rebates, receive $74.99 profit. We couldn't find a better
deal for this particular phone elsewhere. Note: Upgrade to two-day shipping for free.
The LG Vx5300 is a flip phone featuring Voice-Command, which allows a blind user
to perform basic functions like navigating phone menus, hearing who is calling, and
using the contact list.

LevelStar is offering the Early Bird Edition of their ICON accessible PDA for $1,395. Included in this package is an additional year of hardware and software updates (two years total), a 1GB Mini SD card, and a discount off their forthcoming docking station. Note: This version does not include a web browser, but it will be a part of a free update. The Icon is a Linux-based PDA featuring a 30GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and many preloaded accessible applications.

APH has listed several discontinued and overstock products in their Flea Market. A best bet: The Chamber or Bridges Over Madison County in Braille for $10. Other books, daily living items, and games are also listed. Quantities are limited. Sale ends December 31

Blind Bargains was mentioned on this week's edition of Sound Prints, heard in Louisville on 1080 WKJK and on ACB Radio Mainstream. Thanks to Carla Ruschival and Michael McCarty for helping to spread the word.

For a reader, Bargain Bob has found a Braille Lite 40 carrying case at Universal Low Vision Aids for $45. With about $9 for shipping, it's the lowest price we could find for this case, that is no longer listed on the Freedom Scientific website.

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic offers a free Victor Wave DAISY CD player when signing up as a new member for $100 and placing your first DAISY book order. Use promotional code DM101 on the registration form. Add $6.50 for shipping. This is a $100 savings over buying the player alone. Recording for the Blind & Dislexic offers over 30,000 DAISY books for students and reading enthusiasts. Deal ends January 15.

The Oqo 01+ Ultra Personal Computer with 1ghz processor, 512MB RAM, 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Windows XP Home fell to $1,199 at oqo.com. This is the same hardware as the Small-Talk Ultra from GW Micro, though some acccessories like the external burner and keyboard are not included when buying from Oqo direct. Add $49 for shipping. Of note, switch to Windows XP Pro for an additional $100. This is a good bet for people who already have a screen reader but still want the portability of the Oqo.

Inside Computer has the Sandisk 802.11B Wireless Compact Flash card for $29.99. With about $9 for shipping, it's the lowest price we could find for this particular card. This wireless card is supported by the Braille Note family of PDAs.

Blind Mice Mart has the Blind Rifle Association t-shirt and hat combo for $25. This is a $5 savings compared with buying them separately. Add about $7 for shipping. The t-Shirts feature raised lettering and are available in medium through XXL. Update: Blind Mice Members save an additional 5%, knocking the combo to $23.75.

We've added a page to the Auction Gateway with several talking tire gauges on Ebay. Most are under $10 including shipping, compared to $29.95 at one blindness retailer, for example.

A seller has posted a Power Braille 65 on Ebay with a starting bid of 99 cents. The unit is sold as is, but the seller says it does power on and shows braille. Power adapter is not included, but is available. A 30-day return policy is listed on the auction page. As with all Ebay listings, buyers should research thoroughly before committing to bid. Auction ends on December 11. Update: There is a reserve price on the auction, meaning that if it sells below a certain amount, the seller is not obligated to go forward with the transaction.

Blind Mice Mart has the Creative Cooking Classics Cookbook on CD-ROM for $23 with free shipping. The cookbook, designed especially for the blind, includes over 1,100 recipes in MS-Word format in a large 14-point type. A large cooking hints and tricks section is also included.

Future Aids has a Dymo Braille Labeler for $19.95. With free shipping, it's the lowest price we've seen for this item. This device will write braille letters and some grade two contractions on standard-sized labeling tape, available at most office supply stores.

Blind Mice Mart takes an additional 10% off on items in their candle department for Blind Mice members. Items include candles, holders, and candle lamps. Becoming a Blind Mice member is free. Deal ends December 11.

Independent Living Aids has the Surfboard voice-activated remote control for $59.95. This is $15 off the normal price. With about $9 for shipping, it's the lowest price we could find for this item.. The Surfboard allows you to control your TV, VCR, DVD player, or other device using built-in voice commands or commands that you customize. Deal ends December 31.

Amazon.com has a Braille "If you can read this, you're way too close" bumper sticker for $2.95. Add around a buck for shipping. For this price, we doubt the braille is actually raised, although it's still an amusing gift.

Amazon.com has the LG VX8300 cell phone for $49.99. Receive $25.01 profit after rebates of $75. New service activation from Verizon is required. We couldn't find a better deal for this particular phone elsewhere. Note: Upgrade to two-day free shipping. The LG Vx8300 is a flip phone featuring Voice-Command, which allows a blind user to perform basic functions like navigating phone menus, hearing who is calling, and using the contact list.

Freedom Scientific continues to offer factory reconditioned hardware notetakers and embossers. Items generally include a one-year warranty. For example, Pac Mate BNS and TNS units cost $995, Braille Lite 18 units are $895, and Braille Blazer embossers are $995. This is 30-70% off regular retail, though some of these items are no longer being produced. These prices do not include shipping.

Accessible World has posted archives of its 2006 Accessible World stocking stuffer Symposium. The eight audio sessions include presentations from American Printing House, Speak to Me, Blind Mice Mart, and Playback Marketing.